Surface Prep Methods for Protective Coatings

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
SURFACE PREPARATION FOR

PROTECTIVE COATINGS AND LININGS
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Corrosion For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: COE-108.02 PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556
Engineering Encyclopedia Protective Coatings
Surface Preparation for
Protective Coatings and Linings
Section Page
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 3
SURFACE PREPARATION............................................................................................ 4
Surface Preparation Methods Used By Saudi Aramco ........................................ 4
Solvent Cleaning....................................................................................... 4
Hand- and Power-Tool Cleaning
(Steel Structures SSPC-SP-2, SP-3, and SP-11) ..................................... 5
Abrasive Blast Cleaning....................................................................................... 6
Brush-Off Grade ....................................................................................... 7
Commercial Grade.................................................................................... 7
Near White Grade ..................................................................................... 7
White Grade.............................................................................................. 7
Other Cleaning Methods...................................................................................... 8
Water Blasting .......................................................................................... 8
Acid Cleaning............................................................................................ 8
Water-Abrasive Cleaning .......................................................................... 8
Abrasive Blasting Equipment............................................................................... 9
Inspecting The Blasting Operation .......................................................... 11
Abrasive Blasting Materials ............................................................................... 11
ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION .......................................................................... 16

Environmental Criteria For Inspection ............................................................... 17
Temperature ........................................................................................... 17
Relative Humidity .................................................................................... 17
Dew Point ............................................................................................... 17
Frequency And Procedure For Recording Instrument Readings ....................... 18
Hygrometer ............................................................................................. 20
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

Surface Temperature Thermometer ....................................................... 22

Air Temperature Thermometer ............................................................... 22
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 23
WORK AID 1. HOW TO DETERMINE THE TYPES OF

SURFACE PREPARTION METHODS REQUIRED ............................. 24
WORK AID 2. HOW TO DETERMINE THE SURFACE

PREPARTION ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................... 25
BIBLIOGRAPHY........................................................................................................... 26
List of Figures
Figure 1. Abrasive Blast Cleaning Equipment -------------------------------------------------- 10
Figure 2. Anchor Patterns for Various Sizes of Sand Abrasives. -------------------------- 12
Figure 3. Dial Hygrometer---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20
Figure 4. Recording Hygrometer ------------------------------------------------------------------- 21
List of Tables
Table 1. SSPC Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards --------------------------------------------- 6
Table 2. Abrasives and Key Properties ----------------------------------------------------------- 13
Table 3. Dew Point Calculation Chart ------------------------------------------------------------- 18
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

INTRODUCTION
A number of surface-preparation techniques are used in the

field by the petroleum and petrochemical industry and by Saudi
Aramco specifically. These include hand-tool and power-tool
cleaning and abrasive blast cleaning. Other types of surface-
preparation and cleaning techniques are available. Some are
used extensively in the shop. The surface-preparation
techniques most commonly used by Saudi Aramco will be
described extensively.
Surface preparation is the key to long-term durability of paints,

protective coatings, and linings. Over 70% of all organic coating
failures are caused by improper surface preparation. Therefore,
it is important to properly specify, recognize the type of, and
inspect surface preparation (including the tools used to achieve
the result) conditions before the protective coating system is
applied. Additionally, the cost of surface preparation may be
50% or more of the total cost of the entire protective coating or
lining application, which emphasizes the importance of this
operation.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 3

SURFACE PREPARATION
It is important to properly specify the correct cleaning and

surface preparation methods. This requires a recognition of the
surface conditions. It also requires that the ambient conditions
be checked prior to the surface preparation and inspect surface
condition inspection before the protective coating system is
applied. This also includes the tools used to achieve the
surface preparation result.
The Saudi Aramco and Vendor Data Sheets gives specific
instructions on the type of surface preparation required for each
type of approved coating. It specified the method of cleaning
required, the standard to which the cleaning will be measured
and the profile of the cleaning, if one is required.
Surface Preparation Methods Used By Saudi Aramco

