Posted on October 17, 2024 by Brent Phillips

Epoxy coatings are a powerful solution for protecting water infrastructures. The coating is renowned for its robust engineering to protect surface substrates against harsh environmental conditions caused by:

• Chemical Weathering: Ultraviolet (UV) rays, pollutants, oxidation, and hydrolysis
• Mechanical Weathering: Wind, thermal stress, Earth movement

For water asset managers and city water managers, understanding the potential of these protective epoxy coatings can substantially enhance the lifespan and reliability of essential water infrastructure, such as:

• Float Valve or Pressure Switch
• Inlet Pipe
• Level Indicators
• Outlet Pipe
• Storage Tanks and Towers
• Water Treatment Plant
• Water Pump

Fundamental Application to the Water Asset Industry

Protective epoxy coatings have numerous applications in the water industry. Water asset and city water managers often rely on these coatings to protect pipelines, tanks, and other critical infrastructure from corrosion and chemical degradation.

Furthermore, epoxy coatings create a seamless barrier that protects substrates from the corrosive elements in an environment. That protection system is vital to the longevity and operational efficiency of water treatment facilities and distribution systems, which ultimately safeguard water quality and reduce maintenance costs.

Epoxy Coating Strengths and Weaknesses

When discussing protective epoxy coatings, evaluating all strengths and limitations is essential. Additionally, epoxy advantages and disadvantages vary depending on the surface substrates: concrete and steel, geographical location, and environmental factors.

Epoxy Advantages

• Epoxy excels at superior adhesion to both common surface substrates.
• High chemical resistance
• Epoxy creates an excellent waterproof barrier on both types of substrates.
• High durability against mechanical threats for steel and concrete substrates
• Repairs and maintenance are easy, thanks to its smooth finish.

Epoxy Disadvantages

• Low rigidity, leaving it prone to stress cracking caused by contraction and expansion in temperature variations.
• UV decay can leave the underlying substrate vulnerable to corrosion.
• Excessive cure times
• Complex application processes require the expertise of a coating application service provider.

Epoxy Types: Resin, Solvent, and Water-Based

Epoxy coating systems come in three solution forms: resin, solvent, and water. Each offers distinct properties suited to different applications.

Resin-based epoxy activates when mixed with a hardening catalyst. This accelerator gives epoxy resin exceptional adhesion and chemical resistance with low volatile organic compounds (VOC) emissions, making it an ideal choice for harsh outdoor environments.

Solvent-based epoxy was once the epoxy of choice. Despite the ease of application and quick dry time, solvent-based epoxy needs excellent ventilation during application because of the high VOC discharge.

Water-based epoxy is an environmentally friendly alternative, offering ease of application and cleanup while maintaining good performance in less demanding conditions. However, cure times are much longer and have less tensile strength than the solvent- and resin-derived counterparts.

Epoxy Coatings Offer a Reliable Solution

For water systems, where constant exposure to moisture and chemicals is inevitable, epoxy coatings act as a robust shield. It can significantly reduce the risk of corrosion-related failures, stretching the lifespan of your assets and increasing your confidence in the reliability of your water infrastructure.

Protective epoxy coatings offer a reliable and durable solution for safeguarding water infrastructure against various threats posed by chemical and mechanical weathering. While epoxy presents certain limitations, its versatility and protective benefits make it an indispensable choice for city water and water asset managers, providing a sense of security and protection.

Contact the coating experts at Cunningham Inc. at (620) 848-3030 to schedule your next water tank or tower inspection, coating restoration, or maintenance project. Contact us directly to learn how epoxy coatings can benefit your water infrastructure.