The Coating Inspector (I)

Below we will list an important point that certifies the capabilities, roles and competencies of a coating inspector. 

by Eng. Nicolás F. Oriundo De la Cruz*

In the coatings industry, the processes of surface treatment and application of protective coatings are mostly very expensive, but essential if we want a good protection of our fixed assets, and if our good will be in hostile environments, then this whole process becomes critical tasks to develop.

That is why coating inspectors are widely used in the industry for the verification of the quality of the work that will be developed, in such a way that it assures the client or end user, that each task has been carried out according to engineering standards or technical specification as the case may be. 

The role of the coating inspector

Today the role of a coating inspector is wide and varied. Contract documents may summarize or give the scope of the coating inspector's duties during the course of the project, in some cases, the contract may refer to the coating inspector as quality control. 

That is why it is essential that the duties of the inspectors are well defined and that in this way there is no confusion during the duration of the painting project. Among the roles of a coating inspector can be mentioned the following:

- Be the intermediary between the end user and the contractor.

- Provide solid technical advice.

- Assist in obtaining quality work.

It must be made clear that the coating inspector is not a supervisor, therefore he should not attempt to engage in commercial or contractual matters between the end user and the contractor, unless it is at the request of the former.

Coating Inspector Knowledge

The coating inspector must be able to provide adequate technical advice and may devise or assist with the technical specification of the painting project, for this the inspector must have the following knowledge:

- Problems of the geographical location of the project and the conditions of service: the inspector must have this knowledge to give his opinion if the coating system is adaptable to the type of conditions it will face once put into service.

- Methods of surface preparation and cleaning: the coating inspector has to possess a deep knowledge about the different types of existing surface preparation and the cleaning methods available. 

- Methods of application of coatings: the Inspector must be familiar with the different types of application, whether of the traditional type (brush, roller, spray) or those of specialized application (airless, multicompenents, etc.), as well as understand the advantages and disadvantages that each method of application presents.

- Principles of corrosion: you must be very clear about the basic principles of corrosion and how this phenomenon can be controlled with the use of industrial coatings. The different forms of existing corrosion must also be understood.

- National and international technical standards: in the coatings industry many of these standards are used, which is why the coating inspector must be familiar with most of them, as well as the national standards that will govern the project which will depend on the location of the same.

- Design problems and related issues: the inspector should be informed and aware of potential design problems that occur in corrosion control and the different types of metal materials to be used in the project.

- Coating technology: you must also have a technical knowledge of the technology of coatings from the basic components for its elaboration, the characteristics of each type of generic coatings such as epoxy, polyurethanes, alkyds, among others.

- Cathodic protection: this type of protection can be used with or without the coating, for this, the coating inspector must also be familiar with the corrosion process for this type of protection, the different kinds of cathodic protection and especially the use of certain specific coatings.

- Galvanizing: This other method of corrosion control is a very effective and widely used process, which is why the inspector must have a knowledge of the galvanizing process, especially those works in which the steel structures are protected by the type of immersion.

It should also be known the appropriate method of pre-treatment and cleaning of galvanizing and especially the different coatings that are compatible with this type of material.

- Protection of welded joints: steel structures have some form or type of welding, which if not treated and protected properly will lead to a potential onset of corrosion and subsequent to the failure of the coating.

- Coating failures: Coating failures can occur during application, during curing and when in service. The inspector must have a good knowledge of the different types of existing failures that may be generated during the application of the coatings or an indication that may have caused it during curing and in service to perform traceability and determine the cause, as well as the various treatments that must be followed to repair the damage.

Note: In the next edition we will continue with the second part of this article.

* Eng. Nicolás F. Oriundo De la Cruz, General Manager OF SCC Ingenieros y Consultores S.A.C of Peru. NACE Inspector Level 1 CIP N° 39046. You can contact him by email [email protected] or by phone: +511 9878 16879.