WO2005087961A1 - A metal alloy and the use of the metal alloys as a weight - Google Patents

A metal alloy and the use of the metal alloys as a weight Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005087961A1
WO2005087961A1 PCT/DK2005/000154 DK2005000154W WO2005087961A1 WO 2005087961 A1 WO2005087961 A1 WO 2005087961A1 DK 2005000154 W DK2005000154 W DK 2005000154W WO 2005087961 A1 WO2005087961 A1 WO 2005087961A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
metal alloy
maximum
constitutes
line
component
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/DK2005/000154
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Torben Buris Larsen
Original Assignee
Zab Danmark A/S
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Zab Danmark A/S filed Critical Zab Danmark A/S
Priority to EP05706815A priority Critical patent/EP1730319A1/en
Publication of WO2005087961A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005087961A1/en

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Classifications

    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C22—METALLURGY; FERROUS OR NON-FERROUS ALLOYS; TREATMENT OF ALLOYS OR NON-FERROUS METALS
    • C22C—ALLOYS
    • C22C18/00—Alloys based on zinc
    • C22C18/04—Alloys based on zinc with aluminium as the next major constituent
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K75/00—Accessories for fishing nets; Details of fishing nets, e.g. structure
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01K—ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; AVICULTURE; APICULTURE; PISCICULTURE; FISHING; REARING OR BREEDING ANIMALS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; NEW BREEDS OF ANIMALS
    • A01K75/00—Accessories for fishing nets; Details of fishing nets, e.g. structure
    • A01K75/06—Sinkers
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07—ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07B—ROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B1/00—Constructional features of ropes or cables
    • D07B1/02—Ropes built-up from fibrous or filamentary material, e.g. of vegetable origin, of animal origin, regenerated cellulose, plastics
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07—ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07B—ROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2201/00—Ropes or cables
    • D07B2201/20—Rope or cable components
    • D07B2201/2047—Cores
    • D07B2201/2052—Cores characterised by their structure
    • D07B2201/2064—Cores characterised by their structure being discontinuous in the longitudinal direction
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D07—ROPES; CABLES OTHER THAN ELECTRIC
    • D07B—ROPES OR CABLES IN GENERAL
    • D07B2501/00—Application field
    • D07B2501/20—Application field related to ropes or cables
    • D07B2501/2038—Agriculture, forestry and fishery

