KTA Staff, Author at KTA-Tator

Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Ergonomics

Background Ergonomics is a field study that involves the application of knowledge about physical, psychological, and biomechanical abilities and limitations of the human body. This knowledge is applied to the planning, design, and evaluation of work environments, jobs, tools, and equipment to improve worker performance, safety and health. In layperson terms, ergonomics is fitting the […]

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Podcast #3 – Slip-Critical Painted Bolted Connections

Podcast / By KTA Staff

This 17 minute podcast features KTA’s Carly McGee, moderated by KTA’s Ken Trimber. It discusses key aspects of slip-critical bolted connections including testing methods, testing equipment and standards, and a discussion based on frequently asked questions. Carly is KTA-Tator Inc.’s Physical Testing Laboratory Manager. She’s a member of the RCSC Standards Committee, which is the

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High-Temperature Service (Heat-Resistant) Coatings: Industries, Coating Types, Testing Protocols and Consequences of Testing Inconsistencies

4 Comments / Coatings, Lab Testing, Pipeline Coatings / By KTA Staff

High temperature-resistant coatings are used in a variety of industries and markets to prevent corrosion of steel subjected to extreme temperatures while in service. There are several testing protocols that are used to evaluate the performance of these coatings; however, performance comparisons are challenging since there is little uniformity or consistency of the test methods.

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Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in the Analysis of Coating Failures

2 Comments / Coating Failure, Lab Testing / By KTA Staff

For clear, magnified images and quick, targeted analyses of elemental composition, SEM-EDS is the method of choice. Introduction. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be used to examine samples at very high magnifications – up to 1 million times! The analysis of coating failures with an SEM typically only uses magnifications up to 10,000X, however,

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podcast 2 shop painting v shop and field painting

KTA University Podcast #2 – Total Shop Painting vs. Shop & Field Painting

Coatings, Podcast / By KTA Staff

This 24- minute podcast also features Ken Trimber as moderator, while Doug Reardon advocates total shop painting and John Todd promotes shop painting with field finish coating. Scenarios are posed by Trimber as Todd and Reardon take turns providing support for their approaches while divulging plenty of information on the subject. A podcast breakdown is

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Challenges with Adult Learning… Using Microlearning to Effectively Educate

Adult Learning / By KTA Staff

Introduction Many employers and organizations seek training that is inexpensive, relevant to their industry/marketplace, focused on the goals of the employees as well as the organization, and can be delivered with minimal interruption to productivity. Employees desire training that is immediate, focused, and specific to their needs. How can a course meet all expectations? Understanding

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Interior Pipe Coatings for Transporting Potable Water – Types and Considerations

3 Comments / Coating Standards, Coatings, Pipeline Coatings, Tanks, Water/Wastewater / By KTA Staff

Introduction Throughout most the world in developed countries, the public relies on access to a safe drinking water supply; something we frequently take for granted until it is compromised. Potable water frequently traverses through steel pipe to deliver it both safely and economically. However, because water in contact with steel will cause it to corrode,

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The Missing Piece: Collaborations Between Field Investigators and Laboratory Chemists

1 Comment / Coating Failure, Coatings, Lab Testing / By KTA Staff

Chances are, you have seen at least one procedural cop drama over the years. These shows all tend to follow a fairly standard formula: the crime occurs, the investigator is called in, the investigator gathers clues and interviews suspects, evidence is sent to a laboratory to confirm or refute theories, and by the end of

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Coating Adhesion Testing using Knife/Tape Methods

5 Comments / Coating Standards, Inspection, Instruments / By KTA Staff

Introduction Adhesion is an important physical characteristic of applied coating films and systems, and testing is frequently used as an indicator to whether an adequate bond exists between the substrate and primer (first coat) and/or between coats in multiple coat applications. Adhesion testing may be a requirement of a coating specification, or may be used

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Use of Overhead Cranes, Powered Industrial Trucks, and Slings – Risks of Unsafe Use and OSHA/ANSI Requirements for Training and Operation

Health & Safety / By KTA Staff

Introduction Efficient handling of materials is vital to the steel fabricating and coating shop processes. These facilities typically employ powered industrial trucks, overhead and gantry cranes, and slings to move tons of materials such as steel within the confines of a building, between buildings, and to/ from transportation vehicles. Material handling is not done without

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