Materials System Specification

09-SAMSS-070 7 September 2016

Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)
Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee

Contents
1 Scope ........................................................... 2
2 Conflicts and Deviations ............................... 2
3 References ................................................... 2
4 General Requirements ................................. 4
5 Qualification Tests and Requirements .......... 5
6 Method of Packaging .................................. 10
Revision Summary ........................................... 11

Previous Issue: 16 July 2011 Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019

Page 1 of 11
Contact: Mansour, Mana Hamad (mansmh0c) on +966-13-8809557

©Saudi Aramco 2016. All rights reserved.

Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

1 Scope

This Specification defines the minimum mandatory requirements for qualifying

individual coating products for use in Saudi Aramco's approved protective coating
systems APCS-19C. This system is high solid epoxy coating system for application in
Splash Zone areas. It shall be used when any of the following situations occur:

1.1 Initial Product Approval

This specification shall be given to coating manufacturers, or other vendors of

coating products, who wish to obtain initial approval for products that have not
previously been qualified in accordance with this specification.

1.2 Periodic Product Compliance Checks

This specification shall be used for periodic product compliance checks on

previously approved coatings. The periodic product compliance check of this
specification shall be every five (5) years from the date of issuing the revised
standard. The RUS shall notify the supplier/s to recheck their products for
compliance. It shall be made available to the organization conducting the
compliance tests.

2 Conflicts and Deviations

2.1 Any conflicts between this specification and other applicable Saudi Aramco
Materials System Specifications (SAMSSs), Engineering Standards (SAESs),
Standard Drawings (SASDs), or industry standards, codes, and forms shall be
resolved in writing by the Company or Buyer Representative through the
Manager, Consulting Services Department of Saudi Aramco.

2.2 Direct all requests to deviate from this specification in writing to the Company or
Buyer Representative, who shall follow internal company procedure SAEP-302
and forward such requests to the Manager, Consulting Services Department of
Saudi Aramco.

3 References

Material or equipment supplied to this specification shall comply with the latest edition
of the references listed below, unless otherwise noted.

3.1 Saudi Aramco Documents

Saudi Aramco Engineering Procedures

SAEP-302 Instructions for Obtaining a Waiver of a Mandatory
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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

Saudi Aramco Engineering Requirement

SAEP-1200 Process Flow Requirements for Qualification
Procedures of Industrial Coating and Abrasive
Blasting Products

Saudi Aramco Materials System Specification

09-SAMSS-060 Packaging Requirements for Coatings

Saudi Aramco Engineering Standard

SAES-H-004 Protective Coating Selection and Application
Requirements for Offshore Structures and
Facilities: APCS-19C: Glass Flake Reinforced
Epoxy Coating Systems for Offshore Structural
Steel at Splash Zone

3.2 Industry Codes and Standards

American Society for Testing and Materials

ASTM D870 Practice for Testing Water Resistance of Coatings
Using Water Immersion
ASTM D1640 Drying, Curing or Film Formation of Organic
Coatings at Room Temperature
ASTM D1849 Package Stability of Paint
ASTM D2794 Resistance of Organic Coating to the Effects of
Rapid Deformation (Impact)
ASTM D2832 Guide for Determining Volatile and Nonvolatile
Content of Paint and Related Coatings
ASTM D4060 Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the
Taber Abraser
ASTM D4400 Test Method for Sag Resistance of Paints Using a
Multinotch Applicator
ASTM D4541 Test Method for Pull-Off Strength of Coatings Using
Portable Adhesion Testers
ASTM D5894 Standard Practice for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure
of Painted Metal
ASTM G42 Test Method for Cathodic Disbonding of Pipeline
Coatings Subjected to Elevated Temperatures

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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

National Association of Corrosion Engineers

NACE TM0174 Laboratory Methods for the Evaluation of Protective
Coatings Used as Lining Materials in Immersion
Service

The Society for Protective Coatings

SSPC PA 2 Measurement of Dry Coating Thickness with
Magnetic Gages
SSPC SP 5 White Metal Blast Cleaning

4 General Requirements

4.1 For purposes of this specification, the Buyer's Representative shall be the
Responsible Unit Supervisor Representative (RUS) in the Consulting Services
Department of Saudi Aramco.

