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Question
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Dates Displayed
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Where would you use epoxy and cementitious intumescent coatings?
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5/13 to 5/19/2013
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How does the concave or convex curvature of a surface affect the dry film thickness reading?
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5/6 to 5/12/2013
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What type of generic coating is required to protect the inside of a tank containing liquid with pH ranging from 2 to 13 and operated at 65-80°C? Why?
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4/29 to 5/5/2013
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Is there a place for using “rust convertors” in heavy-duty maintenance projects?
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4/22 to 4/28/2013
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How do you repair polyurea coatings?
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4/15 to 4/21/2013
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What are the limitations of rust-encapsulating coatings?
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4/8 to 4/14/2013
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What is the effect of the wind-chill factor on the curing of epoxy and PU when temperatures are similar?
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4/1 to 4/7/2013
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How do you properly coat welded joints?
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3/25 to 3/31/2013
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What is most effective treatment for steel contaminated with MIC before painting ?
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3/18 to 3/24/2013
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What is the best way to repair localized coating breakdown on steel?
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3/11 to 3/17/2013
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What causes blistering/crater formation in freshly applied polyurethane topcoats, and how can this be avoided?
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3/4 to 3/10/2013
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What action should be taken if the IOZ fails the MEK test?
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2/25 to 3/3/2013
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What causes amine blush in epoxy topcoats?
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2/18 to 2/24/2013
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Can water be sprayed onto an IOZ coated surface, which has not fully cured due to low humid conditions, to accelerate the cure?
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2/11 to 2/17/2013
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What is the maximum temperature that an epoxy powder coating can resist when applied on steel substrate?
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2/4 to 2/10/2013
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What should be included in the risk assessment of a particular painting project?
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1/28 to 2/3/2013
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During newbuilding, do I have to stripe coat edges if I am using an edge retention primer?
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1/21 to 1/27/2013
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Is the MEK rub test a conclusive test to check the cure of IOZ coatings?
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1/14 to 1/20/2013
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I am experiencing problems with a paint system on some vessels we built. The system is an ethyl silicate zinc primer, glass flake epoxy tie-coat and aliphatic poly top coat. The project is constructed from A516 boiler plate 1/4 in thick. Blasted to SP10 with 2.5 mil profile. Painting is being done inside a paint booth where ambient conditions clearly meet the specification. The coatings are exhibiting symptoms of solvent popping in a specific area on the exterior of the vessel. The problem only manifests itself over the back side of a weld that is on the inside of the vessel. We have made numerous adjustments to the system as well as the process to try to solve the issue. Nothing is helping. The manufactures reps are scratching their heads, and I am pulling my hair out. Any input would be welcome.
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1/7 to 1/13/2013
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Which industries or market sectors are adopting the use of powder coating?
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12/24 to 1/6/2013
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What causes bubbling or cratering of epoxy intermediate coat when applied over epoxy zinc-rich primer?
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12/17 to 12/23/2012
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What is the correct procedure for carrying out preventive maintenance painting work in a small chemical product tank?
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12/10 to 12/16/2012
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As an engineer in a moderate-sized chemical plant, how can I justify the cost of third-party inspection to upper management?
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12/3 to 12/9/2012
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When should the adhesion of an applied coating or lining multi-coat system be tested?
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11/26 to 12/2/2012
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What’s the best way to prevent corrosion of reinforcing bar in concrete?
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11/19 to 11/25/2012
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Is it cost-effective to pressure wash a bridge or other structure before abrasive blasting? What pressures, flow rates, and procedures are recommended?
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11/12 to 11/18/2012
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Under what types of exterior atmospheric exposures (other than marine) is it necessary to test for soluble salts?
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11/5 to 11/11/2012
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Is it cost-effective to grind steel edges before coating for atmospheric service? Why or why not?
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10/29 to 11/4/2012
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Under what conditions should small-diameter blisters (<1.5 inches) in a water tank lining be repaired/repainted? Should the blisters be broken and the substrate examined?
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10/22 to 10/28/2012
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What causes static electricity during abrasive blasting? What risk does it pose, and how can it be controlled?
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10/15 to 10/21/2012
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What differences in performance and speed do you see among plural-component, conventional airless, and conventional air spraying equipment for field painting structural steel?
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10/8 to 10/14/2012
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What is the best method for protecting cables on suspension bridges from corrosion?