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, and a second com- ponent Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy,
  • the present invention furthermore relates to the use of the metal alloy as a weigh for wheel balancing, maritime equipment and to a sink line and a dragnet line using such weights.
  • weights have been made of lead mainly because it is cheap and easy to manufacture and corrosion resistant in seawater.
  • the weights are made in various sizes and shapes and are used to prevent fishing lines, hooks and nets from float- ing on the surface of the sea. The weights cause the lines, hooks and nets to remain below the water surface. The weights often drop to the bottom of the sea.
  • the danger of lead contamination of the water also exists due to lost weights. Fishermen frequently handle lead weights and their catch with lead contaminated hands or will eat hand-held food (sandwiches etc.) with lead contaminated hands.
  • lead fishing weights stored around the house, in basements or sheds are a health hazard to children who will find and play with them or put them into the mouth.
  • Lead fishing weights thus poses a tremendous environmental and health risk. It has thus been important to find some alternatives to lead weights.
  • a fishing weight is described.
  • the fishing weight is formed from a zinc alloy which is environmentally safe.
  • the type of alloy described and claimed in this patent has the drawback that it is not corrosion resistant when exposed to water and must thus be equipped with a protective coating covering its entire outer surface. Furthermore, this has the disadvantage that if the coating is damaged while in use, the zinc alloy will be exposed to water, leading to the adverse effect that the fishing weight will corrode due to the galvanic process between the zinc alloy and water.
  • DK 173 514 a zinc based alloy is described which may be used as a sacrificial anode.
  • US Military Standard U.S. -Mill - A -1800 K prescribes the addition of Cd in those zinc based alloys that are used as sacrificial anodes. Cd is, however, an extremely poisonous metal.
  • this zinc based alloy works as a sacrificial anode, and will thus corrode in sea water. Hence, it cannot be used as a fishing weight because it will gradually corrode.
  • This alloy has, however, the disadvantage that it will also be corroded in seawater due to the galvanic process between zinc and water.
  • a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 8O% of said metal alloy, and a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, where said metal alloy furthermore comprises a third component Cu, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 1,000% of said metal alloy, a fourth component Si, which constitutes a maximum of 0.600% of said metal alloy, a fifth component Fe, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.200% of said metal alloy and a sixth component Ti, which constitutes a minimum of 0.000% and a maximum of 0.100% of said metal alloy, an alloy is achieved which is corrosion resistant in seawater.
  • Said metal alloy is manufactured from a so called spacer highgrade by adding Cu, Al,
  • a spacer highgrade must according to EURO-norm 1179:1995, ISO 7521981, Astm B6 - 87, contain max. 0.005% Cu, max. 0.003% Fe, max. 0.005% Cd, max. 0.005% Pb, max. 0.001% Sn and rest Zn.
  • Al and Cu strengthen the alloy, and Si acts as a binding agent, which ensures that the desired crystal structure is formed.
  • the metal alloy may furthermore comprise naturally occurring components such as a seventh component Pb, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy, an eighth component Sn, which constitutes a minimum of 0.001% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy, and a ninth component Cd, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.070% of said metal alloy.
  • a seventh component Pb which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy
  • an eighth component Sn which constitutes a minimum of 0.001% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy
  • a ninth component Cd which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.070% of said metal alloy.
  • a metal alloy according to the invention forms an outer protection layer of metal oxide and zinc carbonate.
  • said metal alloy is used as a fishing weight or in a sink line or dragnet line. Furthermore, due to the low corrosion rate (0.01 millimeter pr. year), such weights will have a long lifetime, which again will reduce the replacements costs of the fishing industry.
  • fishing weights are referred to as a possible usage of said metal alloy, but it is clear to anyone skilled in the art that said metal alloy may be used elsewhere.
  • a metal alloy according to the invention may have a voltage potential of less than the - 900 mN of a zinc based sacrificial anode.
  • the metals may be ordered in a so-called reactivity series where the metals are ordered according to their tendency to give up an electron
  • the reactivity series applies for electron transfer, which happens on the boundary sur- face between the metal and an aqueous solution.
  • the further to the left the metal is placed in the reactivity series the easier the metal gives up electrons.
  • Zn is placed further to the left than Fe and since Zn is a cheap metal, it is well suited as a sacrificial anode.
  • said metal alloy has a voltage potential of less than the -900 mV of a zinc based sacrificial anode, it will not work as an anode.
  • One of the consequences of this is that it will not corrode in seawater.
  • a metal alloy according to the invention may have an elongation at break of 30-70%, preferably of 40-60%), which at the moment is the percentage elongation of rupture of the alloy.
  • the wires made from said metal alloy may be braided into fishing lines or the like without danger of breakage.
  • the lines that may be used are for example sink lines. Such sink lines may be exposed to high stress without the danger of breaking the individual metal wires, which are braided into the line.
  • a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, a third component Cu, which con- stitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 1,000% of said metal alloy, a fourth component Si, which constitutes a maximum of 0.600% of said metal alloy, a fifth component Fe, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.200% of said metal alloy and a sixth component Ti, which constitutes a minimum of 0.000% and a maximum of 0.100%) of said metal alloy, may be used as a weight for maritime equipment.
  • fouling lead-weights may be replaced with environmentally safe weights which further have the advantage of being non-corrodible. Additionally, such weights will have a longer lifetime than lead-weights.
  • Zn is a cheap metal with approximately the same price as lead and it is easy to work with.
  • said metal alloy may be pressure die cast or extruded, ⁇ vhich are cheap and effective manufacturing processes by which, it may be possible to produce for example fishing weights or plumb lines. Thus, it will be overall cost-neutral for the fishing industry to switch from using the fouling lead weights to the environmentally safer weights made from said metal alloy.
  • a weight made from said metal alloy will be stronger than lead, which is a rather soft material.
  • a weight made from said metal alloy will preserve its original shape, even if it is handled harshly, whereas a lead weight will be deformed by harsh handling such as thrusts or a blow.
  • a weight according to the present invention may be pressure die cast.
  • the pressure die casting may be automated. Furthermore, used weights may be re-cast again and again. This poses a tremendous advantage as compared to lead weights, which are mainly manufactured by hand casting, which is a more costly and time consuming manufactaring process than pressure casting.
