Imagine painting almost a mile of pipe; the focus needed to stay on track of where you stopped and started. Did you finish 100% of the surface preparation? Where did we start and stop with priming? Will the coating cure in time before the rain comes in? Our on-site superintendents must remember these questions when painting almost a mile of piping at an ethanol plant. Not to mention nearly 100 vertical and cross supports.
Recently TMI Coatings, Inc. (TMI) completed a massive pipe and support painting project for a mammoth ethanol plant in North Central Iowa. The steel had corroded over the years due to the environment. We began this work in late March in preparation for their critical shutdown when the cooling towers would be down and no longer misting.
Procedure:
- All TMI personnel received contractor safety orientation to ensure we abide by the specific facility’s rules and regulations.
- TMI began high-pressure washing all the components. We then mechanically abraded steel sections to prepare and remove surface rust.
- Next, the crew poly-covered all components that were not being painted or needed protection.
- After surface preparation, we applied a full coat of rust-inhibiting epoxy primer in owner-designated colors.
- Finally, we top coated with a urethane coating material with good chemical and UV resistance.
Outcome:
In the end, TMI completed the work safely and in a high-quality manner. We also finished the critical portion of the project during the anticipated shutdown minimizing additional downtime for the owner. Next, we’ve been contracted to paint ground storage tanks at the facility.
With over 35 years of experience, TMI Coatings will have your project completed on time and within budget. Contact us today at 651-452-6100 for your free, no-obligation quote.
