Carboline Tech Service Podcast

Summary   Fluoropolymer-based finish coats are the premier performers for elevated water storage tanks in exterior exposures. The specialty FEVE resin on which they are based withstands intense UV radiation, high winds, and intense precipitation while holding gloss and color for decades. And while all of that comes at a cost, water industry expert Jeremy Sukola and chemistry nerd Kristen Blankenship explain how that cost represents a long-term investment that boasts a handsome return. In this episode of The Red Bucket, learn the chemistry, use cases, and regulatory considerations of fluoropolymer topcoats.    Also, Kristen ponders the Atlantic Ocean from the top of a cliff, and Jeremy shares a strong opinion about spaghetti sauce.      Timestamps  00:00 – Introduction  02:00 – A brief history of fluoropolymers  04:41 – Composition and properties of fluoropolymer coatings  08:51 – The role of fluoropolymer topcoats in water tank coating systems  13:05 – Fluoropolymer finish coat performance vs. other common t

Summary Acrylamide grout technology dominates the underground wastewater collection leak sealing landscape. Legacy dry-granule and modern liquid variants give operators tremendous flexibility to address challenges of almost any scope or scale. But how do acrylamides work? Why do they work so well? And what do municipalities or private network owners need to know about how they fit into the broader maintenance and repair ecosystem? Michael Vargo of Prime Resins is the man with the answers. Also, Michael considers what it would be like to be 6’10”. Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction 02:24 – Defining acrylamide grouts 04:09 – Water/wastewater use cases and how the technology works 10:04 – Comparing granular vs. liquid acrylamide grouts 12:57 – How weather impacts application 14:30 – Acrylamides vs. alternative technologies 16:44 – Use cases for acrylamide grouts outside of water/wastewater 19:34 – Why Prime Resins earned NSF 61 certification for its liquid acrylamide 22:12 – Ideal water sources for granule format

Summary  Sulfur, an instrumental commodity to global industry, is a highly corrosive commodity typically shipped via rail in a molten state. Shippers must take care to protect their rolling stock by applying linings that resist heat, chemicals, and impacts. In this episode, rail industry expert Lupe Pavon and tank lining expert Steve Liebhart explore service environment, cleaning/surface preparation, and protective lining principles for rail cars in molten sulfur service. They also relate interesting findings from a field inspection.    And, Steve considers himself a near-perfect driver in the snow, and Lupe reveals his favorite vegetable.    **Timestamps ** 00:00 – Introduction  02:11 – Corrosion mechanisms and failure modes of molten sulfur tank cars  05:36 – A highly stressful service environment for a lining  09:01 – Pitting corrosion and substrate blending for surface preparation  14:12 – Carboline’s new Plasite XHT 400 hybrid epoxy lining  18:14 – Eliminating an extra step in the surface preparation pr

En el episodio inaugural en Español de The Red Bucket, nuestros compañeros de Carboline España Juan Pablo Ortega y Emilie Musso hablan sobre la reciente renovación del icónico Estadio Santiago Bernabéu en Madrid, España. El alcance del proyecto incluyó la aplicación de materiales ignífugos cementosos e intumescentes, así como recubrimientos protectores de alto rendimiento.    00:58 – Introducción: Presentación de Emilie Musso y Juan Pablo Ortega.  02:24 – Renovación del estadio: Alcance del proyecto.  04:21 – Requisitos contra incendios: Normas aplicadas en estadios.  05:47  – Césped retráctil: Impacto en los revestimientos.  07:28 –  Tipos de protección: Uso de mortero y pintura intumescente.  08:55 – Pyrocrete 40: Beneficios y aplicación.  10:20 – Nullifire SC902: Dónde y por qué se usó.  13:55 – Aplicación en una sola capa: Importancia del espesor.  15:58 – Protección anticorrosión: Recubrimientos adicionales.  17:15 – Plazos exigentes: Cómo se cumplió el tiempo.  18:51 – Cierre: Reflexión final sobre el p

