SSPC-Guide 27

September 20, 2019

SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings

TECHNOLOGY GUIDE 27
Recommended Performance Properties for Liquid-Applied
Organic Polymeric Coatings and Linings for Concrete
Structures in Municipal Wastewater Facilities

1. Scope * D1640 Standard Test Methods for Drying, Curing,

or Film Formation of Coatings at Room
This guide provides recommendations for laboratory test Temperature
and field performance properties used in selecting coatings D1653 Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor
and linings used to protect sound concrete substrates in Transmission of Organic Coating Film
municipal wastewater collection systems and treatment
* D2369 Standard Test Method for Volatile Content
plant facilities. Exposure environments include immersion of Coatings
and headspace service areas. Minimum recommended
* D2621 Standard Test Method for Infrared
acceptance criteria are also included.
Identification of Vehicle Solids From
Performance recommendations for interior linings and Solvent-Reducible Paints
exterior coatings for concrete sewage pipe (RCP, CCP
D4060 Standard Test Method for Abrasion
or PCCP), interceptors, tunnels in wastewater collection
Resistance of Organic Coatings by the
systems, and chemical secondary containment applications
Taber Abraser
are addressed in other technical publications. Concrete
D6943 Standard Practices for Immersion Testing
repair products and resurfacing material requirements are
of Industrial Protective Coatings
beyond the scope of this guide.
D7234 Standard Test Method for Pull-Off Adhesion
Units of Measure: This guide provides both ASTM(1)/ Strength of Coatings on Concrete Using
Portable Pull-Off Adhesion Testers
IEEE SI 10, “American National Standard for Metric Practice”
International System Units (SI) units and U.S. Customary E96 Standard Test Methods for Water Vapor
units. The measurements are not exact equivalents; Transmission of Materials
therefore each system must be used independently of the G210 Standard Practice for Operating the Severe
other without combining in any way. Where both sets of units Wastewater Analysis Testing Apparatus.
are shown, U.S. Customary units are presented first, with
approximate SI conversions shown in parentheses. 3. Definitions

2. Referenced Standards Advanced Treatment: Specialized processes that

remove specific organic and inorganic contaminants from
2.1 The date of the referenced standard in effect at the wastewater, e.g. phosphorous and ammonia.
time of publication of this guide was used in the development
of the Guide unless otherwise noted. Standards marked with Aggressively Corrosive Environments: Headspace
an asterisk (*) are referenced only in the Notes. or immersion exposures or service conditions under which
concrete is rapidly degraded due to acidic attack or to
2.2 American Society for Testing and Materials expansive chemical deterioration or to cracking or spalling
(ASTM) Standards: promoted by the corrosion of reinforcing steel within the
concrete (related to high chloride ion ingress into the
concrete).
* D562 Standard Test Method for Consistency of
Paints Measuring Krebs Unit (KU) Viscosity
Using a Stormer-Type Viscometer Aqueous Phase Carbonation: The corrosion
mechanism that occurs below the waterline in wastewater
* D1475 Standard Test Method For Density of Liquid
treatment plant structures in which dissolved carbon dioxide
Coatings, Inks, and Related Products
(CO2) evolves as carbonic acid and causes gradual pH
(
AS M nternational, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, reduction of the alkaline, hardened cement paste in concrete
phone int+1-610-832-9500 or re erenced AS M standards, visit the AS M website
<http //www astm org> which can, in turn, be dissolved and washed away leaving
This standard developed by the SSPC C 1 14 Committee on Coatings for Concrete in
Wastewater Facilities was first issued as SSPC-Paint 44 in 2013 and was revised into
SSPC-Guide 27 in September 2019

