Corrosion and Protective Coatings Services
Use of high performance coatings under rigourous specifications must be carefully inspected and monitored. Powertech's coating inspectors are NACE and SSPC certified. They provide inspections that ensure optimal performance of highly sophisticated coating systems. Environmental compliance is also monitored.
Powertech's coating inspectors also perform field inspections to assess the condition of structures and equipment for determining the coating condition and identifying the current and future maintenance requirements.
Corrosion and Coating Management
Corrosion and Protective Coating Service involves inspecting, evaluating and specifying protective coating systems, managing corrosion and extending the life of T&D steel structures, Generating Facilities and other Structures such as Bridges and Pipelines. We also provide specific services related to performance of overcoat systems as well as coating performance in salt water & splash zone environment. Our services include:
- Material Testing Services for metallic, composite, and ceramic materials,
- Specialized Mechanical and Accelerated Aging Testing Service
- Intelligent Methods for Performance Prediction of Aging Utility Assets Service
- Failure Analysis & Forensic Service
Overcoat Systems Testing Project
Powertech Labs is undertaking a cooperative research program into the use of overcoat systems in maintenance painting of steel structures exposed to weather. The program will be partly sponsored by B.C. Hydro. Other organizations are invited to participate.
Powertech has successfully performed several tailored cooperative programs in the past. The benefit is more information for less cost to the individual organization.
Maintenance programs often include the overcoating of existing paint systems before deterioration and corrosion have spread to far. This avoids the expense of complete removal of the old paint, requiring full containment and disposal. Typical systems to over coat may include:
- Red lead in linseed oil primer/black graphite in linseed oil/alkyd topcoat
- Alkyd primer/alkyd topcoat
- Zinc rich primer/coal tar epoxy topcoat
- High build vinyl
Little is known regarding the performance of overcoat systems applied to these or any other paint systems. The program that Powertech Labs is undertaking will include a laboratory and field investigation to optimize the use of overcoat systems.
We will prepare panels in the laboratory with the coating systems listed above and subject them to accelerated aging. New coating systems will then be selected and overcoated on the prepared aged panels.
Selection criteria will include:
- The absence of any hazardous or environmentally undesirable substances
- The ability to meet VOC requirements
- East of application in the field
- The ability, preferably, to cure at lower temperatures so they can be applied to cooler substrates such as in service penstocks
We will carry out an accelerated test program on the panels that includes exposure to ultra-violet radiation, to condensation, and to freeze-thaw cycles.
As well, we will select suitable sites in the field and apply test patches to structures with the original systems.
Organizations that collaborate will share in the results including:
- A full report on laboratory tests
- A full report on field tests
- A list of recommended overcoat systems
Benefits will include:
- Reduced maintenance costs
- Proven system performance
- Avoidance of expensive premature failures
- Longer life of structures
Coatings Evaluation Programs
Through the joint sponsorship with coatings manufacturers and end users, the Protective Coatings section of Powertech Labs has successfully completed several programs to evaluate coatings. Coatings systems have been evaluated for use on steel road bridges, as well as for application to clean steel requiring protection against normal weathering and wet environments.A program was also carried out to overcoat existing coatings on steel
This approach to applied research into the use of coatings has been successful in minimizing costs to the individual organization while maximizing the information obtained.
We are continuing in this tradition of offering interested parties the chance to participate in cooperative programs.A program is now being designed to evaluate systems for use in a tidal salt-water immersion and splash zone.This is a very aggressive environment which requires careful coating selection for maximum life.
We intend to:
- Conduct a literature search to obtain recent articles, case histories or test reports particularly regarding sheet pile coating systems.
- Survey Port Authorities throughout North America to find what methods and materials are presently being used.
- Survey major North American coatings manufacturers or their agents for current recommendations, case histories and material costs.
- Choose appropriate systems to include in a test program, all systems to be environmentally acceptable
Test Program
We will prepare suitable test panels with the chosen or submitted systems and perform a laboratory test program using physical and accelerated tests to determine those systems with the best performance.
The test methods used will include:
- ASTM B117 Salt Fog Exposure
- ASTM D2247 Water Resistance, 100% relative humidity
- ASTM G53 Ultraviolet Light and Condensation Exposure
- ASTM Standard Practice Draft #1 4/10/92 Cyclic Exposure using the Envirotest Cabinet
- Salt Water Immersion
- Cathodic Disbondment
A full report will be prepared upon completion of the test program including a list of approved systems.
Benefits to users:
- Proven system performance
- Reduced maintenance costs through longer life of structures
- Avoidance of expensive, premature failures
Benefits to coatings manufacturers:
- Powertech report that certifies system performance
- Increased sales potential for approved systems