It's taken for granted in the corrosion industry that zinc protects steel. But there's more than one way to put zinc on steel and more than one mechanism at work that makes it so protective. Kristen Blankenship returns to The Red Bucket to answer some big questions with even bigger implications:  What's zinc actually doing on painted, galvanized, and metalized surfaces?  How do these corrosion protection methods compare in terms of performance?  Does the standard "zinc-epoxy-urethane" coating system hold zinc-rich primers back from performing as well as they could on their own?  How many ISO 12944-9 testing cycles will it take before any corrosion appears on panels coated in a two-coat inorganic system?  Kristen also contemplates the deathbed of a lonely scientist.  00:00 – Intro  02:13 – A very brief history of cathodic protection  04:05 – Electron chemistry explains behavior  06:15 – Summarizing galvanizing, metalizing, and painting  14:15 – Silicate resin technology is understudied  15:47 – Co

Water/wastewater operator customers are asking some strange questions lately. To experts Jeremy Sukola and Eric Zimmerman, it’s as if they’re asking for magic paint. In this episode, we identify an emerging demographic trend and the knowledge gap it’s created. Then, Jeremy and Eric explain why the best ways to close that gap are to have hard conversations early and be involved in educating the next generation. Also, Eric imagines a driving range on the Mayflower and takes a bold stance against eggnog. 0:00 – Introduction 03:08 – Strange questions from customers 05:44 – Understanding capabilities and tackling misconceptions 08:00 – A generation of seasoned professionals is retiring out 10:18 – Part of a familiar trend 12:20 – The influence of project schedule pressure 14:18 – Capabilities of coatings/linings are limited 18:34 – Economic decline brings new contractors into industry 20:04 – Manufacturers as problem solvers and honest brokers 24:11 – Breaking barriers to knowledge sharing 29:35 – Benefits of ind

Understanding electrostatic dissipative (ESD) vs. conductive floor coatings is one of the industry’s most persistently misunderstood topics. In this episode of The Red Bucket, subject matter expert Richie Cropp of Dudick discusses the purpose of these specialty products, provides use cases for each type, and explains the critical importance of seeking the knowledge of material manufacturers.    Also, Richie shares his plans for Black Friday.   00:00 – Intro  02:27 – This topic is misunderstood  04:05 – How static electricity is generated  08:01 – Resistivity ranges  10:01 – Where does the electricity go?  11:48 – Coating fillers carry the current  12:48 – When to apply conductive vs. dissipative floor coatings  15:45 – The same facility might require both types  17:20 – ESD/conductive coating performance vs. general purpose toppings  19:41 – How coating manufacturers help engineers/specifiers  22:00 – Installed cost comparison  23:28 – Four questions  Find out more at https://carboline-tech-service-podcast.

Shortly after the turn of the last century, the cellulosic fire time/temperature curve was developed to assess the performance and safety of building materials and passive fire resistive materials. It was the cutting edge for its time. But, according to Chris Burst, the composition and contents of our built environment today prove its time has run out. Also in the episode, Toby isn’t sure he’s never seen a ghost, and Chris tells a bad joke. This episode contains references to a three-part article series we recently published about modern fire loads. Read them here: Part 1. Part 2. Part 3. 00:00 – Introduction 01:07 – What we mean by "modern" 05:04 – Old, old standards 06:03 – Proliferation of rechargeable batteries 07:18 – Visualizing time/temperature curves 12:24 – These fires are harder to extinguish 15:24 – Structured parking complicates matters 20:26– Don't blame EVs 22:27– Similarities to tunnel fires 24:35– Leveraging existing alternatives 26:12– Ramifications of adopting code changes 30:53–

Kristen Blankenship discusses whether coatings manufacturers can truly impact product sustainability – minus the greenwashing. Then, we learn whether she sees molecules The Queen’s Gambit style. 00:00 – Introduction 02:16 – The purpose of protective coatings 04:27 – When sustainability impacts coatings 08:00 – Addressing pollution as a chemical company 18:47 – Water-based coating claims 32:56 – Where do we go from here? 36:47 – Kristen's four questions Find out more at https://carboline-tech-service-podcast.pinecast.co

Dan Baribault and Paul Atzemis continue their exploration of the unique technology and wide range of use cases for surface-tolerant epoxy mastics like Carbomastic 15. Then, Paul likens himself to a cross between Rapunzel and Gandalf.  00:00 – Carbomastic 15 performs at high temperatures  01:43 – Summarizing recent Carbomastic 15 use cases  04:00 – Understanding curing shrinkage stress  08:16 – The good (and bad) of slow dry times  10:17 – Importance of low solvent load  12:55 – Dan’s weirdest Carbomastic 15 experience  13:58 – Advice to owners/specifiers comparing surface-tolerant epoxy mastics  15:16 – Paul’s four questions

