Polymer Systems on Concrete Structures in WWTP: Overview, Problems and Solutions in Applications and Inspections

Polymer Systems on Concrete Structures in WWTP:  Overview, Problems and Solutions in Applications and Inspections

The trend in the treatment of corroded concrete structures in Waste Water Treatment Plants (WWTP) has been to use thick mil thermoset polymer linings to protect against the ongoing effects of its corrosive environment.    While organizations such as NACE, SSPC and ICRI have done much to enhance the understanding by coatings-professionals of this specialized area of corrosion control, proper application and inspection of much of the work in both public and private sector jobs continues to be substandard. 

This paper will provide the reader with an overview of the myriad of structures being coated,   the proper pre-job analysis, surface preparation and the correct application of various thick mil polymer systems. The paper will include the causes of deteriorating concrete structures in much of our aging WWTP infrastructure and the industry’s response with epoxy, polyurethane, hybrid and polyurea coatings. 

Finally, this paper will examine the shortfalls in application and inspection in many public and private projects within this market.  While there are no shortage of subject matter experts at an academic or managerial level, the need for speed and profits seem to be outweighing the need for thoughtful application and inspection in the field.  Given this, this paper will examine the shortfalls in many jobs that often go unnoticed by non-existent or unfamiliar inspectors.

Keywords:

Coatings and linings, Thermoset, elastomers, Wastewater treatment, coatings inspections, concrete deterioration