  • pressure die casting of a weight may take as short time as a few seconds, which gives the possibility of producing weights in this way in large numbers and with substantially the same shape in a short time span.
  • a weight according to the invention may be provided with a number of openings or recesses adapted for receiving a line and where said weight is maintained at a specific position.
  • the weights may be attached to lines or wires, and that the weights may be fixed to some maritime equipment, as for example a diver's belt, fishing nets, trawl rings, sink lines or the like.
  • One way of attaching the weight to a line is to attach the weight to a line in one of the openings/recesses and then either bend the weight or press the opening/recess, and thereby preventing the detachment of the line from the now closed opening/recess.
  • This will make it possible to hold for example fishing nets in a fixed position in the sea by attaching floaters to one end of the net and weights according to the invention to the other end, thus stretching out the net and thereby increasing its efficiency.
  • said weight may be an extruded plumb line that is provided with a number of perforations and or cuts.
  • a sink line for fishing tackle comprising a number of lines, which each is provided with a number of weights according to the invention, where said line comprises a flexible tube, which encloses said weights, it is achieved that weights made by pressure die casting and attached to a line may be fitted into the tube in the desired number.
  • a sink line according to the invention where said flexible tube is an extruded plastic sleeve, it is achieved that the flexible tube is easy to produce, by extruding a plastic tube around the weight of either an extruded plumb line or a number of weights attached to a line.
  • sink line where said sink line may comprise a braid line, wherein a number of said lines are interwoven
  • weight may be varied from 2.2 kg/meter to 500 kg/meter.
  • the weight/meter does not even have to be uniformly distributed along the sink line, but may be varied according to where and how it is used which will thus make it possible to make sink lines for a wide variety of purposes.
  • sink line where said sink line may comprise an outer flexible tube enclosing a number of said lines, and where said outer flexible tube preferably is an extruded plastic sleeve, it will be possible to make sink lines with a suitable weight pr. meter, which may be varied from 2.2 kg/meter to 500 kg/meter, by a simple manufacturing process where a number of sink lines are passed through an extruder where the outer flexible tube is produced.
  • a braided filament line is not needed because the other flexible tube consisting of several sink lines can be used as a sink line.
  • the attachment fins may be equipped with some holes such that a fishing net may be tied to it, or it may simply be sewed on the attachment fin.
  • a dragnet line for fishing tackle comprising a number of interweaved lines, which each may be provided with a number of weights according to the invention, where said line is an extruded plumb line
  • a tremendous advantage over traditional dragnet lines is achieved because the traditional dragnet lines contain lead wires. These lead wires may break when the dragnet line is exposed to high strain, due to the low elongation at break for lead. This poses a work hazard for the fishermen working with the line because splinters of lead may injure their hands or other parts of the body when the line is rolled onto a pulley after use.
  • This is avoided by using weights according to the invention because the elongation at break is approximately 30-70%, preferably 40-60%, which is much adequate as a dragnet line typically stretches max 25 % due to use.
  • FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a fishing net
  • FIG. 2 shows a view of a section of a sink line according to the present invention
  • FIG. 3 shows a view of a section of a sink line, according to the invention which sink line is partly braided into a multifilament braided line
  • FIG. 4 shows a view of a section of a multi-sink line according to the invention ac- cording to the invention
  • FIG. 5 shows a view of a section of a sink line according to the invention, comprising a flexible tube that encloses the weights,
  • FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line according to the invention comprising an extruded plastic sleeve that encloses a plurality of individual sink lines
  • FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line according to the invention comprising a flexible tube that encloses the weights, where the flexible tube is provided with an attachment fine.
  • FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a fishing net 1, which at the top is equipped with a floating line 2 and at the bottom equipped with a sink line 3. These two lines 2,3 are essential in order to keep the fishing net 1 stretched out in the water.
  • the amount of weight necessary in the sink line 3 may depend on the kind of fishing net 1 used and stream conditions at the place the fishing net 1 is used.
  • Fig. 2 shows a view of a section of a sink line 3 according to the invention which is equipped with a number of weights 4, of which only four are shown. However, it should be apparent to anyone skilled in the art that the number, shape and relative distance between the individual weights 4 may be different than depicted in Fig. 2.
  • the weights 4 can be extruded onto the line 20 because it is a fast and cheap process, however, it may also be possible to attach pressure die cast weights 4 to the line 20.
  • the weights 4 may be extruded onto the line 20 uniformly (as shown), or they may be extruded onto the line 20 unevenly so that the sink line 3 will have a greater weight pr. meter in some places than in others.
  • Fig. 3 shows a view of a section of a sink line 3 that is partly braided into a multifilament braided line 5.
  • a multifilament braided line 5 with the weights 4 may be used as a plumb line in itself and be attached to for example a fishing net 1 (not shown).
  • a fishing net 1 not shown.
  • Fig. 4 shows an array of individual lines 20 with weights 4 attached to it which lines 20 are braided into a multifilament braided line 5.
  • the number of sink lines 3 used determines the weight of the multifilament braided lines 5, and this way the weight of the multifilament braided line 5 may be varied from as little as 2.2 kg/pr. 100 meter to as much as 100 kg/pr. 100 meter.
  • Fig. 5 shows a view of a section of a sink line 80 according to the invention, comprising a flexible tube 7 that encloses the weights 4.
  • the flexible tube 7 may be an extruded plastic sleeve, and it may also be braided into a multifilament braided line 5. This arrangement may give a better protection of the weights 4 itself.
  • the individual weights 4 are equipped with recesses 50 or protrusions which may break so that the multifilament braided line 5 will be more flexible.
  • Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line 70 according to the invention comprising an extruded plastic sleeve 8 that encloses a plurality of individual sink lines 3 with weights (not shown). The number of lines 3 with weights (not shown) that are enclosed in this way may be varied according to the individual need of a particular customer.
  • Fig. 7 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line 71 according to the invention comprising an extruded plastic sleeve 8 that encloses the weights (not shown), and where an attachment fin 9 is attached to the sleeve 8.
  • the attachment fin 9 may be manufactured from plastic, nylon or another suitable material.