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10/1 to 10/7/2012
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What are the performance distinctions among various types of intumescent coatings (for example, water-based, solvent based, epoxies, methacrylates, etc.)?
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9/24 to 9/30/2012
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From a specifier’s point of view, what are the important distinctions between various products that are classified as polyurea?
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9/10 to 9/16/2012
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What is the proper surface preparation for stainless steel before coating to resist a salt-laden atmosphere?
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9/3 to 9/9/2012
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How pure must fresh water be for water washing or waterjetting, and how do you determine the water’s purity?
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8/27 to 9/2/2012
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How long after blasting can stainless steel be left before painting? If this time is exceeded, what further surface preparation is required?
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8/20 to 8/26/2012
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What are the advantages and disadvantages of using mechanical equipment inspectors or welding inspectors, instead of certified coating inspectors, to perform coating inspection duties?
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8/13 to 8/19/2012
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What advantages/disadvantages have you seen with using recycled glass abrasives vs. traditional abrasives?
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8/6 to 8/12/2012
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What is the effect of using a lower-metallic-content zinc-rich epoxy on the life of a paint system?
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7/30 to 8/5/2012
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What are the pros and cons of specifying sieve sizes for abrasives?
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7/23 to 7/29/2012
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Which factors are most important in selecting coatings for new concrete?
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7/16 to 7/22/2012
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What are the most effective procedures for protecting steel and adjacent concrete together?
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7/9 to 7/15/2012
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What must specifiers consider when selecting and using sealants and grouts to fill gaps and seal concrete structures?
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7/2 to 7/8/2012
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What coating problems are likely in storage tanks that have dissimilar metal sides and floors?
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6/25 to 7/1/2012
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When blasting cast-iron structural steelwork, what type of defects might be found, and how do you address them?
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6/18 to 6/24/2012
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What are the criteria for selecting coatings for application during extreme (atmospheric) heat?
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6/11 to 6/17/2012
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How do you remove all traces of an uncured internal coating from a tank when abrasive blasting is not an option?
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6/4 to 6/8/2012
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In preparing for coating, what is the best way to treat a steel surface that has been attacked by microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)?
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5/29 to 6/1/2012
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What tests should be run to determine if an existing concrete bridge pier needs rehabilitation or repair before cleaning and coating?
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5/21 to 5/27/2012
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What is the most common or economical coating system for rehabbing the exterior of above-ground storage tanks?
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1/2 to 5/22/2012
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What is the best way to achieve proper surface preparation in areas with limited access, such as interior box beams on bridges?
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5/14 to 5/20/2012
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What are the most effective procedures for protecting steel and adjacent concrete together?
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5/7 to 5/13/2012
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How do you determine whether a lead-bearing coating can be overcoated or removed and replaced?
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4/30 to 5/6/2012
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We are restricted to applying road marking paints during hot, humid summer nights, on surfaces very often below dew point conditions. What is the best generic type of marking paint to use?
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4/23 to 4/29/2012
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How long can a blasted surface be left before priming under different temperatures/relative humidity environments?
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4/16 to 4/22/2012
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How do you know when pot life has expired? Can you extend pot life and, if so, how?
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4/9 to 4/15/2012
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How do you protect concrete against microbiologically influenced corrosion?
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4/2 to 4/8/2012
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How do I minimize corrosion at the splash zone on sheet pile and piping in brackish water?
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3/26 to 4/1/2012
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How can active corrosion be determined on a live pipeline?
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3/19 to 3/25/2012
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How do you determine if local water is suitable for use in UHP waterjetting, particularly in areas where potable water is scarce?
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3/12 to 3/18/2012
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What’s the best way to prevent corrosion of reinforcing bar in concrete?
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3/5 to 3/11/2012
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If a paint data sheet notes a required primer thickness of 125 microns, but the project specification calls for 50 microns, how is this resolved?
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2/27 to 3/4/2012
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Some painting specifications call for the use of “Best Effort” in relation to blasting. How does one determine “Best Effort?”
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2/20 to 2/26/2012
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How do you adequately assess the adhesion of a newly applied coating?
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2/13 to 2/19/2012
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What measures must you take to determine and assure the cleanliness of an abrasive?
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2/6 to 2/12/2012
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When the relative humidity in a paint shop exceeds 80%, how can you apply waterborne inorganic zinc so that it cures sufficiently for topcoating in a reasonable time?
