The required quality levels and specifications of coatings are increasing (for example in the oil and gas industry). In order to be able to meet the required specifications, the quality of the application becomes increasingly more important. Rules and requirements for the application are defined in standards such as NORSOK M501, ISO 20340, IMO and Shell DEP. These standards should be closely monitored by the application company. This requires an adequate knowledge of the company, but also of the individual applicator (painter). To assess whether the prescribed standards are executed sufficient, monitoring during the application is necessary. The method of application and the application conditions can be witnessed by an independent party (NACE or Frosio certified inspector) During these inspections measurements can be performed such as the cleanness and roughness of the blasted surface and the wet and dry (film)layer thicknesses of the individual coating layers. Prior to the actual application adhesions tests at so-called test plates can be performed to judge if the adhesion strength is sufficient. If the test panels meet the specifications, the individual applicator for the coating system can be certified. COT regularly carries out such inspections.
