What is EN ISO 12944-7:2018?

EN ISO 12944-7:2018, also known as ISO12944:2018, is a widely recognized international standard that provides guidelines for the corrosion protection of steel structures. It specifically focuses on protective painting systems and describes different environmental categories, surface preparation methods, coating application processes, and inspections. This standard is crucial for ensuring the durability and longevity of steel structures in various industries, including construction, offshore, and transportation.

Different Environmental Categories

EN ISO 12944-7:2018 classifies environments into different categories based on their corrosivity. These categories range from C1 to C5M, with C1 being the least corrosive and C5M being the most aggressive. The classification takes into account factors such as pollutants, temperature, moisture, and airborne salt content. By categorizing environments, this standard helps professionals select appropriate painting systems that provide adequate protection against corrosion in specific conditions.

Surface Preparation and Coating Application

The standard outlines several surface preparation methods, including manual and mechanical methods like power tool cleaning, abrasive blast cleaning, and flame cleaning. It emphasizes the importance of properly preparing the surface by removing all contaminants, rust, and old paint layers before applying the protective coating system. The standard also provides guidance on coating application techniques, such as brush and roller application, airless spray, and electrostatic spray. Adherence to proper surface preparation and coating application procedures ensures the effectiveness and adherence of the protective paint system.

Inspection and Quality Control

EN ISO 12944-7:2018 emphasizes the significance of regular inspections and quality control throughout the entire process of corrosion protection. Inspections are crucial in identifying any defects, irregularities, or failures in the protective painting system. The standard highlights comprehensive visual inspections, with specific attention to areas prone to corrosion, such as welds and edges. Quality control involves testing the adhesion, thickness, and other essential properties of the coating system. These inspections and quality control measures ensure the long-term performance and reliability of the protective paint system, keeping steel structures safeguarded against corrosion damage.