Project Design & Management Approach

Hochleitner provides each project with comprehensive documentation, images, and daily progress reports.

COATING INSPECTION

>> Project Management Approach ROADMAP 

The following is a summary of our approach:

Surface Inspection / Preparation

Surfaces to be prepared are inspected to assure that grease and oil, sharp edges, and weld spatter are removed. Abrasive equipment used for surface preparation is examined for adequacy to do the work. The size of abrasives is verified, proper degree of cleaning and surface profile is confirmed and magnetic base readings are obtained.

1. The Inspector will carry out visual and hands-on inspection as to verify the grade and condition of the surfaces to be prepared. Also review specification requirements and abrasive blasted samples. Due attention shall be paid to all welds as to ensure that have been tooled in accordance with project specification requirements.
2. Operations requiring such as blast cleaning, conventional spray application, and air for blow down are checked to assure that the air is free of moisture and oil contamination. The Inspector shall be present during “blotter testing” of air compressor equipment and blast nozzles.
3. Air and surface temperatures, relative humidity, and the dew point are monitored to assure that the work is done under proper weather conditions.
   The ambient weather and surface temperatures shall be measured and recorded to ensure that weather permits for surface preparation as recommended by the coating manufacturer.
4. Periodic inspections of the blast operation shall be performed to ensure that the contractor is effectively adhering to project specifications. Areas of insufficient or inadequate surface preparation are marked for repair and rework prior to the application of coatings.

Pre-Primer- Intermediate- Pre-Finishing & Final Coat Application

Dry film thickness of individual coats is measured to ensure that it complies with the specification requirements and manufacturer’s instructions. All dry film thickness surveys are measured according to SSPC-P A2 Standard.

5. The cleanliness (free from oil/grease, dry spray, overspray, or other detrimental contamination) of each coat is examined prior to application of the next. All dust, debris, that may affect the bond of the prime coat shall be removed prior to coating application approval.
6. Close observation of coating mixing will be performed to ensure the product has been mixed in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendation and SSPC “Good Paint Practice” guidelines. The Inspector shall record the coating batch/lot and dates of manufacture to ensure the proper coatings are being used and have not exceeded their shelf life.
7. Continuous monitoring of the coating applications and ambient weather/surface conditions shall be performed. Should the application be performed with disregard to SSPC “Good Paint Practice” the Contractor will be directed to discontinue application and the Owner’s Representative will be notified immediately. Similarly should the weather does not comply the manufacturer’s recommended parameters, the Contractor will be directed to discontinue application until the weather reverts.
8. The surfaces prime-coated shall be thoroughly inspected for coating coverage, color and consistency. The dry film thickness measured using a calibrated non-destructive type film thickness gauge. All areas shall be measured in accordance with SSPC P A-2 guidelines. Spot wet film thickness readings are taken to ensure that the correct amount of material is used. Areas found to be less than/more than the film thickness specified shall be identified to the Contractor for repair. In areas where the coating has been applied over dirt, debris, or other unsatisfactory material will be identified to the Contractor for repair. All surfaces coated revealing any defective appearance shall be identified to the Contractor for repair.
9. Upon acceptance of the Prime coat, the Contractor shall be given approval to apply the Intermediate / Pre-Finishing coat where applicable.
10. Upon completion of the final interior or exterior finish coat the Inspector shall conduct final inspections of the coating system. A Dry Film Thickness Survey (DFTS) shall be performed in accordance with SSPC PA-2. Any discrepancies shall be considered and a repair procedure will be effected.

Recoat Times: The time between coats can be critical for certain applications. The minimum and maximum recoat times are observed and recorded, and if roughening between coats is deemed necessary will be accomplished.

Final Inspection: Final inspection operations include visual appearance, cure assessment and holiday detection to assure that a void and pinhole free, continuous lining has been achieved.

Documentation: Detailed Daily Progress Reports will be provided with digital photographs and mailed electronically to the Project Engineer and client on a daily basis. In addition to progress reports, a final report summarizing the complete coating job, inspections, a list of equipment used and the calibration dates will be prepared and forwarded for final review and acceptance.

Any additional services that are deemed necessary will be provided.