In this section the following types of surface preparation
methods will be discussed:
• Solvent Cleaning (Steel Structures SSPC-SP-1)
• Hand- and Power-Tool Cleaning (Steel Structures
SSPC-SP-2, SP-3, and SP-11)
• Abrasive Blast Cleaning
• Other Cleaning methods
Solvent Cleaning
Solvent cleaning method (Steel Structures SSPC-SP-1) is
always the first step for any surface before a protective coating
system is applied. SSPC-SP-1 is referenced in all other steel
structure cleaning procedures. Most frequently solvent cleaning
is undertaken with clean rags and the solvent necessary to
remove oil, grease, or other contaminants.
Steam cleaning with detergents is also acceptable ( see Color
Plate 4). Solvent cleaning is carried out until no oil or grease
remains; otherwise, rapid film failure of the protective coating or
lining will result because of lack of adhesion.

Mechanical-tool cleaning or abrasive blast cleaning should

never be used to remove oil, grease, or other similar
contaminants from the surface to be coated, because it will not
clean the surface. Instead it will impregnate the surface with the
contaminants; it may, in fact, cause further coating adhesion
damage.
Hand- and Power-Tool

Cleaning (Steel
Structures SSPC-SP-2,
SP-3, and SP-11)
Hand-tool cleaning is the oldest method for cleaning metal
before the application of protective coatings or paint. Hand
tools such as chipping hammers, wire brushes, and sanders
have been used for centuries. In recent years, power-operated
hand tools such as power wire brushes, sanders, impact
devices, and needle guns have increased cleaning rates.
Three SSPC specifications deal with hand-tool cleaning of steel.
• SSPC-SP-2 Hand Tool Cleaning

• SSPC-SP-3 Power Tool Cleaning
• SSPC-SP-11 Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal
SSPC-SP-11 is the latest specification and it is designed to be

used when a completely cleaned surface is required. The first
two specifications are employed when complete removal of rust,
or loose paints and coatings is not specified or required.
These types of cleaning can be used to advantage when other

cleaning, such as abrasive blast cleaning, is not practical. It may
be impractical to try to abrasive blast clean in tightly spaced
pipe racks. It may be impractical to blast clean where limited
cleaning is required, such as at pipe welds. Such a situation is
shown in Color Plate 5. Hand and Power Tool cleaning must be
used in this complex, cluttered area. Abrasive blast cleaning
would be unsuitable. Color Plate 6 shows power-tool cleaning
with a rotary power tool in the same situation. The methods are
practical for maintenance paints with good wetting properties.
They are not practical for paints and coatings based on
synthetic resins, which dry rapidly and do not wet the surface.

SSPC-SP-11 has been designed for use with complex coatings

that require uncontaminated surfaces. Its greatest advantage is
for use on small, confined steel surfaces that must be coated
with a sophisticated coating system.
To assist in inspecting the grinding of welds and their

preparation, a visual standard has been developed (see Color
Plate 16).
Abrasive Blast Cleaning

Four SSPC degrees of abrasive blast cleaning are specified in
the standards listed in
Table 1.
Table 1. SSPC Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards
SSPC STANDARD NAME SSPC STANDARD NUMBER (*)
Brush-Off Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-7 (Sa-1)
Commercial Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-6 (Sa-2)
Near-White Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-10 (Sa-2.5)
White Metal Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-5 (Sa-3)
* The grades in parentheses adjacent to the SSPC standard

designate similar grades of cleaning contained in the Swedish
Visual Standards. The complement to the Swedish Visual
Standards is the SSPC Visual Standards. These
specifications will be demonstrated in a subsequent module on
inspections.
The four grades of blast cleaning accomplish different purposes.