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Marine Sciences & Fisheries (AREA)
  • Animal Husbandry (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
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Abstract

The present invention relates to a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, and a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, wherein said metal alloy has a corrosion rate of a maximum of 0.02 millimeter pr. year, preferable a maximum of 0.01 millimeter pr. year. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the metal alloy as a weight for maritime equipment an to a sink line and a dragnet line using such weights.

Description

A metal alloy and the use of the metal alloys as a weight
Field of the invention
The present invention relates to a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, and a second com- ponent Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy,
The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the metal alloy as a weigh for wheel balancing, maritime equipment and to a sink line and a dragnet line using such weights.
Background of the invention
For many years fishing weights have been made of lead mainly because it is cheap and easy to manufacture and corrosion resistant in seawater. The weights are made in various sizes and shapes and are used to prevent fishing lines, hooks and nets from float- ing on the surface of the sea. The weights cause the lines, hooks and nets to remain below the water surface. The weights often drop to the bottom of the sea.
A real danger of lead poisoning and contamination exist due to the handling and use of such lead fishing weights and the proximity of lead weights to fishing tackle and caught fish. The danger of lead contamination of the water also exists due to lost weights. Fishermen frequently handle lead weights and their catch with lead contaminated hands or will eat hand-held food (sandwiches etc.) with lead contaminated hands. In addition, lead fishing weights stored around the house, in basements or sheds are a health hazard to children who will find and play with them or put them into the mouth.
Lead fishing weights thus poses a tremendous environmental and health risk. It has thus been important to find some alternatives to lead weights.
In US 5,648,121, a fishing weight is described. The fishing weight is formed from a zinc alloy which is environmentally safe. The type of alloy described and claimed in this patent has the drawback that it is not corrosion resistant when exposed to water and must thus be equipped with a protective coating covering its entire outer surface. Furthermore, this has the disadvantage that if the coating is damaged while in use, the zinc alloy will be exposed to water, leading to the adverse effect that the fishing weight will corrode due to the galvanic process between the zinc alloy and water.
This galvanic process between zinc and water is well known and has been exploited technically for many years in for example the shipbuilding industry. As zinc has a lower standard reduction potential than for example iron or steel, a suitable number of such zinc anodes may be placed along a ship hull. This arrangement will prevent the hull from corroding because the corrosion will first occur in the zinc anode and continue until it corrodes. Such an anode is called a sacrificial anode.
In DK 173 514, a zinc based alloy is described which may be used as a sacrificial anode. US Military Standard (U.S. -Mill - A -1800 K) prescribes the addition of Cd in those zinc based alloys that are used as sacrificial anodes. Cd is, however, an extremely poisonous metal. Furthermore, this zinc based alloy works as a sacrificial anode, and will thus corrode in sea water. Hence, it cannot be used as a fishing weight because it will gradually corrode.
In the European patent application with the publication number EP 1 270 752, another zinc alloy is described. Important ingredients of this alloy are Bohr and Titanium.
This alloy has, however, the disadvantage that it will also be corroded in seawater due to the galvanic process between zinc and water.
Object of the invention
The object of the present invention is to provide a metal alloy which is environmen- tally safe and corrosion resistant in water, preferably seawater, easy to handle and to manufacture. Another object of the present invention is to provide improved weights for maritime usage, which pose no danger of lead contamination and that environmentally safe and cost-neutral for the fishing industry.
This can be achieved with a metal alloy according to the preamble of claim 1, wherein said metal alloy has a corrosion rate of a maximum of 0.02 millimeter pr. year, preferable a maximum of 0.01 millimeter pr. year.
Description of the invention The inventor of the present metal alloy is working with and manufactaring sacrificial zinc anodes. The typical lifetime of such a zinc anode is approximately three years. However, it was found that a slight change in the composition of a sacrificial zinc anode, would give a practically corrosion resistant zinc alloy.
Furthermore, it was found that by, a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 8O% of said metal alloy, and a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, where said metal alloy furthermore comprises a third component Cu, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 1,000% of said metal alloy, a fourth component Si, which constitutes a maximum of 0.600% of said metal alloy, a fifth component Fe, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.200% of said metal alloy and a sixth component Ti, which constitutes a minimum of 0.000% and a maximum of 0.100% of said metal alloy, an alloy is achieved which is corrosion resistant in seawater.
