Coatings
Standardized technical evaluation to ensure the primary barrier against chemical and electrochemical degradation in infrastructure.
Surface Preparation Assessment
Thorough evaluation of the anchorage profile, detection of non-visible soluble salts (chlorides and sulfates), and assessment of the degree of cleanliness in accordance with SSPC/NACE standards prior to application.
Thickness Measurement (WFT / DFT)
Verification of wet film thickness during application and statistical control of dry film thickness in accordance with SSPC-PA 2 to prevent premature failure due to inadequate curing.
Mechanical Adhesion Assessment
Quantification of tensile or shear stress between the coating film and the metal substrate in accordance with ASTM D4541 and ISO 2409 specifications.
Flaw Detection
Destructive and non-destructive testing to identify porosity, inclusions, or dielectric discontinuities using spark detectors (High/Low Voltage Holiday Detectors).
Specialized Services in Coatings
Our coating inspection methodologies range from application control to verification of mechanical performance in the field.
Certified Experience
More than 25 years of technical experience in Oil & Gas and energy across 6 Latin American countries.
Years of experience in this service
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1
Projects executed
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1
Km of CIPS inspections
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1
Incident-free assessments
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1
mill h/m
Our approach does not rely on empirical methods: we audit every stage of the application and quality control process based on applicable technical standards (AMPP, ASTM, ISO, SSPC), providing integrity departments with traceable reports that are legally and technically valid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it critical to measure the dew point and substrate temperature before applying the coating?
Imperceptible moisture condensation on steel causes flash rust and drastically compromises the coating’s adhesion. The standard requires that the substrate temperature be at least 3 °C (5 °F) above the dew point before and during application to prevent premature failure due to delamination.
What is the SSPC-PA 2 standard, and why is it the benchmark for measuring dry film thickness?
The SSPC-PA 2 standard defines the standardized procedure for determining compliance with dry film thickness requirements on a structure. Rather than taking isolated readings, it establishes a sampling frequency based on area ($m^2$) and a tolerance rule (the 80/120 rule) that evaluates averages of measurements per point and per zone to determine technical acceptance or rejection.
What is the difference between a destructive adhesion test and a non-destructive adhesion test?
Cross-cut (adhesive tape on mesh) and pull-off (tensile failure of the backing) tests are destructive tests that require repair of the tested area; therefore, they are typically performed on test coupons or representative areas. Anchorage profile evaluations, WFT, DFT, and porosity inspections are non-destructive tests performed directly on the finished structure.
When should a high-voltage porimetry test be used instead of a low-voltage one?
The low-voltage test (wet sponge, 67.5 V) is used for thin-film coating systems (up to 500 microns or 20 mils). For thick, dielectrically insulating coatings, high-thickness epoxy coatings, tapes, or polyurethane coatings on buried pipelines (greater than 500 microns), the high-voltage test (spark tester) is used, with the voltage calculated based on the coating thickness (approximately 3 to 5 kV per millimeter of thickness).
How does roughness profilometry affect the mechanical adhesion of the coating?
The anchor profile (peak-to-trough roughness depth) created by shot blasting or another surface preparation method determines the effective contact area for the mechanical bonding of the coating. An insufficient profile leads to delamination failures due to lack of anchorage, while an excessively deep profile can leave “anchorage peaks” exposed or poorly covered, turning them into focal points for pitting corrosion. We measure this parameter in accordance with ASTM D4417 to validate the surface preparation prior to application.
In what situations is it necessary to perform a soluble salts test using the Bresle cell?
It is essential in marine environments, harsh industrial settings, or in rehabilitation projects where steel has been exposed to contaminated atmospheres. Invisible salts (such as chlorides) are hygroscopic and draw moisture through the paint film by osmosis, causing premature blistering. Testing in accordance with ISO 8502-6 and ISO 8502-9 quantifies the salt concentration per $cm^2$ to certify that the substrate is suitable for coating.
Why is it important to monitor the curing time and the recoat window between coats?
The recoat interval specified by the manufacturer (PDS) ensures that the base coat maintains sufficient chemical reactivity or mechanical profile to chemically bond with the subsequent coat. Applying a second coat too early traps solvents (causing blistering or poor curing), while exceeding the time limit without properly preparing the surface leads to intercoat adhesion failure.
What is the difference in criteria when performing an X-cut adhesion test (ASTM D3359 Method A) versus a grid-cut adhesion test (Method B)?
Method A (X-cut) is used in the field for coatings with dry film thicknesses greater than 125 microns (5 mils), to prevent distortion of the cut pattern in thick films. Method B (grid or cross-hatch cut) is applied in the laboratory or in the field for thin-film systems thinner than 125 microns. Both methods evaluate peel resistance by applying and removing a standardized adhesive tape from the pattern marked on the film.
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Technical foundations that ensure maximum service life and regulatory compliance at every inspection.
Operational Risk Mitigation
Early detection of surface and dielectric defects that prevents unscheduled plant shutdowns caused by accelerated atmospheric corrosion or insufficient insulation.
Independent Technical Opinion
Impartial quality assurance to verify that application contractors comply with the thicknesses, surface preparation, and adhesion requirements specified in the bid documents.
Rigorous Regulatory Framework
Our inspections strictly adhere to the international protocols and standards of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).
Calibrated and Traceable Equipment
Thickness gauges, hygrometers, porosity detectors, and tensile testers with valid calibration certificates issued by accredited laboratories.