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SSPC-Guide 27
September 20, 2019
exposed coarse aggregate. The main reaction compound
from carbonation is calcium carbonate, which is the reason
for the term carbonation.
Biogenic Sulfide Corrosion: The corrosion mechanism
that occurs in the aerated spaces of structures in wastewater
systems in which sulfur oxidizing bacteria (SOB), mainly
thiobacillus, metabolize hydrogen sulfide to form sulfuric acid
while, in turn, causes acidic attack of the alkaline cement
paste in concrete.
Coating: A liquid, liquefiable, or mastic composition that
is converted to a solid protective, decorative, or functional
adherent film after application as a thin layer.
Collection Systems: The series of laterals, manholes,
interceptors and pump stations through which municipal
wastewater is transported to the treatment facility.
Damage Mechanism: For the purposes of this
document, this refers to a specific chemical corrosion
process that results in the degradation of concrete.
Headspace: Enclosed portions of concrete structures
in wastewater applications in which the concrete substrate
would be expressed to corrosive gases such as H2S, CH4,
and CO2.
Headworks: The entrance structures for wastewater
treatment plants in which wastewater from the collection
system is brought together to be conveyed to preliminary or
primary treatment in the wastewater treatment plant..
Lining: A material used to protect the interior of a
container against corrosion and/or to protect the contents
of the container from contamination by the container shell
material. Sprayable linings, sheet liners, and drop-in liners
can be used to accomplish these purposes,
Preliminary Treatment Systems: The first steps
in processing municipal wastewater, which consists of
monitoring flow, screening debris, and removing grit (heavy
inorganic solids).
Primary Treatment: The process by which contaminants
that either float or settle are removed from the wastewater
(e.g., oils, greases, solids etc.).
Secondary Containment: Structures (often concrete
dikes) that provide chemical spill containment should the
primary means of chemical storage fail or leak.
Secondary Treatment: The process by which
microorganisms are used to absorb and oxidize organic
substances from the wastewater.
2
Severe Service (concrete): Environments in which
surfaces and applied coatings have significant exposure to
traffic, chemicals, or changes in temperature.
Solids Dewatering and Handling: The process by
which wastewater sludge (settled solids) is removed from
the wastewater treatment process and treated to remove
excess water.
Wastewater Sludge: Solid, semisolid, or liquid
material generated from a wastewater treatment process. A
biologically active mix of water, organic matter (derived from
human wastes, food wastes, etc.), inorganic solids (including
trace elements), dead and alive microorganisms (including
pathogens), and trace contaminants (e.g., chemicals).
Wastewater sludge is generated in primary settling tanks
(“clarifiers”) and secondary settling tanks and, in most cases,
is a slightly viscous, gray-brown liquid.
4. Locations of Aggressive Corrosion Damage
Mechanisms in Municipal Wastewater
Collection Systems and Treatment Plants
The most aggressive corrosion damage mechanisms
that concrete encounters in municipal wastewater collection
systems and treatment plants (excluding the exceptions
identified in the Scope) are:
4.1 ACIDIC ATTACK MECHANISMS
4.1.1 Biogenic Sulfide Corrosion: This occurs
in the headspaces of pipelines, interceptors, tunnels,
pump stations, lift stations, headwork structures, grit
chambers, screening structures, primary clarifiers, aeration
tanks, trickling filters, and other structures. Its level of
aggressiveness is influenced by length of wastewater transit
time, biosolids septicity, wastewater temperature, turbulent
flow conditions at the point of H2S gas liberation, ventilation
(air changes), wastewater velocity and flow rates upstream
of the structure, and many other factors.
Coating or lining resistance to biogenic sulfide corrosion
is a function of several properties. The most important of
these properties are chemical resistance to sulfuric acid
(H2SO4) and good permeation resistance to H2S, CO2, and
CH4 gases.
Biogenic sulfide metabolism of sulfides to form acids
also causes acidic attack of concrete in immersion service
areas such as biofilters. In these areas, the acid formed
on the filter media is washed down onto concrete surfaces
where the filtrate is collected and conveyed. The acid attacks
the alkaline cement paste in these immersion exposure
areas, rather than in a headspace.
4.1.2 Aqueous Phase Carbonation: This occurs in all
collection system and treatment plant structures exposed
to low pH or near-neutral pH water or wastewater that is
low in alkalinity and hardness. The effects are made more