More precisely the alloy claimed only corrodes by as much as 0.01 millimeter pr. year. In comparison, it is informed that stainless steel A416 corrodes by 0.3 millimeter pr. year. This is due to the fact that when Al, Cu, Si, Fe and Ti are added in the correct quantities, a protective layer is formed on the outer surface of the metal alloy com- prising metallic oxide and a sparingly soluble basic zinc carbonate. In fact, the protective coating is so effective that the alloy will not even function as an anode because the metal alloy will have a voltage potential of much less than that of a sacrificial anode. According to US Military specification 1800 1H a sacrificial anode must contain max. 0.005% Cu, between 0.1% and 0.5% Al, max. 0.125% Si, max. 0.005% Fe, between 0.025% and 0.07% Cd, max. 0.006% Pb, and the rest is Zn in order to work properly as an anode.
Said metal alloy is manufactured from a so called spacer highgrade by adding Cu, Al,
Si, Fe and Ti.
A spacer highgrade must according to EURO-norm 1179:1995, ISO 7521981, Astm B6 - 87, contain max. 0.005% Cu, max. 0.003% Fe, max. 0.005% Cd, max. 0.005% Pb, max. 0.001% Sn and rest Zn.
Al and Cu strengthen the alloy, and Si acts as a binding agent, which ensures that the desired crystal structure is formed.
The metal alloy may furthermore comprise naturally occurring components such as a seventh component Pb, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy, an eighth component Sn, which constitutes a minimum of 0.001% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy, and a ninth component Cd, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.070% of said metal alloy.
It must at this point be stressed that said metal alloy theoretically has better properties if it does not contain residual remnants of Pb, Sn or Cd, but as these are naturally occurring in zinc deposits, it is virtually impossible to avoid them. It is thus practically impossible to gain 100%) pure zinc from its ore. There will always be some Pb, Sn and
Cd present. The disadvantages of Pb and Cd are that they are poisonous heavy metals.
A metal alloy according to the invention forms an outer protection layer of metal oxide and zinc carbonate.
Hereby, it is achieved that corrosion is prevented because a layer of metal oxide and zinc carbonate is formed on the outer surface of the metal alloy. This metal oxide and zinc carbonate layer does not allow water to work its way into the metal alloy, which thereby is extremely corrosion resistant in seawater.
It is thus a tremendous advantage if said metal alloy is used as a fishing weight or in a sink line or dragnet line. Furthermore, due to the low corrosion rate (0.01 millimeter pr. year), such weights will have a long lifetime, which again will reduce the replacements costs of the fishing industry. Here and in the following, fishing weights are referred to as a possible usage of said metal alloy, but it is clear to anyone skilled in the art that said metal alloy may be used elsewhere.
A metal alloy according to the invention may have a voltage potential of less than the - 900 mN of a zinc based sacrificial anode.
It is well known that the metals may be ordered in a so-called reactivity series where the metals are ordered according to their tendency to give up an electron
K, Ba, Ca, Νa, Mg, Al, Zn, Fe, Sn, Pb, Cu, Hg, Ag, Pt, Au
The reactivity series applies for electron transfer, which happens on the boundary sur- face between the metal and an aqueous solution. The further to the left the metal is placed in the reactivity series, the easier the metal gives up electrons. Since Zn is placed further to the left than Fe and since Zn is a cheap metal, it is well suited as a sacrificial anode.
However, since said metal alloy has a voltage potential of less than the -900 mV of a zinc based sacrificial anode, it will not work as an anode. One of the consequences of this is that it will not corrode in seawater.
A metal alloy according to the invention may have an elongation at break of 30-70%, preferably of 40-60%), which at the moment is the percentage elongation of rupture of the alloy. Hereby, it is achieved that the wires made from said metal alloy may be braided into fishing lines or the like without danger of breakage. The lines that may be used are for example sink lines. Such sink lines may be exposed to high stress without the danger of breaking the individual metal wires, which are braided into the line.
This poses a tremendous advantage over present day sink lines with in-braided lead wires because lead has a very low percentage of elongation at break, which often leads to work-related injuries because fishermen often cut their hands on the ends of a broken lead wire when handling sink lines. This happens because the lead wire often breaks into many pieces when the sink line is exposed to high stress, which is often the case.
In addition to the hand injuries, usage of lead wires may lead to lead poisoning, because of the direct contact between the lead and blood.
All these disadvantages have been overcome with an alloy according to the present invention where a metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, a third component Cu, which con- stitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 1,000% of said metal alloy, a fourth component Si, which constitutes a maximum of 0.600% of said metal alloy, a fifth component Fe, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.200% of said metal alloy and a sixth component Ti, which constitutes a minimum of 0.000% and a maximum of 0.100%) of said metal alloy, may be used as a weight for maritime equipment.
