Ballast

The keel of the Dix 43 has structural tanks, diesel and water, and lead ballast

A big issue is the watertightness of the welds. We proceeded in the following manner.
1. Once completed the keel, with the right side still open we tested the rear reserve tank.
An in fact we found a small defect for wich the fluid introduced in the tank appeared in the most forward tank. A long tricky channel in the weld of the keel. So we fixed it and at that point we were sure that the reserve tank was not communicating with the forward compartments.

2. We than placed the lead in as I have shown in a previous blog, with a pretty standard technique. At this point we placed the bottom plates of the tanks and bilge.
The problem at this point is to test the welds, between the tanks and the ballast.

3. We placed a 40mm pipe in the plate of the bilge (A) and a smaller one in the plate of the fore tank (B). We also created a communication between ballast compartments.
What is the use? We will close the B and inject air with a pressure gauge through B so we will be able to detect any leak of the ballast compartment both toward the tanks and the outside.

4. At this point we shall close the side of the keel and test the tanks.

5.All tests done we will fill through A (B is for air out) the ballast compartment wit red gearbox oil. in case of a future leak it will show the site.

Uah! Done..