Brush-Off Grade
Brush-Off blast cleaning (SSPC-SP-7) is frequently specified for
a pre-inspection blast to determine the condition of a heavily
corroded, badly failed paint surface. Brush blast cleaning is
frequently used for storage tank bottoms before inspection. It
could be the abrasive blast counterpart to hand-tool or power-
tool cleaning. It removes loose mill scale, rust, and paint.
Commercial Grade
With the use of Commercial Grade blast cleaning (SSPC-SP-6),
approximately two-thirds of the surface is cleaned to bare metal.
This is suitable in an industrial atmosphere where a synthetic,
fast-drying coating system is specified for use.
Near White Grade

With the use of the Near White Grade blast cleaning method
(SSPC-SP10), nearly the entire surface is blasted to a bare
white condition. Approximately 5% of the surface may show
traces or shadows from oxides or previous paint systems. It is
used within the Kingdom mainly for preparing steel that will be
exposed to corrosive atmospheres where corrosion rates are
expected to exceed 2-3 mpy, or for use of coatings in immersion
services.
White Grade
With the use of White Grade blast cleaning (SSPC-SP-5) no
contaminants are left on the surface. It is specified by Saudi
Aramco for completely immersed surfaces in corrosive
conditions, such as vessel or tank bottom linings, pipe linings,
and pier/dock piling.
White-metal blast cleaning is the optimum grade of cleaning, the

most expensive grade, and the easiest to inspect.
Color Plate 7 shows an open air blasting operation.
Color Plate 8 shows the factory with an automated surface

preparation machine.
Color Plate 9 shows the cleaned steel leaving the automated

blaster.

Other Cleaning Methods

Many other types of surface preparation and cleaning are
available. Some of these are listed below because they are in
use; others are noted for their historical significance.
Water Blasting
Water at high pressure (generally >5000 psi) in combination
with hand- or power-tool cleaning is frequently used to clean
process units that have been previously painted with general
maintenance paints such as alkyd-based systems. This type of
cleaning is extremely popular because there is no airborne dust
or debris. In industrial areas, a service life of 8-10 years is
obtained from a 2-3 coat alkyd repair system. Water blasting is
shown in Color Plate 10.
The disadvantages of the method are poorly cleaned steel and

no anchor pattern, which make it less effective than the
commercial blast cleaning generally used in the same
circumstances. However, it also can be used to clean concrete
and to remove deteriorated concrete.
Acid Cleaning
Acid cleaning procedures are described in SSPC-SP-8,
"Pickling." These procedures are still used in shop applications
to some extent today. This type of cleaning results in a surface
that is free from all rust and mill scales. The steel is immersed
in a hot sulfuric acid bath and then neutralized and rinsed clean
(see Color Plate 11). The primary disadvantage of this
procedure is that it does not develop an anchor pattern.
Water-Abrasive
Cleaning
Water-abrasive blasting is an attempt to overcome the
disadvantages of poor cleaning by water blasting while reducing
the amount of airborne debris and dust. This can be
accomplished by:
• Injecting water into the sand stream of a conventional

abrasive-blasting operation.
• Injecting a small amount of abrasive into the water stream
of a high-pressure water blasting operation.

Both procedures yield a well-cleaned surface with the required

anchor pattern. However, an abrasive sludge develops that
must be cleaned from the surface, and there is extremely rapid
rust blooming on the steel surface. Sweet water is in short
supply in the Kingdom; although blasting can be carried out with
subsurface water, the cleaned surface must still be rinsed with
sweet water.
The rust inhibitors mentioned in the blasting specifications in

Volume 2, SSPC Paint Manual could be added to the sweet
water to delay rust blooming; however, such rust inhibitors
adhering to the cleaned steel may harm the applied paint film or
system. Although no data exist on the effect of such inhibitors
on paint life; the Corrosion Control Division does not
recommend their use at the present time
Abrasive Blasting Equipment

The equipment required for abrasive blast cleaning is shown in
Figure 1. In brief, an abrasive is metered into a compressed air
stream supplied at high pressure and high volume. The air
must be dry and free of contaminants, such as oil. Oil is the
most major cause of coating failures of those caused by
improper preparation. It is very important to make sure that the
blasting equipment used by the contractor has an air/oil
separator installed and that it is working properly. It is a simple
matter to check it using the paper test. Hold a piece of white
paper or cardboard in front of the blast nozzle. If the white
paper shows signs of oil, require that the equipment be repaired
before the process begins. Recheck the equipment after repair.
The blast unit has a Venturi-shaped nozzle that is carefully

designed and sized so the high pressure/high volume
compressed air expands, and the velocity of the abrasive air
stream may exceed 400 mph. With a carefully selected
abrasive, rapid cleaning and an acceptable anchor pattern can
be established. The anchor pattern or etch of the steel surface
produced by the impact of the abrasive bonds the coating to the
steel surface.

