The coating on your installation is essential since it serves several purposes, like protection and aesthetics. But how can you ensure good performance of the coating for your application?
It all starts with…
Finding the right coating…
This is why standards exist that recommend coating systems to be used for different conditions. With regard to atmospheric conditions ISO 12944 stipulates comprehensive guidelines for coating systems to protect steel substrates. The recommended coating systems depend on the corrosivity class of the environment where the coating is to be used (e.g. rural environment, industrial climate, maritime climate, …).
Furthermore, this ISO standard also specifies which coating tests and coating test durations are required to verify that a coating system can be applied in a particular climate and what the expected life span is. Likewise, to verify the resistance of coatings to certain aggressive media in advance, exposure tests can be performed in laboratories to test the suitability of the coatings.
…applying it to perfection
Application on site is a delicate matter that concerns many parameters to be kept in check, like for instance:
- Roughness and cleanliness of the substrate;
- Dew point;
- Drying times;
- Thickness.
Poor application can result in premature failure of the coating, irrespective of the fact that a good coating was selected. It is therefore advisable that you are supported by a qualified coating inspector (such as a NACE certified or FROSIO certified inspector) during that process and after application.
- Thickness measurements;
- Adhesion tests;
- Roughness measurements;
- Hardness measurements.
… and periodically run coating tests
A coating test typically includes visual examination but can also include other non-destructive techniques, such as on-site EIS measurements.
EIS coating tests
This information is particularly valuable for:
- quality control of a freshly applied coating;
- comparison of performance of different coatings;
- follow-up of coatings in situ.
The barrier properties of the coating are assessed from the impedance spectrum, typically combining the resistive and capacitive behaviour of the coating.
- differences in coating performance can already be confirmed before there are any visual signs of degradation;
- corrosion processes taking place underneath the coating can be measured as well;
- EIS measurements can be done on aboveground as well as underground coated structures.
Ready for professional coating tests? Simple, get in touch!
METALogic has:
- experienced engineers and certified coating inspectors in house to perform on-site visual inspections;
- more than 10 years of experience in EIS measurements;
- a well-equipped lab to perform coatings tests and to examine coating failures.
Don’t hesitate to send us your quotation demand or contact us directly via mail or phone to ask for more information. We are looking forward to helping you fight off corrosion!