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1/30 to 2/5/2012
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Is stainless steel banding suitable for fixing galvanized insulation cladding? If not, why not?
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1/23 to 1/29/2012
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When and why would I need to stripe coat if I’m using an edge-retention primer?
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1/16 to 1/22/2012
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What is the best method for removing production machine oils soaked deeply into a concrete floor before applying a non-skid coating?
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1/9 to 1/15/2012
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When performing maintenance painting of tank coatings, what are the pros and cons of overcoating an existing lining that appears to be in good condition?
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1/2 to 1/8/2012
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Is there a requirement that NIST calibration plates or blocks be calibrated? If so, what is the best way to do so?
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12/19 to 12/25/2011
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What is the service life of a painted weathering steel bridge, compared to a painted carbon steel bridge in the same service environment?
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12/12 to 12/18/2011
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When preparing to refurbish an old concrete secondary containment wall around a storage tank, what criteria should be used to determine if a crack can be repaired for coating or if the section of the wall should be rebuilt?
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12/5 to 12/11/2011
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How do you measure the DFT or WFT of a film-forming sealer applied to a metallized coating (e.g., flame-sprayed zinc)?
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11/21 to 12/4/2011
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When is it cost-effective to use thermal spray in petrochemical facilities?
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11/14 to 11/20/2011
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What is the best method for preparing newly galvanized steel to be overcoated with an epoxy system?
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11/7 to 11/13/2011
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Which generic coating systems are suitable for protecting pipeline internals carrying highly abrasive media?
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10/31 to 11/6/2011
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What can be done to prevent rust bleed in crevices when applying a zinc/epoxy/urethane system?
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10/24 to 10/30/2011
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When should you specify UHP waterjetting on bridges?
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10/17 to 10/23/2011
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What health and safety precautions do contractors have to take when applying isocyanate-cured epoxies in the field?
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10/10 to 10/16/2011
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When applying a 100% solids, fast-curing polyurea coating on concrete, what is the best method for verifying that the proper thickness has been applied?
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10/3 to 10/9/2011
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How do you calibrate a DFT gauge in the magnetic field of a live power plant to measure coatings on steel substrates?
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9/26 to 10/2/2011
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Are there special primers and surface preparation requirements for painting unpainted aluminum?
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9/19 to 9/25/2011
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What is an acceptable level of moisture in concrete walls before painting with an acrylic system, and how is the moisture level measured?
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9/12 to 9/18/2011
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Is it necessary to holiday test the interior lining in the vapor phase (roof) of water storage tanks after coating?
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9/5 to 9/11/2011
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Specifications often state that glossy surfaces must be dulled before overcoating. What are some methods for doing this, especially when sanding isn’t feasible or desirable?
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8/29 to 9/4/2011
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How do you successfully apply a chemical-resistant lining to the interior of small-diameter pipes (3 inches or less)?
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8/22 to 8/28/2011
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How should a conflict between requirements, such as film thickness, on a product data sheet and the specification be resolved?
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8/15 to 8/21/2011
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How can I determine the cleanliness of stainless steel for painting after blast cleaning?
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8/8 to 8/14/2011
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Which lining systems are suitable for the maintenance painting of an mono ethylene glycol storage tank protection?
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8/1 to 8/7/2011
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What are the options for shop-applied systems (surface preparation and coating type) to protect the interiors and exteriors of new saltwater storage tanks and associated steelwork that will be exposed to seawater, and that will allow for easy touchup and maintenance once the structures are erected?
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7/25 to 7/31/2011
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What is the remedial action if a blaster produces too high a surface profile for the required primer thickness?
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7/18 to 7/24/2011
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Lighthouse Painting: I'm with a Massachusetts municipal park department and have been ordered by the city's administration to "get the lighthouse painted." I know there's far more to it than just grabbing a brush and a can of paint. I need to know how to write specifications for a bid for such a project, as well as how to locate companies that might want the job. Since I'm starting from scratch here, any information or references would be greatly appreciated.
Submitted by reader William Woolley
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7/11 to 7/17/2011
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What are the best cycles to use in cyclic accelerated corrosion testing to achieve the highest correlation with atmospheric exposure in a northern, industrial environment?
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7/4 to 7/10/2011
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What steps must be taken to mitigate poor adhesion over an existing aged silver aluminum paint? What primer will achieve good adhesion?
