Moisture And Condensation Solutions Are Easy With Thermal Spray Coatings
For multiple industries, major problems are caused by the issue of condensation. This can be water dripping from skylights, pipes, overhead ducts, etc. It could also be water freezing on windmill blades and other exterior surfaces. Either way, condensation costs money and time. And when condensation collects on ceilings and walls, major mold issues can be an additional problem for buildings and industries. But today’s thermal spray coatings are coming to the rescue. Products containing nanotechnology-based components, with unique water repelling (hydrophobic) characteristics, are providing quick and easy relief. A multitude of moisture related issues can be fixed with today’s high-tech application of protective coatings.
Control Condensation
Condensation forms when the dew point temperature is higher than a surface. The dewpoint temperature is based on humidity and temperature. For instance, let’s take a cool water pipe that has 45°F water in it being used in an area that has a dewpoint of 60°F. Because the pipe and the water within it is 15° beneath the dewpoint, it’s going to start to sweat.
But condensation can be stopped. The solution is a protective coating that works in situations that are approximately 18 to 20°F beneath the dewpoint temperature. In cases where the differential is larger, they still help to make sweating and condensation lesser. Additionally, they help to protect the surface underneath from moisture. Moisture can be directly linked to mold and corrosion.
Case Study
In Louisiana, the Vernon Bank was ecstatic when a solution was provided through the use of the coatings referred to here. They had an aluminum framed skylight that constantly suffered the effects of condensation. It would drip onto the heads of their customers! But after a thermal sprayed coating to reduce/eliminate condensation, the solution to their problem was realized.
Reduce Ice
As mentioned earlier, condensation can also lead to the formation of ice. But thanks to the hydrophobic characteristics of this coating, ice formation can be reduced because you have taken away moisture’s ability to collect. No moisture – no freezing on the surface.
The case study in this point would be the railway tunnels for Network Rail. In winter, dangerous icicle formations were making for precarious travel conditions. Damage and derailments were feared because of these icicle formations. To remove the ice formations, millions of dollars every year had to be spent. But, thanks to the thermal sprayed coatings that eliminate or reduce condensation, rail safety was increased, and ice removal costs greatly reduced.
Corrosion/Mold Protection
Mold growth and corrosion to a surface is caused by the collection of condensation. The coatings discussed here stop rust from developing on metal surfaces because they provide a protective barrier. And, because this barrier keeps out moisture, it stops ductwork, ceilings, walls, etc. from harboring mold growth.
This last case study involves South Korea’s Hyndai dealership. They had serious condensation and mold problems in the ceilings and walls of their stairwells. Once the protective coatings were applied, however, these problems ceased.
A&A Coatings offers protective coating solutions for a wide array of industries. The right coating applied through the correct manner of application can mean less downtime, reduced maintenance costs, and a better bottom line. Contact us today and speak to a seasoned professional. They can help you decide what type of thermal spray coating will work best in your situation.