aggressive in pure oxygen reactors (in Secondary Biological
Treatment) where pressurized headspaces force more CO2 (a
by-product of bacterial respiration in the treatment process)
to remain in solution. This causes more of the CO2 to evolve
as carbonic acid, depressing the pH of the wastewater, and
promoting promotes acidic attack of calcium hydroxide and
other calcium silicate hydrates in the concrete’s cement
paste.
Coating or lining performance relative to resistance to
aqueous phase carbonation has been shown to be mainly
based on good permeation resistance to water, water vapor,
and chemical resistance to waters having a pH in the 4.0 to
6.0 range.
4.1.3 Exposure to organic acids in sludge (biosolids)
digestion and handling processes also causes acidic
attack of concrete substrates. This can occur when “upset
operating conditions” occur in anaerobic digesters as well
as in the handling of decant in sludge processing. In both
scenarios, acidic acid, carbonic acid, and other organic
volatile acids are present and can cause aggressive
attack of the hydrated cement paste in concrete. Acidic
attack in these applications, (including other structures
beyond digesters or decant handling equipment), occurs in
immersion exposures. Coating or lining properties that are
essential for good performance in volatile acid exposure
include requisite chemical resistance and good permeability
resistance to water, water vapor, and gases such as CO2,
H2S, and methane (CH4).
4.2 EXPANSIVE DETERIORATION OF CONCRETE:
Chloride Induced Reinforcing Steel Corrosion can also cause
aggressive concrete deterioration. When concrete is placed
around reinforcing bars, the steel surface initially corrodes.
Then, a tightly adherent oxide film forms over the surface to
protect it from further corrosion, provided it remains intact.
This passive protection film is maintained by the highly
alkaline environment of the hydrated Portland cement in the
concrete.
The protective film is compromised when moisture,
chloride ions, and oxygen penetrate through pores or cracks
in the concrete to reach the steel surface, establishing local
corrosion cells. The result is the formation of large amounts
of iron oxide with concurrent volume expansion. If the
expansive forces exceed the relatively low tensile strength
of the concrete covering the steel bars, the concrete cracks,
allowing further ingress of chloride ions, water, and oxygen.
Rust bleeding, cracking, and spalling are all manifestations
of chloride-induced corrosion.
This damage mechanism occurs primarily in collection
system structures along sea coastal environments in which
a great deal of brackish water or seawater infiltrates the
collection system. It also occurs frequently in chlorine contact
chambers and structures and where sodium hypochlorite
and ferric chloride are present in wastewater in treatment
facilities. Note that ferric chloride attack of concrete is both
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SSPC-Guide 27
September 20, 2019
an acidic damage mechanism (due to its very low pH) and a
chloride-related damage mechanism.
Good coating or lining performance for preventing
chloride induced corrosion in concrete requires the requisite
chemical resistance to chlorine and chlorides as well as
good permeation resistance to water and water vapor.
5. Matching Aggressive Corrosion Damage
Mechanisms to Coating and Lining
Performance Requirements
5.1 Table 1 lists the minimum coating or lining properties
recommended for resistance to the aggressive corrosion
damage mechanisms commonly encountered by concrete in
service environments such as wastewater collection systems
and treatment plant structures. All values listed in Table 1 are
laboratory test results and should not be interpreted as field
test values.
• Column 1, “System or Area” lists the area of the
facility where the coating will be used.
• Column 2, “Damage Mechanisms” describes the
damage mechanism for which the coating or lining
should provide protection.
• Columns 3 through 9 list the ASTM test
standard procedures and minimum performance
requirements for the coatings or linings to be
selected for use for protecting concrete against the
specific damage mechanisms.
• The number of replicate specimens required for
testing should be as recommended by the relevant
ASTM test method. Should the ASTM test method
not include a recommended number of replicate
specimens, at least three (3) replicate specimens
should be prepared and tested to determine
compliance with the recommendations of this guide,
unless otherwise required by the specifier.
5.2 The result of any adhesion pull that causes 100
percent substrate failure prior to reaching the minimum
pull value (psi) for the specified service condition should be
disregarded and that pull should be repeated. Test substrates
(panels) that fail consistently below the minimum required
psi should be discarded.
5.3 ANALYTICAL TEST DATA: To ensure batch-to-
batch consistency, it is recommended that purchasers retain
records of chemical and physical analysis of qualified coating
batches (see Note 8.1).
6. Guidance on Field Performance Properties
Recommended for Selecting Coatings and
Linings.
Table 2 presents some key minimum field performance
properties for coatings and linings to ensure good
performance to resist the aggressive corrosion damage
 TABLE 1
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM LABORATORY PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES
WHEN EVALUATED ACCORDING TO ASTM TESTS LISTED BELOW
SSPC-Guide 27
September 20, 2019