Hereby, it is achieved that the fouling lead-weights may be replaced with environmentally safe weights which further have the advantage of being non-corrodible. Additionally, such weights will have a longer lifetime than lead-weights. Zn is a cheap metal with approximately the same price as lead and it is easy to work with. Moreover, said metal alloy may be pressure die cast or extruded, Λvhich are cheap and effective manufacturing processes by which, it may be possible to produce for example fishing weights or plumb lines. Thus, it will be overall cost-neutral for the fishing industry to switch from using the fouling lead weights to the environmentally safer weights made from said metal alloy.
Furthermore, a weight made from said metal alloy will be stronger than lead, which is a rather soft material. Thus, a weight made from said metal alloy will preserve its original shape, even if it is handled harshly, whereas a lead weight will be deformed by harsh handling such as thrusts or a blow.
A weight according to the present invention may be pressure die cast.
Hereby, it is achieved that the pressure die casting may be automated. Furthermore, used weights may be re-cast again and again. This poses a tremendous advantage as compared to lead weights, which are mainly manufactured by hand casting, which is a more costly and time consuming manufactaring process than pressure casting.
Moreover, pressure die casting of a weight may take as short time as a few seconds, which gives the possibility of producing weights in this way in large numbers and with substantially the same shape in a short time span.
Additionally the inventor has, through many years of experience with pressure die casting of sacrificial anodes, great knowledge of pressure die casting of zinc alloys.
A weight according to the invention may be provided with a number of openings or recesses adapted for receiving a line and where said weight is maintained at a specific position.
Hereby it is achieved that the weights may be attached to lines or wires, and that the weights may be fixed to some maritime equipment, as for example a diver's belt, fishing nets, trawl rings, sink lines or the like.
One way of attaching the weight to a line is to attach the weight to a line in one of the openings/recesses and then either bend the weight or press the opening/recess, and thereby preventing the detachment of the line from the now closed opening/recess. This will make it possible to hold for example fishing nets in a fixed position in the sea by attaching floaters to one end of the net and weights according to the invention to the other end, thus stretching out the net and thereby increasing its efficiency.
Hereby the health hazards and risks of environmental fouling associated with lead- belts and lead-weights may be overcome.
With a weight according to the invention where said weight is an extruded plumb line, it is achieved that fouling lead, which is used in conventional plumb lines, is not left in the sea or anywhere else in the nature when fishing nets wear down, are damaged or parts of it or the whole net are left in the nature.
Furthermore, it is a very effective and simple m-ιnufacturing process to manufacture extruded plumb lines. Many meters may be produced this way in a short time span.
At the same time, the grave health and environmental problems related to working with lead are avoided.
In an embodiment of the invention, said weight may be an extruded plumb line that is provided with a number of perforations and or cuts.
When the perforated weight is extruded into a plumb line and thereafter breaks at the position of the perforation or at the cuts, a strong and protected plumb line with acceptable flexibility is achieved. This is important when the plumb line has to be winded onto a roller which makes it easier to handle.
With a sink line, according to the invention for fishing tackle comprising a number of lines, which each is provided with a number of weights according to the invention, where said line comprises a flexible tube, which encloses said weights, it is achieved that weights made by pressure die casting and attached to a line may be fitted into the tube in the desired number. With a sink line according to the invention, where said flexible tube is an extruded plastic sleeve, it is achieved that the flexible tube is easy to produce, by extruding a plastic tube around the weight of either an extruded plumb line or a number of weights attached to a line.
With a sink line according to the invention where said sink line may comprise a braid line, wherein a number of said lines are interwoven, it will be possible to make sink lines with varying weight pr. meter. The weight may be varied from 2.2 kg/meter to 500 kg/meter. The weight/meter does not even have to be uniformly distributed along the sink line, but may be varied according to where and how it is used which will thus make it possible to make sink lines for a wide variety of purposes.
With a sink line according to the invention, where said sink line may comprise an outer flexible tube enclosing a number of said lines, and where said outer flexible tube preferably is an extruded plastic sleeve, it will be possible to make sink lines with a suitable weight pr. meter, which may be varied from 2.2 kg/meter to 500 kg/meter, by a simple manufacturing process where a number of sink lines are passed through an extruder where the outer flexible tube is produced.
Furthermore, a braided filament line is not needed because the other flexible tube consisting of several sink lines can be used as a sink line.
With a sink line according to the invention where said outer flexible tube may be provided with a number of attachment fins, it is achieved that it will be possible to sew fishing nets onto the sink line. The sink line itself will be too hard to sew through because zinc is a rather hard metal, but the fishing net may easily be attached to the attachment fins.