Why do some surface-tolerant mastic epoxies work so well in so many different services? Paul Atzemis and Dan Baribault deconstruct Carbomastic 15, explaining why its resin technology and added pigmentation combine to make it one of the industry’s best performers. And, Dan imagines a walk along the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. 00:00 – Introduction 02:19 – How mastic coatings developed 04:39 – Length of carbon chains influence application characteristics 07:29 – Introduction and characteristics of aluminum pigmentation 13:39 – Galvanic protective effects 15:29 – Aluminum pigmentation effect of chalking of epoxy 17:20 – What owners/specifiers need to know 19:15 – The four questions

Inflow & infiltration (I&I) is a serious challenge to water and wastewater infrastructure owners, who usually don’t know they have an I&I problem until it’s too late. What is I&I? What does it cost? How do you stop it? How does controlling I&I fit into a holistic asset management and maintenance program? Jeremy Sukola and David Dingler of Prime Resins, a division of Carboline, explain. Spoiler: magic in a cup. Want to schedule a demo? Contact Prime Resins here, or Carboline here. 0:00 – Introduction 03:23 – Defining I&I 05:49 – It doesn’t only afflict aging infrastructure 08:39 – Calculating the cost of I&I 12:12 – Proactive or reactive? Some owners can only triage 13:46 – Where Prime Resins fits in 16:44 – Owners need to update master specs, and we can help 23:14 – Building up the contractor pool with demos and education 26:40 – The four questions

After some time off the air, The Red Bucket returns with a narration of a complex electric vehicle (EV) facility construction project in Canada, with Jeffrey Lagendyk of Nor-Lag Coatings helping tell the story. The project included applying intumescent fireproofing under tight deadline pressure in foul weather. Paul introduces a new voice to the podcast.  00:00 – Intro  03:10 – Setting the scene in Becancour, Quebec  05:55 – Record-breaking rain   08:05 – Immediate impacts to application schedule  09:08 – Ripple effects  11:50 – Benefits of single-component application  13:08 – Qualities of Thermo-Sorb VOC  14:24 – A hybrid shop + field application approach is ideal for fast-track EV facility construction  18:19 – Ways applicators are valuable resources during pre-construction  20:25 – Did Nor-Lag finish on time?  21:59 – The four questions (non-technical)  26:11 – Closing remarks

Controlling soluble salts is one of the largest challenges faced during the surface preparation portion of a coating project. Failure to remove soluble salts can drastically shorten a coating’s lifecycle. On this episode, Ken Rossy, President of HoldTight, joins us to discuss the differences between atmospheric and immersion services, the debate on allowable soluble salt limits, and how additives can help. All of this and more coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro 1:36 - Introduction to Kon Rossy 3:17 - Introduction to HoldTight Solutions 6:34 - Why are Salts Detrimental to Steel? 8:38 - “Invisible” Contaminants and How to Find Them 13:18 - Cleanliness in Immersion and Atmospheric Service 19:51 - The Debate on the Amount of Allowable Soluble Salts 25:59 - Using Additives to Remove Salts and Hold Cleanliness 35:46 - "The Four Questions" [Non-Technical] 39:54 - "Tech Tips" 40:21 - Closing Remarks

On this episode of The Red Bucket, Pete Mitchell from GMA Garnet joins us as we explore the various factors of abrasive blasting that contribute to long-term coating performance. The industry has focused on cleanliness and profile for years, but a new study suggests that peak density could be the largest contributing factor. We talk about all of that and more coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro 2:33 - Introduction to Pete Mitchell 4:39 - Introduction to GMA Garnet 6:08 - The Advantages of Garnet as an Abrasive Blast Media 9:36 - Friability 15:58 - Blast Cleanliness vs. Profile 22:40 - Density vs. Depth 28:51 - What Engineers and Specifiers Need to Know About Abrasives 35:08 - "The Four Questions" [Non-Technical] 38:00 - "Tech Tips" 39:16 - Closing Remarks

