Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Section Page
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 3
Mechanical Adhesion .......................................................................................... 4
Polar Adhesion .................................................................................................... 4
Chemical Adhesion.............................................................................................. 5
Other Surface Preparation Factors...................................................................... 5
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 14
INTRODUCTION
• Material selection
• Surface preparation
• Application
• Service conditions
• Mechanical adhesion
• Polar adhesion
• Chemical adhesion
Mechanical Adhesion
Mechanical adhesion depends upon the anchor pattern, (or
profile), and cleanliness. It is the most effective type of
adhesion. In Saudi Aramco, mechanical adhesion is achieved
by abrasive blast cleaning using prescribed methods and
materials. Following the specification for abrasive blast cleaning
produces the correct profile and the cleanliness required on the
steel substrate.
Polar Adhesion
Polar adhesion depends upon the attraction of the resinous
vehicle to the steel substrate. Epoxy coating systems have
outstanding polar adhesion characteristics.
Chemical Adhesion
Chemical adhesion depends upon a chemical reaction between
the coating and the steel substrate. An example of this type of
adhesion is the vinyl wash primer specified by Saudi Aramco
standards. It contains a phosphoric acid and a vinyl butyl resin
system. When this coating is applied to steel or galvanized
surfaces, it passivates and etches the surface. It is more of a
surface pretreatment than a primer. This system is applied
before the complete application of the protective coating
system.
Chalking
Chalking is the formation of a loose powdery film on the surface
of the coating. It is caused by ultraviolet (UV) light attack on the
resinous vehicle. It is generally associated with white tank
paints but can also occur with colored enamels . The chalk can
sometimes be water washed from the surface and the protective
coating easily repainted. Chalking can be controlled by proper
selection of the coating for the environment. Epoxy coatings will
chalk rapidly. Color Plate 36 provides an example of chalking.
Color Change
Color change is caused by UV attack on the protective coating,
usually a colored enamel, which will cause fading of the paint
film. It is not serious unless painting for aesthetic reasons is of
primary importance. This can be corrected by repainting with a
high quality, fade-resistant enamel. In exposure to sunlight,
blues, reds, and oranges are the least stable colors while
blacks, whites, grays, and aluminum are the most stable colors.
Blistering
The occurrence of pinpoint blisters during protective coating
application is probably due to solvent entrapment, which
happens because the solvent has not been released properly
from the drying paint film (see Color Plate 43). The condition
can be corrected by additional ventilation, if possible, or by
adding a solvent that will be released more quickly from the
paint film. If it has already occurred, the surface must be
cleaned, the blisters broken, and another application made.
Sagging
Sagging is also called runs or curtains which may be caused by
too much solvent applied to the coating, too much paint, or
smooth glossy surfaces( see Color Plate 52). The runs or
curtains should be removed and another coat applied.
Overspray
Particles of paint reaching the surface partially dried. They must
be removed by sanding before another coat is applied:
additionally, the source of contamination, usually the air supply,
must be identified and removed.
Fish-Eyes
Separation and pulling apart of a coat of wet paint to resemble a
"fish-eye." It is caused by oil or water contamination. The coat
must be removed by sanding and another coat applied.
Wrinkling
In appearance, this resembles a rough, crinkled surface. It is
frequently caused by over-cured or uncured prime coat or the
steel surface being coated is at too high a temperature.
Remove by rough sanding the prime coat and reapply.
Orange Peel
Hills and valleys in the applied paint or coating that resemble an
orange peel. This is caused by improper viscosity of the paint
or insufficient atomization during application. Sand and reapply
another coat of paint.
Temperature
Elevated ambient temperatures during application of protective
coatings to Saudi Aramco facilities, can cause:
Conclusions
Early failures with protective coating and lining systems occur
primarily because of improper surface preparation or
application. Most early failures are avoidable. They can be
identified and corrected. These actions are the responsibility of
the Saudi Aramco Inspector. Additional assistance in this area
is available from the Corrosion Control Division - Dhahran.
GLOSSARY
adhesion failure The failure of a coating to stick to the surface of the steel.