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Bill Corbett

scanning probe illustration

Using Scanning Probe Technology to Measure Coating Thickness

Coating Standards, Dry Film Thickness, Inspection /

Introduction Coating thickness measurement is one of the most common quality assessments made during industrial coating applications.  SSPC-PA 2, Procedure for Determining Conformance to Dry Coating Thickness Requirements is frequently referenced in coating specifications.  As SSPC-PA 2 has evolved over the past four decades, a number of procedures and measurement frequencies are referenced in both […]

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surface soluble salts

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

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

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.,

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multi-component coating

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

Coating Application, Coatings, Inspection /

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

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pipeline coatings coating application

Free E-Book – Volume 2: Verifying the Quality of Coating Application (Inspection Instruments for the Pipeline Coatings Industry)

Pipeline Coatings /

The second of three volumes in the Inspection Instruments for the Pipeline Coatings Industry E-Book Series, “Verifying the Quality of Coating Application” is written by KTA COO, William D. Corbett. It provides information on the proper use of test instruments for verifying the quality of the application of protective coatings. It is applicable to new

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service environment

Characterizing the Service Environment when Selecting Coatings

Coatings, Specifications /

One of the tasks for a specifier when selecting coating systems is to properly and thoroughly identify the prevailing service environment for existing structures/facilities, or the anticipated service environment for new structures or facilities.  Stated more simply, once the coating system is installed, what will it be subjected to, under both normal and upset operating

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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 /

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,

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Referenced Requirements in SSPC Standards and Complimentary Industry Standards

Coating Standards, Inspection, Specifications /

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

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bridge catwalk

Frequency of Measurements in the Coatings Industry

2 Comments / Coating Application, Coatings /

The Issue There are two questions that can arise when performing in-process quality checks of surface preparation and coating application processes, or when evaluating the performance of a coating system already in service. These include, “How do I perform the tests,” and “What is the frequency required to ensure my test data is representative?” The

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Measuring Peak Density Using Optical Grade Replica Tape  

Inspection, Instruments, Surface Profile /

Introduction Most industrial and marine protective coatings rely on a mechanical bond to the substrate to remain attached while in service. This bond is generally provided by a surface profile or anchor pattern that is imparted into the surface prior to application of the coating system and effectively increases the surface area of the substrate

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