4.2 Qualification of any product under this specification shall be in strict

compliance with SAEP-1200. In order to qualify a coating system as acceptable
under this specification, the coating supplier must submit a certified test report
documenting to the RUS that the proposed coating system meets the
qualification tests and requirements of this SAMSS. Preparation and testing
shall be performed and/or witnessed by an independent laboratory or inspection
agency. This report shall be submitted to Saudi Aramco CSD Coating Team for
review and approval.

4.3 Laboratory Report

4.3.1 Testing can only be considered if conducted at a third party laboratory

that is accepted by Saudi Aramco.

4.3.2 The third party test report shall include all the tests mentioned in this
specification, unless otherwise specified by CSD approved test protocol.

4.3.3 The final report shall include illustrative photos of all panels before and
after testing.

4.3.4 The third party laboratory shall report the results of the tests to Saudi
Aramco, first. Upon approval, the report can be then released to the
coating manufacturer. The third party laboratory can only report the
results. However, interpretation of the results and making the final
conclusion is solely the role and responsibility of CSD.

4.4 All initial product qualification tests shall be carried out at no cost to Saudi
Aramco.
Saudi Aramco: Company General Use
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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

4.5 Surface Preparation Requirements

4.5.1 The abrasive used for coating products which meet this specification
shall be approved by Saudi Aramco. Abrasives shall be of a type and
size which are capable of generating the cleanliness level and anchor
profile required by the coating’s technical data sheet at a nozzle pressure
of 90 psi.

4.5.2 Dust contamination level on blasted surface shall be maximum level 2, in

accordance with ISO 8502-3, prior to coating application.

4.5.3 Salt contamination level shall not exceed 20 mg/m².

4.5.4 Anchor profile measurements shall be performed using a digital

profilometer, Method B in ASTM D4417 which provides a median average.
If approved by CSD, Method C (Replica Tape) may be used to provide a
deeper average reading.

5 Qualification Tests and Requirements

5.1 Physical Property Tests

5.1.1 Density or Weight per Gallon

The product density as measured by weight per gallon shall be tested in

accordance with ASTM D1475. Density value shall be incompliance
with the Manufacturer technical data sheet. This value will be
considered to ensure product uniformity from batch to batch.

5.1.2 Volume Solids Content

Determine volume solids in accordance with Test Methods ASTM D2697.

The Volume Solids Percentages shall be 96% ± 4%.

5.1.3 Package Stability of Paint

When stored at 52 ± 1°C for 6 months in accordance with ASTM D1849,

the sample shall meet the following requirements:
a) Weight loss - 0
b) Skinning, pressure and corrosion - 10
c) Settling as per ASTM D869- 6 or better
d) Grains, lumps, or streaks - 8 or better

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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

5.1.4 Application Properties

The ready mixed paint shall be easily applied by spray to a min.–max.

dry thickness of 500 to 750 microns per coat, applied in two coats to a total
dry film thickness of min.–max., 1,000 to 1,500 microns (60 mils) on
vertical surface with no tendency to sag, creep or run. If visual
examination is doubtful, a sag resistance test may be conducted in
accordance with ASTM D4400 to get numerical values.

5.1.5 Drying Times

When tested in accordance with ASTM D1640, the Dry-Through

(or Dry-To-Handle) Time shall be 24 hours or less at 23 ± 2°C, 50 ± 5%
RH and Dry-To-Recoat Time shall be in accordance with Manufacturer’s
published material data sheets.

5.1.6 Potlife

At 40°C, the viscosity of the ready-mixed paint shall remain within the
range recommended by the manufacturer for spray application of
APCS-19C without adding thinner. This usable potlife shall not be less
than 10 minutes. Determination of the pot life of multicomponent coating
systems shall be conducted in accordance with ISO 9514.

