KTA Staff

High-Temperature Service (Heat-Resistant) Coatings: Industries, Coating Types, Testing Protocols and Consequences of Testing Inconsistencies

4 Comments / Coatings, Lab Testing, Pipeline Coatings / By

High temperature-resistant coatings are used in a variety of industries and markets to prevent corrosion of steel subjected to extreme temperatures while in service. There are several testing protocols that are used to evaluate the performance of these coatings; however, performance comparisons are challenging since there is little uniformity or consistency of the test methods. […]

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scanning electron microscopy

Application of Scanning Electron Microscopy/Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) in the Analysis of Coating Failures

2 Comments / Coating Failure, Lab Testing / By

For clear, magnified images and quick, targeted analyses of elemental composition, SEM-EDS is the method of choice. Introduction. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) can be used to examine samples at very high magnifications – up to 1 million times!  The analysis of coating failures with an SEM typically only uses magnifications up to 10,000X, however,

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podcast 2 shop painting v shop and field painting

KTA University Podcast #2 – Total Shop Painting vs. Shop & Field Painting

Coatings, Podcast / By

This 24- minute podcast also features Ken Trimber as moderator, while Doug Reardon advocates total shop painting and John Todd promotes shop painting with field finish coating. Scenarios are posed by Trimber as Todd and Reardon take turns providing support for their approaches while divulging plenty of information on the subject. A podcast breakdown is

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microlearning

Challenges with Adult Learning… Using Microlearning to Effectively Educate

Adult Learning / By

Introduction Many employers and organizations seek training that is inexpensive, relevant to their industry/marketplace, focused on the goals of the employees as well as the organization, and can be delivered with minimal interruption to productivity.  Employees desire training that is immediate, focused, and specific to their needs. How can a course meet all expectations?  Understanding

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pipe coatings

Interior Pipe Coatings for Transporting Potable Water – Types and Considerations

3 Comments / Coating Standards, Coatings, Pipeline Coatings, Tanks, Water/Wastewater / By

Introduction Throughout most the world in developed countries, the public relies on access to a safe drinking water supply; something we frequently take for granted until it is compromised. Potable water frequently traverses through steel pipe to deliver it both safely and economically. However, because water in contact with steel will cause it to corrode,

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The Missing Piece: Collaborations Between Field Investigators and Laboratory Chemists

1 Comment / Coating Failure, Coatings, Lab Testing / By

Chances are, you have seen at least one procedural cop drama over the years. These shows all tend to follow a fairly standard formula: the crime occurs, the investigator is called in, the investigator gathers clues and interviews suspects, evidence is sent to a laboratory to confirm or refute theories, and by the end of

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cross hatch tape

Coating Adhesion Testing using Knife/Tape Methods

5 Comments / Coating Standards, Inspection, Instruments / By

Introduction Adhesion is an important physical characteristic of applied coating films and systems, and testing is frequently used as an indicator to whether an adequate bond exists between the substrate and primer (first coat) and/or between coats in multiple coat applications.  Adhesion testing may be a requirement of a coating specification, or may be used

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crane operator

Use of Overhead Cranes, Powered Industrial Trucks, and Slings – Risks of Unsafe Use and OSHA/ANSI Requirements for Training and Operation

Health & Safety / By

Introduction Efficient handling of materials is vital to the steel fabricating and coating shop processes. These facilities typically employ powered industrial trucks, overhead and gantry cranes, and slings to move tons of materials such as steel within the confines of a building, between buildings, and to/ from transportation vehicles. Material handling is not done without

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KTA Podcast #1 – Inorganic vs. Organic Zinc Rich Primers

3 Comments / Coatings, Podcast / By

Ken Trimber (KTA President) moderates as Bill Corbett (KTA COO) and Jim Machen (KTA Sr. Coatings Consultant) debate the merits of using inorganic vs. organic zinc rich primers. This 33 minute podcast finds Mr. Machen promoting the use of organic zinc rich primers, while Mr. Corbett supports the use of inorganic zinc rich primers. The

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surface profile pitted steel

Surface Profile Measurement Options on Rough/Pitted Steel Surfaces

Bridges, Inspection, Instruments, Steel, Surface Profile / By

Introduction Surface profile is defined as a measurement of the maximum peak-to-valley depth generated by abrasive blast cleaning and impact-type power tools. These operations effectively increase the surface area and provide an “anchor” for the applied coating system. The surface profile depth must be compatible with the total coating system thickness; typically, the thicker the

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