Water Vapor
Water Vapor
Transmission of Description of
Permeance (WVP)(4) ASTM G210-13
Organic Coating Tensile Exposure Duration
Adhesion to Abrasion per ASTM E96, water Standard Practice for
System or Damage Films (WVT)(3) Strength and Environments
Substrate per Resistance per method at 21 to 24 Operating the Severe
Area Mechanisms per ASTM D1653- per ASTM for Chemical
ASTM D7234(1) ASTM D4060(2) degrees C (69 to 75 Wastewater Analysis
Method B wet cup D2370 Resistance per ASTM
degrees F) and 50 to Testing Apparatus
used with condi- D6943(6)
70% RH(5)
tion A

Abrasion loss not to

No less than 300
exceed 80 mg when WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x No more than a 20% drop
Collection Biogenic Sulfide psi and 100% sub- 20% H2SO4 immersion of at
tested with CS17 24hrs) WVP = <0.19 metric perms from Initial EIS data and a N/A
Systems Corrosion strate failure for least 6 months
wheel with 1,000 gm Final EIS Data Value >8.6
Severe Service
load for 1000 cycles.

4
Abrasion loss not to No more than a 20% drop
No less than 300
exceed 80 mg when WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x from Initial EIS data and a 20% H2SO4 immersion of at
Preliminary Biogenic Sulfide psi and 100% sub-
tested with CS17 24hrs) WVP = <0.19 metric perms Final EIS Data Value >86 N/A least 6 months
Treatment Corrosion strate failure for
wheel with 1,000gm
Severe Service
load for 1000 cycles.
No less than 300 No more than a 20% drop
Primary
Biogenic Sulfide psi and 100% sub- WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x from Initial EIS data and a 20% H2SO4 immersion of at
Treatment N/A WVP = <0.19 metric perms N/A
Corrosion strate failure for 24hrs) Final EIS Data Value >86 least 6 months
Systems
Severe Service
Secondary Volatile Organics Acid 20% H2SO4
Treatment attack No less than 300 1% Ferric Sulfates
Systems psi and 100% sub- 1.25% Sodium Hypochlorite
Aqueous phase strate failure for WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x NA 0.5% Sodium Bisulfate
N/A WVP = <0.19 metric perms N/A
carbonation Severe Service 24hrs) 1% Aluminum Sulfate
Chlorine Gas
1% Ferric Chloride Immersion
of at least 6 months
 TABLE 1 (continued)
RECOMMENDED MINIMUM LABORATORY PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES
WHEN EVALUATED ACCORDING TO ASTM TESTS LISTED BELOW

Water Vapor
Water Vapor
Transmission of Description of
Permeance (WVP)(4) ASTM G210-13
Organic Coating Tensile Exposure Duration
Adhesion to Abrasion per ASTM E96, water Standard Practice for
System or Damage Films (WVT)(3) Strength and Environments
Substrate per Resistance per method at 21 to 24 Operating the Severe
Area Mechanisms per ASTM D1653- per ASTM for Chemical
ASTM D7234(1) ASTM D4060(2) degrees C (69 to 75 Wastewater Analysis
Method B wet cup D2370 Resistance per ASTM
degrees F) and 50 to Testing Apparatus
used with condi- D6943(6)
70% RH(5)
tion A