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6/27 to 7/4/2011
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Which DFT statistics should be recorded in a daily inspection report, and why are they relevant to a good coating QC record?
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6/20 to 6/26/2011
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I need to embed a metallized culvert liner on concrete. I've been told I have to paint it to avoid adhesion problems between the metal liner and the concrete. Is this true and, if so, what type of coating is best?
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6/13 to 6/19/2011
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What is the preferred method to remove 25-year-old coal tar epoxy from a carbon steel tank in order to reline?
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6/6 to 6/12/2011
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What smartphone apps or online tools do you find useful in your job? How do they work, and how have they benefited you?
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5/31 to 6/5/2011
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What percentage of deterioration is acceptable at a one-year warranty inspection of water tank linings before a contractor must repair the coating job?
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5/23 to 5/29/2011
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What is best way to remedy over-thickness of a topcoat after it has dried and cured?
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5/9 to 5/15/2011
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A specification requires Manufacturer X’s system “or equivalent.” What does “or equivalent” mean, and who decides what’s “equivalent?”
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5/2 to 5/8/2011
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When specifying coatings for maintenance repainting of structural steel, under what conditions is it acceptable to settle for a surface-tolerant system, and when is such a system unacceptable?
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4/25 to 5/1/2011
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How do you gauge the remaining service life of an aging FBE system on a buried transmission pipeline?
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4/18 to 4/24/2011
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How clean must the compressed-air supply be for blast cleaning, blow down and painting? How is cleanliness of the air determined?
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4/11 to 4/17/2011
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Under what conditions should stainless steel be painted in the oil and gas industry?
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4/4 to 4/10/2011
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When moisture permeates concrete slabs or walls below grade, how can this problem be solved and does it require excavation?
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3/28 to 4/3/2011
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How does rapid depressurization affect lining performance in vessels and line pipe, and how can you identify any failure that might result?
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3/21 to 3/27/2011
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How do admixtures to concrete (hardeners, anti-dust compounds, etc.) affect coating adhesion? What can be done to eliminate or minimize negative effects?
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3/14 to 3/20/2011
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When implementing an in-plant, exterior exposure, or accelerated testing program for coatings, should the test panels be scribed? Why?
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3/7 to 3/13/2011
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How do you measure wet film thickness on shop-applied organic zinc-rich primers to accurately predict dry film thickness?
Our shop applies a great deal of OZ primer, and we have found that WFT readings with a standard gauge are not accurate predictors of DFT.
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2/28 to 3/6/2011
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What is the state-of-the-art treatment and preservation of the many cables used on suspension bridges?
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2/21 to 2/27/2011
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What is the maximum number of holidays that should be permitted for linings used in immersion service, and why?
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2/14 to 2/20/2011
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How does residue from chemical stripping affect the performance of the replacement coating?
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2/7 to 2/13/2011
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When SSPC-SP3 (Power Tool Cleaning) is specified, how should one decide when to apply the power tool to the entire surface and when to use it just where the coating appears to be defective or rusting?
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1/31 to 2/6/2011
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What are the pros and cons of using shotblasting to remove a coating system from a concrete floor?
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1/24 to 1/30/2011
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How should surface preparation be conducted in non-sparking atmospheres?
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1/17 to 1/23/2011
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Is grinding the only way to remove large areas of a silicone coating from a ship's hull to replace the silicone with an epoxy mastic?
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1/10 to 1/16/2011
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When performing maintenance surveys on structures that require coatings under insulation, how do you inspect the condition of the coatings?
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1/3 to 1/9/2011
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What is the Cold Wall Effect? Can it cause premature coating failure and, if so, how do I prevent or minimize it?
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12/20 to 1/2/2011
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The literature indicates that UHP waterjetting does produce a profile on steel, although of a micro nature. Is this sufficient roughness for good adhesion of thin film primers (e.g. < 2 mils dft)?
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12/13 to 12/19/2010
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Is it sufficient to specify simply that paint should be applied "according to the manufacturer’s instructions?" If not, what kind of detail should be included?
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12/6 to 12/12/2010
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What quality control checks can I use to assure the cleanliness of steel abrasive in a fabricator's or shipyard's shop?
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11/22 to 11/28/2010
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How do you repair delaminated areas of an elastomeric polyurea when the majority of the coating system is intact?