Warning: Be sure that the blast nozzle has a deadman

trigger on it which will allow automatic cut-off
of the air should the nozzle be dropped.
Personnel can be severely injured by high
pressure/high velocity air.
Figure 1. Abrasive Blast Cleaning Equipment
An abrasive blasting operation in the field is shown in Color

Plate 7. In shop applications, however, abrasive blast cleaning
is frequently carried out with large automated cleaning
equipment (Color Plate 8 and 9). Automated equipment is also
available for abrasive blast cleaning the bottoms of large
storage tanks prior to the application of an internal lining.

Inspecting The
Blasting Operation
The blasting operation must be inspected to verify that it is
being performed correctly. The following things require
inspection:
Oil in the Blasting Air - This must be checked carefully. Any

oil in the air will collect on the surface of the steel. Use a white
handkerchief or a piece of white blotter paper to check the air
stream for oil.
Blasting Nozzle Orifice Size - The diameter of the blasting

nozzle orifice is critical to the blasting operation. Use the
blasting nozzle orifice gauge to check the diameter to evaluate
its acceptability for use (see Color Plate 17).
Air Pressure - The air pressure must be at an acceptable level

according to the instructions. This is usually 90-110 psi. Use
the hypodermic needle gauge to check the air pressure (see
Color Plate 18).
Abrasive Blasting Materials

Abrasive blasting materials of specified size and composition
are required to give the correct surface preparation. The
surface preparation leaves a pattern that the coating will adhere
to. This pattern is called the profile or the anchor pattern.
Anchor patterns of various sizes of sand abrasive are shown in

Figure 2. The depth of the anchor pattern is an important factor
in bonding the coating or lining to the steel substrate.
Abrasives can range from walnut shells to steel shot. Table 2

lists various types of abrasives and their properties, such as
extent of breakdown upon impact and anchor pattern.

Figure 2. Anchor Patterns for Various Sizes of Sand Abrasives.

Table 2. Abrasives and Key Properties1
CAB CAB
Abrasive Natural Major Generic Shape Abrading Breakd
or Mfg. Chemical Type No. (Mils) own %
Component 45° of
Sample
Steel Shot Mfg. Iron Metallic Spherical 46 0

Steel Grit Mfg. Iron Metallic Angular 115 0
Chilled Mfg. Iron Metallic Angular 154 8
Iron Grit
Pure Alum Mfg. Aluminum Oxide Cubicle 101 24
Oxide
Reclaimed Mfg. Aluminum Oxide Cubicle 92 34
Alum.
Oxide
Garnet Natural Iron-Silica Oxide Cubicle 102 46
Mineral Mfg. Silica-Alum. Slag Cubicle 99 61
Slag Iron
Mineral Mfg. Silica-Alum. Slag Round 53 71
Shot Iron
Walnut Natural Cellulose Vegeta Cubicle 0 14
Shell ble
Flint Shot Natural Silica Silica Round 46 57
Silica Natural Silica Silica Cubicle 63 77
Sand
All- Natural Silica Silica Angular 53 90
Purpose
Sand
Silica Natural Silica Silica Angular 75 90
Sand
1
Source: Extracted from NACE "Coatings and Linings for Immersion Service" TPC NO. 2, 1972

Table 2. (Cont’d)
CAB CAB
Abrasive Natural Major Generic Shape Abrading Breakdo
or Mfg. Chemical Type No. (Mils) wn % of
Component 45° Sample
Silicon Mfg. Silica Carbide Blocky 114 57
Carbide
Glass Mfg. Silica Silica Round 44 35
Beads
Mullite Natural Alumina- Oxide Angular 37 88
Silica
Corn Cob Natural Cellulose Vegeta Angular 0 12
Grit ble
Standard Natural Silica Silica Angular 65 84
Sand

