TESTING

Paint tests

FES Servizi tests paints in its own laboratory using state-of-the-art equipment or directly at the customer's sites

Blasting control tests

Blasting control tests assess the level of cleaning and the profile according to the regulations in force (ASTM, ISO, NORSOK, NACE, etc.).

Survey of environmental conditions

The conformity of environmental conditions is fundamental to prevent film detachment problems. Special tools control the environment, indicating when the paint can be applied and when there is the need to stop or take particular precautions.

Thickness check

Paint thickness is fundamental to the correct execution of treatment and this is monitored through non-destructive tests using wet and dry film thickness gauges according to current standards (ASTM, ISO, NORSOK, NACE, etc.).

Adhesion tests

In some cases, we need to use destructive and standardized adhesion tests (ASTM, ISO). These tests fall into three types:

cross-cut test, by incision with a knife according to standardized methods;
cross-hatch test, by incision with a multi-blade knife according to standardized methods;
pull off test, using a special instrument that measures the force required to pull off a sample from the coating of paint.

Porosity tests

Submerged and underground structures, once painted, usually require special control tests that identify every minimal discontinuity in the coating, using a tool called a porosimeter. This test is essential to ensuring a product without coating defects; an underground or immersed product must be strictly free from corrosion trigger points, given the aggressiveness of the environment and the delicate and complex nature of maintenance operations.

Colour controls

This is one of the final checks of treatment, in which specific colour charts (RAL, MUNSELL, NCS, etc) are used to compare the exact colour of the finishing layer required.