Volatile Organics Acid

attack
No less than 300
Advanced WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x
Aqueous phase psi and 100% sub- NA Greater than 1% Sodium Hypochlorite im-
Treatment NA 24hrs) WVP = <0.19 metric perms
carbonation strate failure for 2000 psi mersion of at least 6 months
Systems
Severe Service
Chlorine induced
rebar corrosion

5
Abrasion loss not
No less than 300 to exceed 100 mg
WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x
Solids psi and 100% sub- when tested with Wastewater sludge, immer-
------- 24hrs) WVP = <0.19 metric perms N/A
Handling strate failure for CS17 wheel with NA sion of at least 6 months
Severe Service 1,000gm load for
1000 cycles.
Abrasion loss not
No less than 300 to exceed 100 mg
Chemical WVT = <2.00 g/(m2x
Acidic and Alkali psi and 100% sub- when tested with WVP = Chemicals being stored, im-
Storage 24hrs) N/A
Attack strate failure for CS17 wheel with <0.19 metric perms NA mersion of at least 72 hours
Severe Service 1,000gm load for
1000 cycles.

(1) Disregard results of an adhesion test pull that causes 100 percent substrate failure prior to achieving minimum required psi for the service condition (see Section 5.2).
(2) Where abrasion resistance is important, such as in immersion service in grit chambers, the coating or lining selected should meet minimum abrasion loss not to exceed 40 mg when tested
with CS17 wheel with 1,000 gm load for 1,00 cycles.
(3) Values of water vapor transmission rate and water vapor permeance can be used in the relative rating of coatings only if the coatings are tested under the same closely controlled conditions
of temperature and relative humidity and if their thicknesses are equal.
(3) Water Vapor Permeance is calculated from a formula that is provided in ASTM D1653. ASTM E96 also provides a formula for calculating Water Vapor Permeance.
(4) See ASTM E96 for guidance on coating thickness.
(5) The chemical solution concentrations are made by volume.
(6) The EIS data was obtained at 0.1, 0.01, and 0.001 Hz.
SSPC-Guide 27
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SSPC-Guide 27
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mechanisms discussed in this standard. These property 7. Disclaimer

recommendations generally pertain to all of the damage
mechanisms discussed herein except as otherwise noted in
Table 2, and should be confirmed by field testing.
• Column 1 “Damage Mechanism,” denotes the
Damage Mechanism for which the coating should
provide protection.
• Columns 2 through 4 list the ASTM test standards/
procedures and minimum recommended
performance properties for the coatings or linings
to be selected for use.
Unless otherwise specified, the number or frequency
of tests should be as recommended by the ASTM test
method or by a pertinent recommended practice document.
If no minimum number of tests is established by the ASTM
standard, a minimum of three tests should be performed
at representative locations throughout the structure to be
coated or lined.
7.1 This guide has been developed through a consensus
review process by SSPC: The Society for Protective
Coatings. It is designed to describe, review, or analyze new
or improved technology and does not meet the definition
of a standard as defined by SSPC. A guide differs from a
standard in that it is (a) a set of instructions or organized
information based on a consensus of best industry practice,
and (b) a set of directions provided to aid in preparing one’s
own modified specifications.
7.2 SSPC guides are intended to provide consensus
recommendations for best industry practice. They are not
written as requirements that may be cited in a contract.
However, specifiers may incorporate information from an
SSPC guide into job-specific contract requirements. Note

TABLE 2

RECOMMENDED FIELD PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES FOR COATINGS OR LININGS

WHEN EVALUATED USING THE ASTM FIELD TESTS LISTED BELOW

Film Quality Checked by Cure of Coating Checked by

Damage Adhesion per
Discontinuity Testing per Solvent Rub Test per
Mechanisms ASTM D7234
ASTM D4787 ASTM D5402