The attachment fins may be equipped with some holes such that a fishing net may be tied to it, or it may simply be sewed on the attachment fin.
With a dragnet line for fishing tackle comprising a number of interweaved lines, which each may be provided with a number of weights according to the invention, where said line is an extruded plumb line, a tremendous advantage over traditional dragnet lines is achieved because the traditional dragnet lines contain lead wires. These lead wires may break when the dragnet line is exposed to high strain, due to the low elongation at break for lead. This poses a work hazard for the fishermen working with the line because splinters of lead may injure their hands or other parts of the body when the line is rolled onto a pulley after use. This is avoided by using weights according to the invention because the elongation at break is approximately 30-70%, preferably 40-60%, which is much adequate as a dragnet line typically stretches max 25 % due to use.
Short description of the drawings
The present invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows a drawing of a fishing net,
FIG. 2 shows a view of a section of a sink line according to the present invention, FIG. 3 shows a view of a section of a sink line, according to the invention which sink line is partly braided into a multifilament braided line, FIG. 4 shows a view of a section of a multi-sink line according to the invention ac- cording to the invention,
FIG. 5 shows a view of a section of a sink line according to the invention, comprising a flexible tube that encloses the weights,
FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line according to the invention comprising an extruded plastic sleeve that encloses a plurality of individual sink lines, and FIG. 7 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line according to the invention comprising a flexible tube that encloses the weights, where the flexible tube is provided with an attachment fine.
Detailed description of the invention Fig. 1 shows a drawing of a fishing net 1, which at the top is equipped with a floating line 2 and at the bottom equipped with a sink line 3. These two lines 2,3 are essential in order to keep the fishing net 1 stretched out in the water. The amount of weight necessary in the sink line 3 may depend on the kind of fishing net 1 used and stream conditions at the place the fishing net 1 is used.
Fig. 2 shows a view of a section of a sink line 3 according to the invention which is equipped with a number of weights 4, of which only four are shown. However, it should be apparent to anyone skilled in the art that the number, shape and relative distance between the individual weights 4 may be different than depicted in Fig. 2.
The weights 4 can be extruded onto the line 20 because it is a fast and cheap process, however, it may also be possible to attach pressure die cast weights 4 to the line 20.
The weights 4 may be extruded onto the line 20 uniformly (as shown), or they may be extruded onto the line 20 unevenly so that the sink line 3 will have a greater weight pr. meter in some places than in others.
Fig. 3 shows a view of a section of a sink line 3 that is partly braided into a multifilament braided line 5. Such a multifilament braided line 5 with the weights 4 may be used as a plumb line in itself and be attached to for example a fishing net 1 (not shown). By braiding the line 20 with the weights 4 into the multifilament braided line 5, one gets a plumb line that overall will be easier to handle.
Fig. 4 shows an array of individual lines 20 with weights 4 attached to it which lines 20 are braided into a multifilament braided line 5. The number of sink lines 3 used determines the weight of the multifilament braided lines 5, and this way the weight of the multifilament braided line 5 may be varied from as little as 2.2 kg/pr. 100 meter to as much as 100 kg/pr. 100 meter.
Fig. 5 shows a view of a section of a sink line 80 according to the invention, comprising a flexible tube 7 that encloses the weights 4. The flexible tube 7 may be an extruded plastic sleeve, and it may also be braided into a multifilament braided line 5. This arrangement may give a better protection of the weights 4 itself. The individual weights 4 are equipped with recesses 50 or protrusions which may break so that the multifilament braided line 5 will be more flexible. Fig. 6 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line 70 according to the invention comprising an extruded plastic sleeve 8 that encloses a plurality of individual sink lines 3 with weights (not shown). The number of lines 3 with weights (not shown) that are enclosed in this way may be varied according to the individual need of a particular customer.
Fig. 7 shows a cross sectional view of a sink line 71 according to the invention comprising an extruded plastic sleeve 8 that encloses the weights (not shown), and where an attachment fin 9 is attached to the sleeve 8.
The attachment fin 9 may be manufactured from plastic, nylon or another suitable material.
Hereby, it is achieved that it will be possible to sew for example a fishing net (not shown) directly onto the attachment fin 9 and thereby attach the fishing net (not shown) to the sink line 71. Conventionally fishing nets (not shown) may be sewed directly on a sink line (not shown) that contains lead because it is a soft metal, so soft that it is not a problem to sew through it with an industrial needle. This cannot be done with sink lines containing zinc, because it is a much harder metal than lead. However, this obstacle may bee overcome by the introduction of the attachment fin 9.

