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Selection of Surface Finish For Steel Structure

2003

Please advise which is much better to use: Galvanized steel structure or Epoxy painted steel after shot blasting and service treatment. The steel will be installed in chlorine environment and potassium chloride solutions (BRINE).The area will be wet and gaseous. Appreciate your prompt response.

Best Regards,

Naim Mustafa Lahham
Jordan Bromine company. - Amman, Jordan

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2003

Neither sounds "much better". In the past I've used mild steel "bare" (meaning clean it well just prior to coating) then applying what is referred to as flakeline or FRP coating. Basically its milled fiberglass mixed into epoxy resin. It provides an excellent barrier protection, however, it lays on somewhat lumpy and is quite pricey. So if aesthetics are important you may want to go a different route.

I must emphasize, whatever you do, clean the structures well, real well, before application to get a quality coating. As an alternate, composite structures may work if your requirements are within their limits.

Rick Hall
- Hickory, North Carolina