Previously on The Red Bucket, we began our exploration into all things concrete with our friend and AMPP Instructor, Paul Kennington. This month, we continue our conversation with Paul, discussing moisture effects, inspection, testing standards, and when to coat the concrete. All of that and more are coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro 0:58 - Moisture and Concrete 6:02 - ASTM F1869: The Calcium Chloride Test 9:03 - ASTM F2170: The in situ Humidity Probes Test 13:08 - Visually Inspecting Concrete 17:26 - CSP Standards 20:18 - When to Coat Concrete 23:50 - "The Four Questions" [Non-Technical] 26:04 - "Tech Tips" 26:45 - Closing Remarks

It's been said that if you want to have problems, coat concrete. But if you know the intricacies of the concrete and the surrounding environment, the job should go smoothly. Join us this week for part one of our talk with Paul Kennington, AMPP Instructor and Coatings Consultant, about concrete. All of that and more are coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro and Introduction to Paul Kennington 3:17 - Concrete: The Enemy of Coatings 4:29 - What Makes Up Concrete? 6:31 - The Different Types of Concrete 9:39 - Type 1 Concrete 10:26 - Type 2 Concrete 12:07 - Type 3 Concrete 16:50 - Vapor Barriers 17:54 - Type 4 Concrete 19:01 - Type 5 Concrete 22:05 - The Cure Mechanism (Pt. 1) 22:51 - Concrete vs. Cement 24:12 - The Cure Mechanism (Pt. 2) 32:14 - Closing Remarks

We all know that environmental factors affect a coating project. But it's important to remember how diverse geographic locations can complicate those factors. Today, we talk with Matt Morris of Gulf States Protective Coatings about these challenges and the impact that have on an applicator's day-to-day business. All of that and more are coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro 2:04 - Introduction to Matt Morris 4:03 - Introduction to Gulf States Protective Coatings 4:49 - Painting Tanks in a Coastal Environment 6:57 - Wind Complications on a Coating Project 9:32 - Shrouding and Salts 14:44 - Surface Preparation for Different Areas in a Tank 19:25 - Crow's Nests and Complex Angles in Storage Tanks 24:26 - Elastomeric Coatings: The Best Friend of a Bolted Ground Storage Tank 25:45 - Elastomeric Coatings vs. Epoxy Coatings 29:32 - "The Four Questions" [Non-Technical] 33:04 - "Tech Tips" 33:57 - Closing Remarks

During this episode, we discuss CUI, its true meaning, and the various factors that influence corrosion with our good friend, Michael Pardo of S&B Engineers & Constructors. We also touch on the value that mentorships bring to the coatings industry. All of that and more coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro 1:45 - Introduction to Michael Pardo 3:56 - The Importance of Mentors in the Protective Coatings Industry 6:23 - Why Michael Stayed in Coatings 9:39 - Introduction to S&B Engineers and Constructors 10:00 - Corrosion Under Insulation 13:05 - What Does "CUI" Mean? 18:43 - Factors that Impact the Design of Insulation and Fireproofing Systems 22:06 - What Coating Types to Use to Protect Steel 23:16 - Additional Factors that Impact the Design of a System 27:39 - The Importance of a Maintenance Plan 29:05 - The Cost of Corrosion 30:06 - Coating Specifications for Partially Insulated Assets 32:17 - "The Four Questions" [Non-Technical] 35:41 - "Tech Tips" 36:18 - Closing Remarks

Elevated water tank painters face several unique challenges every day when working on the job site. The intricacies of a coatings project become exponential, and safety becomes even more paramount when crews are several hundred feet in the air. During this episode, we will talk with Steve Birchmeier, owner of Semper Fi Industrial Coatings, about the success of such projects. All of that and more coming up next on The Red Bucket. 0:00 - Intro 1:38 - Introduction to Steve Birchmeier and Semper Fi Industrial Coatings 3:59 - The First Step in the Elevated Water Tank Coating Process 5:32 - Surface Preparation Considerations for Elevated Water Tanks 7:13 - Containment for Elevated Water Tank Exteriors 8:18 - Spray Applications vs. Brush and Roll 10:02 - Creative Designs on Elevated Water Tank Exteriors 10:49 - Primers and Intermediate Coats 12:22 - Adjustments for Elevated Water Tank Applications 14:47 - Coating Applications for Elevated Water Tank Interiors 17:52 - What Can Go Wrong When Painting Elevated Water T