In the Kingdom, three types of abrasive are specified per

SAES-H-100 and SAES-H-101; they are:
• Sand - a naturally occurring abrasive. Refer to

SAES-H-100.
• Grit - a coal based slag. Refer to SAES-H-101 data
sheets.
• Garnet - Refer to SAES-H-101 data sheets.
Sand may be used for preparing the steel surfaces before

applying alkyd or epoxy systems (APCS 22 or 26) to wet or
previously painted steel surfaces. Sand may also be used for
brush blasting operations for inspection and pre-cleaning. Refer
to SAES-H-100, Appendix 1, for instructions concerning the
quality of sand. Sand that will meet the SAES requirements has
been located in certain areas of the Kingdom.
Slag or garnet must be used for all other applications. Slag and
garnet must be imported into the Kingdom. Importation makes
these materials very expensive. Slag is identified in SAES-H-
101 specifications as materials order numbers S/N 08-220-865
and garnet as S/N 08-202-900.
Anchor patterns depend on the proper abrasive size and

velocity. For many paint systems, the anchor pattern profile is
approximately 1.5 mils. This will be achieved with a blasting
pressure of 90-100 psi at the blasting nozzle and an abrasive
with a mesh size between 16 and 40.
Checking the profile of newly surfaced steel requires the use

any number of profile acceptance methods, such as those in
Color Plates 20, 21, and 22. There are others such as a
profilometer which is a measuring instrument that is moved
across the surface of the substrate and the profile (anchor
pattern) is recorded. The results can be read from a gauge or
from a print-out depending on the type used. The newest types
are digital and give a read out or a print out.

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION
When blasting surfaces, particularly those for critical coatings, it

is extremely important to check the ambient condition such as
the temperature and the dew point. If there is dew on the steel
during the blasting operation, it will cause rustbloom to set in
quickly, thus the coating will not adhere to the steel.
SSPC Surface Preparation Commentary in the SSPC Paint

Manual, Vol.2 Pages 11-26, and SSPC-PA-1 are the standards
for ambient conditions during surface preparation and paint
application. Ambient conditions are also covered in the
applicable SAES-H-100 and in the Data Sheets. Environmental
and ambient conditions are factors during surface preparation
that contribute to coating success or failure. They are as
important as the actual surface preparation. The Inspector must
ensure that the environment is suitable for surface preparation
prior to the start of any work.
The most important elements of environmental control are air

temperature, surface temperature of the substrate, relative
humidity, and dew point. The dew point is very critical to the
success of surface preparation. The dew point is the point at
which moisture will begin to form on the steel. Moisture on a
freshly blasted steel substrate will cause rust. This condition is
called rust bloom because the rust develops very quickly.
Moisture trapped between the coating and the steel substrate

increases the probability that the coating system will fail. Most
job specifications require the surface temperature of the steel
substrate to be at least 3 C above the dew point throughout
surface preparation, coating application, and the curing process.
Therefore, the Inspector must determine the long-range forecast
and ensure that the contractor can complete the job under
suitable environmental conditions.

Environmental Criteria For Inspection

There are some environmental criteria that are basic to coating
inspection and when writing specifications. Three of the most
important are as follows:
• Temperature
• Relative Humidity
• Dew Point
Temperature
Abrasive blasting is performed only when the surface
temperature is 3 degrees centigrade above the dew point (see
Paragraph 5.3.2, SAES-H-100). Abrasive blasting or coating
will never be performed when there is moisture or frost on the
steel substrate. This is a sure indication that the steel does not
meet the specified dew point specifications. In addition, the
materials and equipment manufacturer's specifications for air
temperature, surface temperature and relative humidity must be
maintained.
Relative Humidity
Dry air conditions are usually ideal for blast cleaning operations
provided the wind velocity is low and airborne dust is not a
factor. The Inspector must test the ambient conditions to
determine if the current conditions are within the specified
range. He allows work to begin if the relative humidity, dew
point, ambient temperature and other conditions are all within
the manufacturer's specified limits.
Dew Point
Relative humidity and temperature affects the dew point. The
value determined for relative humidity and the temperature (°C)
are used to determine the dew point from the chart given in
Table 1, SAES-H-100 (see the copy in
Table 3). Dew point is critical because moisture will form on the
surfaces that are to be prepared or coated when the surface
temperature is less than 3° C above the dew point temperature.
Improper Dew Point is unacceptable for either blast cleaning or
coating application and the Inspector cannot allow the work to
begin or continue if in progress.

