Inspection

surface soluble salts

Surface Soluble Salt Measurement – Conductivity Verses Ion-specific Methods of Analysis

Corrosion, Inspection, Instruments, Specifications, Surface Cleanliness, Surface Preparation / By

Chemical contaminants on a surface can include chlorides, ferrous ions, sulfates and nitrates, among other types of soluble salts. Chloride may come from deicing materials or marine/coastal environments, ferrous ions are a by-product of corrosion, sulfates can be airborne, particularly in industrial environments (e.g., coal-fired power plants) and nitrates may come from the soil (e.g., […]

Surface Soluble Salt Measurement – Conductivity Verses Ion-specific Methods of Analysis Read More »

partial mixing

Problems with Partial Mixing of Multi-Component Coatings

5 Comments / Coating Application, Coatings, Inspection / By

Some of the common industrial coatings consist of 2 or 3 components that are mixed together just prior to use.  Examples include inorganic and organic zinc, epoxy, and polyurethane.  Coating manufacturers typically recommend that complete kits, rather than partial kits, always be mixed, and many specifications are explicit in preventing the mixing of partial kits. 

Problems with Partial Mixing of Multi-Component Coatings Read More »

multi-component coating

It’s All in the Mix – Proper Mixing of Multi-Component Coating Systems

Coating Application, Coatings, Inspection / By

Many industrial and protective coating materials consist of more than one component. A multi-component coating is any product that consists of two or more separate parts that are mixed together at a specified ratio. As the materials are mixed, a reaction occurs that allows the disparate parts to chemically cross-link and form a polymer. The

It’s All in the Mix – Proper Mixing of Multi-Component Coating Systems Read More »

illumination

Importance of Illumination on Coatings Projects

Inspection, Instruments / By

Industrial coatings project specifications invoke many standards and inspection check points that require visual acceptance. Proper illumination of the work area is vital when determining an acceptable product. If there is insufficient light, it is unlikely that a quality inspection of workmanship can be performed. But requiring excessive light and it may not be practical

Importance of Illumination on Coatings Projects Read More »

pre-construction conference

How to Conduct a Pre-Construction Conference

1 Comment / Inspection, Specifications / By

The goal of any construction project that involves removal and replacement of protective coatings/linings should be to safely deliver a quality project, executed according to contract documents, on time and on budget. However, there will be many obstacles to overcome throughout the duration of any project. One of the most important steps to help overcome

How to Conduct a Pre-Construction Conference Read More »

sling psychrometer

The Psychrometer Duel: Old School vs. New School

2 Comments / Inspection, Instruments / By

Why do we need to measure ambient conditions? Ambient conditions are the prevailing conditions of air temperature, the moisture content of the air (relative humidity), and the temperature at which condensation will occur (dew point).  Most coating specifications have set requirements for monitoring and documenting results for surface and air temperature, relative humidity and dew

The Psychrometer Duel: Old School vs. New School Read More »

jobsite surface cleanliness standards

The Importance of Preparing Jobsite Standards for Surface Cleanliness and Surface Profile Depth Prior to Production Operations

2 Comments / Inspection, Specifications, Surface Preparation, Surface Profile / By

Introduction Surface preparation prior to coating installation is generally composed of two goals: achieving the minimum specified surface cleanliness, and achieving the specified range of surface profile (surface roughness). While these goals may be achieved in a single operation (e.g., by abrasive blast cleaning) or two separate operations (e.g., by water jetting or chemical stripping,

The Importance of Preparing Jobsite Standards for Surface Cleanliness and Surface Profile Depth Prior to Production Operations Read More »

quality assurance quality control qa qc

Roles & Responsibilities of Quality Assurance & Quality Control Personnel on a Coatings Project

5 Comments / Inspection, Specifications / By

Asset owners are tasked with maximizing their return on investment (ROI). This can pose challenges when deciding where to utilize their limited resources, independent of whether the project is new construction or rehabilitation of an existing asset. While most can agree that the success of a project can be determined by maximizing longevity or “quality

Roles & Responsibilities of Quality Assurance & Quality Control Personnel on a Coatings Project Read More »

Referenced Requirements in SSPC Standards and Complimentary Industry Standards

Coating Standards, Inspection, Specifications / By

Background SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings, NACE International and other trade organizations have volunteer technical committees made up of subject matter experts that develop consensus standards that are drafted, balloted, approved and published. Development of a new standard can take as short as 3 years and as long as 5-7 years, depending on the

Referenced Requirements in SSPC Standards and Complimentary Industry Standards Read More »

preparation standards

Cleaning and Painting – Verifying Quality in the Field

Buildings, Commercial, Inspection / By

The paint systems used on buildings are selected from published performance data, manufacturer’s recommendations, previous experience, and referrals from others.  At the manufacturing facility, the raw materials are blended together in specific proportions in a well-controlled environment, and systematic tests of product quality are made throughout the process.  Despite the controls exercised over manufacturing, the

Cleaning and Painting – Verifying Quality in the Field Read More »