Specifications for the Selection and Application of Paint Systems for Offshore Facilities
Authors: Choate D.L. , Kochanczyk R.W. 
Published: October 2008

INTRODUCTION

Clear, concise engineering specifications for the selection and application of paint systems are essential to a successful, cost-effective painting program for offshore facilities. Due to the numerous paints available on the market today and the stringent application requirements for the high-performance products, accurate specifications are required to ensure that proven paint products and systems are consistently applied and inspected in accordance with acceptable industry standards. Specifications for both new construction and maintenance painting are discussed in detail, including painting program philosophy, system selection, laboratory testing of products, application and inspection procedures, and cost considerations. New paint/coating technology for splash zone protection, evaluation of existing facilities, and painting contractor selection are also discussed.

PAINTING SPECIFICATIONS

The painting specification is the most important component of a painting program. The specification dictates the scope of painting operations, painting systems to be utilized, paint system application and inspection, and specific paint manufacturer's products to be used. The use of an "exception" specification format is advantageous in ensuring the consistent application of current industry accepted surface preparation and paint application procedures. An exception specification bases technical requirements upon one or more industry standards and states exceptions to the industry standards in the form of modifications, additions, deletions, and decisions. Provisions of the industry standards which are not revised remain in force. This format reduces the size of the specification and the frequency of periodic updates.

Industry Standards

Amoco Production Company's painting specifications are based on Steel Structures Painting Council (SSPC) standards. Surface preparation requirements are based on SSPC Surface Preparation Specifications No.3, "Power Tool Cleaning"; No.5, "White Metal Blast Cleaning"; No.7, "Brush-Off Blast Cleaning"; No. 10, "Near-White Blast Cleaning"; and No. 11-87T, "Power Tool Cleaning to Bare Metal". Exceptions to these specifications include specifying anchor pattern profiles, abrasive media, and oil and grease remova1 methods. Additional requirements for surface preparation include protection of equipment such as sight glasses, instruments and instrument cases, control valves, machined or threaded surfaces, rotating equipment, etc., during blasting operations (also required during painting operations) and removal of sharp-edged imperfections from steel surfaces.

Paint application requirements are based on SSPC Paint Application Specification No.1, "Shop, Field, and Maintenance Painting". Exceptions to this specification include specifying paint shelf life requirements, approval requirements for remedial action when minimal thickness is not achieved, and paint application methods (air spray, airless spray, roller, etc.). Exceptions are also taken to SSPC Paint Application Specification No.2, "Measurement of Dry Paint Thickness with Magnetic Gages", which is referenced in SSPC-PA 1. These exceptions include additional requirements for thickness gage calibration and specifying thickness measurements on each coat of paint.

Other industry standards referenced include SSPC-SP 1, "Solvent Cleaning"; SSPC Vis 1-89, "Visual Standard for Abrasive Blast Cleaned Steel"; SSPC-PA Guide 3, "A Guide to Safety in Paint Application"; and the National Association of Corrosion Engineers Standard Recommended Practice RP0287, "Field Measurement of Surface Profile of Abrasive Blast Cleaned Steel Surfaces Using a Replica Tape".