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11/15 to 11/21/2010
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How do you maintain a proper operating mix of recyclable abrasive in the field?
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11/8 to 11/14/2010
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How do I identify and remove airborne particles like sugar dust from recently prepared steel in food processing plants that operate 24/7?
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11/1 to 11/7/2010
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How can I determine when concrete has cured sufficiently to be coated, besides waiting the 28 days typically specified?
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10/25 to 10/31/2010
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When we use field splice plate connections on structural steel projects, how do we prevent rust and rust staining at bolt heads and at the splice plate/steel interface?
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10/18 to 10/31/2010
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How do I determine when a cementitious-based mortar used to repair exterior concrete is ready to be coated?
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10/11 to 10/17/2010
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The façade of my late-19th-century, cast-iron office building has been coated several times, most recently in the 1960s. The paint is faded and delaminating, and I want to remove and replace it. How do I assess the condition of the cast iron and coating, repair weakened areas of the cast iron, and prepare and recoat the surface?
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10/4 to 10/10/2010
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When a food plant runs 24/7 even during coating maintenance, tiny food particles floating in the air (e.g., sugar from sugar processing) in the plant can contaminate a prepared surface. How do you prevent such contamination, or identify it and remove it before applying the coating?
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9/27 to 10/3/2010
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What is the best way to remove thick film elastomers from floors and ship decks?
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9/20 to 9/26/2010
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Animal fat in slaughterhouses often penetrates concrete surfaces. If the fat is not removed before the concrete is coated, the fat can cause the coating to fail. How do you identify and remove the contamination before coating the concrete?
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9/13 to 9/19/2010
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What kind of coating system, including surface preparation, should be used to protect a steel factory roof that is subject to hydrochloric acid vapors and other industrial pollutants and particulates in a hot, humid environment?
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9/7 to 9/12/2010
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What are the alternatives for removing mildew from previously uncoated concrete block exteriors before coating?
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8/30 to 9/7/2010
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What are the benefits and risks of using holiday testing on mat-reinforced, thermoset linings (over a conductive primer) on concrete substrates intended for immersion service? Should other tests be performed with or instead of holiday testing?
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8/23 to 8/29/2010
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What are the significant differences in performance between an inorganic zinc primer (ethyl silicate) and an organic zinc primer (epoxy), given the same application and exposure conditions?
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8/17 to 8/22/2010
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Is there a definitive relationship between mechanical properties of coatings (such as elongation and tensile strength) and crack-bridging capability?
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8/11 to 8/16/2010
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What procedures and tools are needed for assessing the condition of coatings and substrates in a process facility to develop a maintenance painting plan?
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8/4 to 8/10/2010
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How can you justify the cost of installing an auto-blast machine and a paint booth in a fabricator's shop, and what resources are available to carry out such an analysis?
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7/19 to 7/28/2010
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If I apply 140 microns of inorganic zinc to a steel substrate with a 75 micron profile, is there any concern about cracking of the primer during storage, shipment, and erection of the structure, or with field-application of a topcoat?
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7/7 to 7/18/2010
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I have several water tanks constructed with carbon steel for demineralized water storage. The tanks are about 20 years old, and the original coating has started to blister. For refurbishment of the coating, what material should be used and at what dry film thickness? The original type of coating is unknown.
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6/22 to 7/6/2010
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If I apply a zinc-rich epoxy primer at 3 mils’ dry film thickness in the shop with air temperature of 90 F, what checks can I make to determine when it is safe to handle and stack the primed steel components?
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5/31 to 6/22/2010
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How do you determine the size of the dehumidification equipment required for a tank lining project?
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5/24 to 5/30/2010
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How should a contractor respond when he reads a specification requirement that "the nominal dry film thickness of the coating shall be 3 mils"?
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5/17 to 5/23/2010
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How does abrasive recycling affect cleaning rates when steel is blast-cleaned in the field?
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5/6 to 5/13/2010
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A specification for a bridge to be built of high-performance weathering steel (HPS GR50/GR70W) requires an SSPC-SP 10, a profile of 3 to 5 mils, and metallizing with a final dft of 10-12 mils. What challenges, time, and costs are associated with obtaining the profile, primarily in the shop but also in the field? Are there any long-term performance issues with metallizing over weathering steel?
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4/23 to 5/5/2010
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