Table 3. Dew Point Calculation Chart

Frequency And Procedure

For Recording Instrument Readings
Ambient conditions should be checked prior to the start of work
and should be checked every four hours thereafter. Most job
specifications are written to state "at least" or "a minimum" of
every four hours. In other words, readings may be taken more
frequently if ambient conditions are borderline or changing.
Some job phases may require constant monitoring of ambient
conditions such as air temperature and humidity. This constant
monitoring is required while steel is exposed after abrasive
blasting and before coating application is started. It is also
required during the curing process after coating application is
completed. Critical coating also requires constant monitoring of
ambient conditions. Applicable ambient conditions must be
maintained throughout the entire job starting before work begins
and continuing within specified limits while the work is going on
and until the coating is cured. The contractor may use
temporary enclosures, certain types of heaters, coolers and
ventilation devices to maintain a specified ambient environment.
If the contractor cannot maintain the environment, work will be
stopped until the contractor can meet the job specifications, the
conditions change, or the contractor requests and receives
permission from the project engineer to deviate from the job
specifications. The job specifications may say nothing about
temperatures, however the manufacturer's data sheet always
specify temperature requirements. These data sheets will be
followed in those cases where information in the job
specifications is unclear or unspecified. The Saudi Aramco and
Vendor Data Sheet will be used where manufacturers' data is
more restrictive than the job specifications. The Inspector may
decide to monitor the ambient conditions continuously any time
he feels it is necessary.

Hygrometer
Figure 3 shows a picture of a dial hygrometer. The hygrometer
is used to measure relative humidity. The relative humidity is
read from the scale of the hygrometer. The air temperature is
recorded with a thermometer. The dew point is determined from
Table 1 (ASES-H-100) which is a centigrade chart. Table 3
shows a dew point chart using the Fahrenheit temperature
scale. It is preferable to use the chart that matches the readings
on the instruments that register temperature to eliminate the
need for conversion.
Figure 3. Dial Hygrometer

The recording hygrometer is a constant recording device that

records air sampling results on a strip chart. The strip chart is a
continuous roll of paper. The recorded data becomes a
permanent part of the project record. Recording hygrometers
are used on all critical coating projects. Figure 4 shows a
recording hygrometer that records both humidity and
temperature. Other types that have the humidity read from a
dial are also available if the coating project is not critical.
Being developed by Graphics.
THIS GRAPHIC NOT YET

FOUND
Figure 4. Recording Hygrometer

Surface
Temperature
Thermometer
To use the dew point information obtained from the hygrometer
and the other instruments, the Inspector must know the
temperature of the surface of the substrate to be coated. The
surface temperature must be 3°C above the dew point
temperature before coating application can begin. There are
several surface temperature thermometers but the most
frequently used and least expensive is the dial surface
temperature thermometer. A dial gauge thermometer will
measure up to 700°F. Magnetic gauges of any type will only
work on ferrous metal surfaces. The temperature is read
directly from a round dial. The pointer is attached to a coiled
heat sensitive spring. As the spring reacts to the heat from the
surface, it unwinds and moves the indicating pointer.
Air Temperature
Thermometer
An air temperature thermometer should be available on the job
all the time. The most accurate temperature is taken from a
thermometer that is suspended in the air. It can be placed in
the immediate work area and suspended from a string. The
ambient temperature is the second factor in using the Dew Point
Calculation Chart.