Claims

1. Metal alloy comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, and a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, characterizedin that said metal alloy has a corrosion rate of a maximum of 0.02 millimeter pr. year, preferable a maximum of
0.01 millimeter pr. year.
2. Metal alloy according to claim 1, characterized in that said metal alloy furthermore comprises a third component Cu, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 1,000% of said metal alloy, a fourth component Si, which constitutes a maximum of 0.600% of said metal alloy, a fifth component Fe, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.200% of said metal alloy and a sixth component Ti, which constitutes a minimum of 0.000% and a maximum of 0.100%) of said metal alloy.
3. Metal alloy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said metal alloy furthermore comprises naturally occurring components such as a seventh component Pb, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy, an eighth component Sn, which constitutes a minimum of 0.001% and a maximum of 0.050% of said metal alloy, and a ninth component Cd, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.070% of said metal alloy.
4. Metal alloy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that said metal alloy forms an outer protection layer of metal oxide and zinc carbonate.
5. Metal alloy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that said metal alloy has a voltage potential of less than the -900 mV of a zinc based sacrificial anode.
6. Metal alloy according to any one of the preceding claims, characterizedin that said metal alloy has an elongation at break of 30-70%, preferably 40-60%.
7. Use of a metal alloy, comprising at least a first main component Zn, which constitutes a minimum of 80% of said metal alloy, a second component Al, which constitutes a maximum of 10% of said metal alloy, a third component Cu, which constitutes a n-inimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 1,000% of said metal alloy, a fourth com- ponent Si, which constitutes a maximum of 0.600% of said metal alloy, a fifth component Fe, which constitutes a minimum of 0.005% and a maximum of 0.200% of said metal alloy and a sixth component Ti, which constitutes a minimum of 0.000% and a maximum of 0.100% of said metal alloy, and where said metal alloy has a corrosion rate of a maximum of 0.02 millimeter pr. year, preferably a maximum of 0.01 milli- meter pr. year, as a weight for maritime equipment.
8. Weight according to claim 7, characterized in that said weight is pressure die cast.
9. Weight according to claim 8, characterized in that said weight is provided with a number of openings or recesses adapted for receiving a line and mamtaining said weight at a specific position.
10. Weight according to claim 7, characterized in that said weight is an ex- traded plumb line.
11. Weight according to claim 10, characterized in that said extruded plumb line is provided with a number of perforations and/or cuts.
12. Sink line for fishing tackle comprising a number of lines, which each is provided with a number of weights according to claims 8-11, characterized in that said line comprises a flexible tube, which encloses said weights.
13. Sink line according to claim 12, characterized in that said flexible tube is an extruded plastic sleeve.
14. Sink line according to any of the claims 12-13, characterized in that said sink line comprises a braid line, wherein a number of said lines are interwoven.
15. Sink line according to any of the claims 12-13, characterized in that said sink line comprises an outer flexible tube enclosing a number of said lines, where said outer flexible tube preferably is an extruded plastic sleeve.
16. Sink line according to claim 15., characterized in that said outer flexible tube is provided with a number of attachment fins.
17. Dragnet line for fishing tackle comprising a number of interweaved lines, which each is provided with a number of weights according to claims 9-10. characterized in that said line is an extruded plumb line.
PCT/DK2005/000154 2004-03-12 2005-03-09 A metal alloy and the use of the metal alloys as a weight WO2005087961A1 (en)

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2008148946A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 Coppin Francois Sinker device for fishing net
ES2328197A1 (en) * 2007-01-12 2009-11-10 Real Federacion Española De Caza New applications of ecological materials ods type in fishing, automotive and other activities. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
ITMI20100292A1 (en) * 2010-02-24 2011-08-25 Gimac Di Maccagnan Giorgio Ballast element to be used as a sinker for fishing and similar networks
ITMI20100910A1 (en) * 2010-05-20 2011-11-21 Pennacchio Di Pennacchio Gian Paolo & C S N C LONGIFORM BALLASTING ELEMENT AND RELATIVE PRODUCTION PROCESS

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5648121A (en) * 1993-07-01 1997-07-15 Cornell, Jr.; Thomas W. Fishing weight
DK173514B1 (en) * 1998-11-03 2001-01-22 Bac Corrosion Control As Zinc-based alloy, its use as a sacrificial anode, sacrificial anode and cathodic protection method
EP1270752A1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2003-01-02 Grillo-Werke AG Zinc alloys suitable for zinc die casting or pressure die casting and production process thereof

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5648121A (en) * 1993-07-01 1997-07-15 Cornell, Jr.; Thomas W. Fishing weight
DK173514B1 (en) * 1998-11-03 2001-01-22 Bac Corrosion Control As Zinc-based alloy, its use as a sacrificial anode, sacrificial anode and cathodic protection method
EP1270752A1 (en) * 2001-06-28 2003-01-02 Grillo-Werke AG Zinc alloys suitable for zinc die casting or pressure die casting and production process thereof

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2328197A1 (en) * 2007-01-12 2009-11-10 Real Federacion Española De Caza New applications of ecological materials ods type in fishing, automotive and other activities. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)
WO2008148946A1 (en) * 2007-06-08 2008-12-11 Coppin Francois Sinker device for fishing net
ITMI20100292A1 (en) * 2010-02-24 2011-08-25 Gimac Di Maccagnan Giorgio Ballast element to be used as a sinker for fishing and similar networks
ITMI20100910A1 (en) * 2010-05-20 2011-11-21 Pennacchio Di Pennacchio Gian Paolo & C S N C LONGIFORM BALLASTING ELEMENT AND RELATIVE PRODUCTION PROCESS

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