Anode, cathode, metallic pathway, electrolyte – these are the four components of a corrosion circuit. Eliminate one of them, and you will have successfully mitigated corrosion. The most intuitive way to do this is to eliminate the electrolyte or, more accurately, eliminate the interface between the electrolyte and the metal. This is why the coatings […]
The Fundamentals of Cathodic Protection Read More »
Introduction When it comes to qualifying coating systems for use in real world applications, there are many quality programs and specifications that can be considered. The use of coating systems whose performance has been verified according to these specifications help protect steel structures that are exposed to the atmosphere where corrosion and deterioration are certain.
Whether we choose to recognize it or not, every company has a safety culture that continuously changes, and even rebrands itself from time to time. The concept of a safety culture can be divided into broad and narrow aspects. The broad aspects derive from the definition of a safety culture, while the narrow aspects are
The Rebranding of a Safety Culture Read More »
Background Most of the SSPC surface preparation standards focus on the preparation of steel, either by abrasive blast cleaning (dry and wet), power tool cleaning, or water jetting. Recognizing that galvanizing, non-ferrous metals, and various types of stainless steel also need to be prepared for painting, SSPC published a standard for brush-off blast cleaning of
Test Your Knowledge Series – Surface Preparation Standards for Non-ferrous Metals Read More »
Introduction/Background When applying a coating system to structures such as tanks and pipelines, the primary goal is to apply a continuous film to help prevent corrosion and section loss, and in some cases, to prevent contamination of the contents. Discontinuities in the film can result in undercutting corrosion of the substrate, and the integrity of
Test Your Knowledge Series – Coatings/Coating Application/Holiday/Pinhole Detection Read More »
Introduction/Background Surface profile is defined as a measurement of the maximum peak-to-valley depth created by abrasive impingement against a surface during abrasive blast cleaning operations, or by an impact-type power tool. During abrasive blast cleaning, the mass of the abrasive and the velocity of the abrasive movement created by compressed air generates kinetic energy (the
KTA University “Test Your Knowledge” Series – Surface Profile Measurement Read More »
Our new eBook teaches the reader about Preparation, Coating Application, and Inspection of Surface Preparation for Cast Iron/Ductile Iron Surfaces. It was written by KTA’s Bruce Rutherford & Jay Helsel. Click below to get your free copy!
New eBook! Coatings for Cast Iron/ Ductile Iron Surfaces Read More »
The human eye can interpret over a million colors. There are three types of photoreceptors in the human eye that are responsible for interpreting a different range of wavelengths: long, medium, or small, or red, green, or blue sensitive wavelengths. Many factors can impact the way color is perceived including the light source and the
Evaluating Color: Systems and Instruments – Color Measurement Read More »
Introduction – While cast iron and ductile iron can be used unpainted in some environments, there are many occasions, such as piping, when it is painted. For the coatings to adhere and provide the desired service life, the quality of surface preparation and coating application must be assured. This can be accomplished by thoroughly inspecting
“What kind of paint should I get?” There is no one answer to this question because there are many different situations that would need to be considered, along with personal preferences. Anyone who has ever walked into a paint store or paint department of a home improvement store can easily become overwhelmed by the sheer
Paint Selection: What You Should Be Considering and Why Read More »