Not ess than 300 ps After 20 doub e rubs, no co or

B ogen c Su fide No p nho es or d scont nu t es checked
(~ 2.1 MPa) and shou d show on the c ean wh te
Corros on over 100% of coated area
100% substrate fa ure c oth

Not ess than 300 ps

Vo at e Organ c Ac d c No p nho es or d scont nu t es checked After 20 doub e rubs, no co or shou d
(~ 2.1 MPa) and
Attack over 100% of coated area show on the c ean wh te c oth
100% substrate fa ure

Not ess than 300 ps

Aqueous Phase No p nho es or d scont nu t es checked After 20 doub e rubs, no co or shou d
(~ 2.1 MPa) and
Carbonat on over 100% of coated area show on the c ean wh te c oth
100% substrate fa ure

Not ess than 300 ps

Ch or ne-Induced No p nho es or d scont nu t es checked After 20 doub e rubs, no co or shou d
(~ 2.1 MPa) and
Rebar Corros on over 100% of coated area show on the c ean wh te c oth
100% substrate fa ure

Notes:
(1) Adhes on test ng shou d be carefu y performed at east once for every 500 ft2 (~50 m2) of area to be coated and more often f unacceptab e
resu ts are reported. Scor ng of the coat ng shou d be nto a fi er/surfacer ayer f a comp ete sk m coat of mortar or fi er/surfacer was
app ed. That becomes the substrate for the test resu t. Otherw se, the scor ng w penetrate nto the concrete substrate.
(2) A coat ngs used for these app cat ons shou d be th ck fi m (greater than 25-30 m s [630-760 µm]) and shou d be tested for d scont nu ty
us ng H gh Vo tage Ho day Detect on per ASTM D4787. For coat ng systems to meet the “no d scont nu ty” recommendat ons for these
damage mechan sms, comp ete sk m coats of fi er/surfacer mater a s shou d be app ed to the prepared concrete substrate to comp ete y
fi a “bugho es” and a r vo ds n the substrate to prevent p nho e format on n the coat ngs or n ng system due to entrapped a r and
subsequent outgass ng. A so, vo tage sett ngs for th s test ng shou d be based on recommendat ons made spec fica y by the coat ng
manufacturer, tak ng coat ng fi m th ckness, coat ng cross- nk dens ty, and other re evant propert es nto cons derat on.
(3) When nspect ng coat ngs and n ngs that are not affected by so vent exposure due to chem ca compos t on., such as cured aromat c
po yurethane coat ngs, the coat ng shou d be nspected v sua y and v a phys ca exam nat on to ensure that t has cured proper y. The
spec fic coat ng manufacturer’s recommendat ons for ensur ng proper cure of the coat ng or n ng mater a shou d be fo owed.

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8.2 contains example language for referencing information
from this Guide in a project specification.
8. Notes
8.1 QUALITY ASSURANCE TESTS: All quality
assurance tests should first be performed on the originally
accepted material. The results of these tests are used to
establish acceptance criteria for quality assurance testing
of subsequently supplied products. Recommended quality
assurance tests include, but are not limited to, infrared
analysis (ASTM D2621), viscosity (ASTM D562), weight per
gallon (ASTM D1475), total solids (ASTM D2369), and dry
time (ASTM D1640).
8.2 SAMPLE SPECIFICATION LANGUAGE: To
incorporate the requirements of this guide in a project
specification, the specifier selects the area(s) of the facility to
be coated from Column 1 of Table 1, and specifies the Table
1 row number that contains the appropriate criteria for the
treatment area. An example of language that can be used
in a project specification is provided below:
Coatings used in [specify area, e.g., “Primary
Treatment Systems”] shall meet requirements of
SSPC- Paint 44, Table 1, Row [specify
row number, e.g., for Primary Treatment Systems,
specify “Row 3”].

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