GLOSSARY
dew point The temperature at which water vapors condenses and

starts to collect as a liquid on the surface of equipment and
pipelines.

WORK AID 1. HOW TO DETERMINE THE TYPES OF SURFACE

PREPARTION METHODS REQUIRED
This work aid consists of Chapter 2 in the SSPC Paint Manual,

Volume 2, 6th Edition.

WORK AID 2. HOW TO DETERMINE THE SURFACE PREPARTION

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATIONS
This work aid consists of the following sources:
SSPC-PA-1, Chapter 5, Section 6, Factors Affecting Application

of Paints, SSPC PAINT MANUAL, VOL. 2
SAES-H-100, Section 5
Applicable Data and Safety Sheets

BIBLIOGRAPHY
*SAES-H-100, Painting Requirements for Industrial Facilities,
30 November 1997.
*SAES-H-101, Aramco Paints and Coatings Systems,

30 April 1997
SSPC PAINT MANUAL, Volume 2, 6TH EDITION

Surface Prep Methods for Protective Coatings

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Surface Prep Methods for Protective Coatings

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

SURFACE PREPARATION FOR

Chapter : Corrosion For additional information on this subject, contact

ENVIRONMENTAL SPECIFICATION .......................................................................... 16

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

Surface Temperature Thermometer ....................................................... 22

WORK AID 1. HOW TO DETERMINE THE TYPES OF

WORK AID 2. HOW TO DETERMINE THE SURFACE

Figure 1. Abrasive Blast Cleaning Equipment -------------------------------------------------- 10

Figure 2. Anchor Patterns for Various Sizes of Sand Abrasives. -------------------------- 12

Figure 3. Dial Hygrometer---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 20

Figure 4. Recording Hygrometer ------------------------------------------------------------------- 21

Table 1. SSPC Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards --------------------------------------------- 6

Table 2. Abrasives and Key Properties ----------------------------------------------------------- 13

Table 3. Dew Point Calculation Chart ------------------------------------------------------------- 18

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

A number of surface-preparation techniques are used in the

Surface preparation is the key to long-term durability of paints,

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 3

It is important to properly specify the correct cleaning and

Surface Preparation Methods Used By Saudi Aramco

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 4

Mechanical-tool cleaning or abrasive blast cleaning should

Hand- and Power-Tool

Three SSPC specifications deal with hand-tool cleaning of steel.

• SSPC-SP-2 Hand Tool Cleaning

SSPC-SP-11 is the latest specification and it is designed to be

These types of cleaning can be used to advantage when other

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 5

SSPC-SP-11 has been designed for use with complex coatings

To assist in inspecting the grinding of welds and their

Abrasive Blast Cleaning

Table 1. SSPC Abrasive Blast Cleaning Standards

SSPC STANDARD NAME SSPC STANDARD NUMBER (*)

Brush-Off Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-7 (Sa-1)

Commercial Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-6 (Sa-2)

Near-White Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-10 (Sa-2.5)

White Metal Blast Cleaning SSPC-SP-5 (Sa-3)

* The grades in parentheses adjacent to the SSPC standard

The four grades of blast cleaning accomplish different purposes.

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 6

Near White Grade

White-metal blast cleaning is the optimum grade of cleaning, the

Color Plate 7 shows an open air blasting operation.

Color Plate 8 shows the factory with an automated surface

Color Plate 9 shows the cleaned steel leaving the automated

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 7

Other Cleaning Methods

The disadvantages of the method are poorly cleaned steel and

• Injecting water into the sand stream of a conventional

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 8

Both procedures yield a well-cleaned surface with the required

The rust inhibitors mentioned in the blasting specifications in

Abrasive Blasting Equipment

The blast unit has a Venturi-shaped nozzle that is carefully

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 9

Warning: Be sure that the blast nozzle has a deadman

Figure 1. Abrasive Blast Cleaning Equipment

An abrasive blasting operation in the field is shown in Color

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 10

Oil in the Blasting Air - This must be checked carefully. Any

Blasting Nozzle Orifice Size - The diameter of the blasting