Selected Answers

From James Weber of James K Weber Consulting on August 13, 2020:
Actually, this question has no answer as "thermal ...read more Actually, this question has no answer as "thermal spray" is a technology used to apply a metal, ceramic, or polymer coating and not a specific coating itself. This is similar to saying " When is it cost effective to use paint in petrochemical facilities?" This could be TSA (thermal spray aluminum) to mitigate CUI, zinc-based coatings on storage tank exteriors, chrome oxide on tube sheets, super alloys on vessel walls, carbides on ball and gate valves, etc. A petrochemical facility (or jet aircraft!) cannot operate without some of these thermal spray coatings and wells can't be drilled without them either....so they are around!

From Wayne Senick of Termarust Technologies on August 11, 2020:
The real question here is the owner, in conjunctio ...read more The real question here is the owner, in conjunction with his corrosion mitigation team, has to determine whether the thermal spray technology will be effective at solving the corrosion issues existing in the facility. The thermal spray materials are excellent for flat surfaces, but the environment is critical. Using the thermal spray in conjunction with a duplex topcoat that supplies the IE. chemical resistance or abrasion resistance, if those are the criteria, is germane to the discussion. The focus should always be that the applied material will stop the corrosion issues present in the facility where it is being considered for use. All the conditions mentioned in the previous post, of course, are all germane to this discussion. But the first question should always be, will the applied thermal spray technology stop the corrosion in the areas where it's being considered? Does it have the right properties and chemistry to facilitate mitigation of the existing corrosion?

From Jaime Marcos of Profesional independiente on August 11, 2020:
Without more data, it is not possible to know when ...read more Without more data, it is not possible to know when it is better to apply one treatment or another. Because the choice of a coating depends on • Resistance to the exposure environment and working conditions. • Desired durability. • Permissiveness with environmental conditions. • Time available for the execution of the work. • Commissioning period (surface preparation, application and curing). • Other things being equal in the possible coatings, the cost is important.