5.1.7 Cure Times

When applied at the recommended thickness the coating shall attain full
cure within 5 days at 40°C. Determining cure shall be in accordance with
ASTM D5402.

5.1.8 Post Curing

Coatings application in lower temperatures than those described in this

specification may require post curing to accelerate the full curing time.
If post curing is needed, it shall be permitted and stated clearly in the
product’s data sheet. Refer to the manufacturer’s materials data sheet
and consult with CSD for the appropriate post curing procedure.

5.2 Test Panel Preparation

5.2.1 Surface Preparation

a) Make the test panels from ASTM A36 hot-rolled steel, which are of
size approximately 100 mm X 150 mm (4” X 6”), unless otherwise
specified for a specific test. Prior to preparation of the surface, the
condition of the test panel shall be equivalent to SSPC-Guide to

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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

Vis 1 Rust Grade A Adherent Mill Scale. The minimum thickness of

the test panels shall be 5 mm.
b) The surface cleanliness of the test panels shall meet the
requirements of White Blast Cleaning, SSPC SP 5.
c) The profile of the blasted surface shall be min.–max. 60–100 microns,
average 75 micrometers (3.0 mils).

5.2.2 Coatings Application

a) Mix, apply, and cure the coatings in accordance with the Vendor's
recommendation.
b) Measure and record the dry film thickness in accordance with
SSPC PA 2.
c) The dry film thickness shall be min.–max., 500–750 microns per coat
applied in two coats to a total dry film thickness of min.–max. 1,000–
1,500 microns (60 mils) except otherwise stated.

5.3 Performance Tests

5.3.1 Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS)

5.3.1.1 Prepare three (3) steel panels in accordance with Section 5.2.

5.3.1.2 At ambient temperature, conduct electrochemical impedance

spectroscopy (EIS) measurements, after exposing the coated
panels to 3% NaCl solution for no less than 24 hours, to obtain
initial electrochemical impedance values. The initial values
must be greater than 1 x 108 ohm.cm2 at an applied signal
frequency of 0.01 Hz. Coatings with the recommended film
thickness exhibiting lower electrochemical impedance values
shall be rejected.

5.3.2 Adhesion Test

5.3.2.1 Prepare test panels as described in Section 5.2 and allow the
coating to fully cure.

5.3.2.2 Determine the pull-off strength (adhesion) of APCS-19C coating

system from metal substrates. It is recommended to conduct this
test using Method F (Type VI) described in ASTM D4541 for steel
substrates, using a digital Automatic Pull-off Adhesion Gauge.
Lightly sand the coated surface and the aluminum dolly and
apply an epoxy adhesive. Allow the adhesive to cure as directed
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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

by the adhesive supplier. Scribe the coating and adhesive

around the dolly prior to pull off. Make a minimum of three
trials and report the average. The average shall be at least
10.34 MPa (1500 psi) to be acceptable.

5.3.3 Abrasion Resistance

Abrasion resistance of the coating shall be measured in accordance with

ASTM D4060, report the wear index, weight loss, or wear cycles per
Mil, Mean and range of the abrasion resistance values. Utilize abrasive
wheel no. CS-17, load of 1,000 g, 2,000 cycles (clean wheel after every
1000 cycles). The weight loss shall not be more than 10% of the original
weight.

5.3.4 Impact Resistance

When applied to a dry film thickness of min.–max. 1,000–1,500 microns

on a sanded 1-mm thick, cold-rolled steel panel and tested in accordance
with ASTM D2794, the sample shall pass impact of at least 3.95 N-m
(Joule) (35 in-lb). The fully cured coating shall show no cracking or
chipping.

5.3.5 Immersion Tests

5.3.5.1 Test panels shall be prepared in accordance with Section 5.2.

All tests shall be performed in duplicate. The fully cured
coating systems shall be tested as per ASTM D870.

5.3.5.2 The coated panels shall be exposed to the following test

conditions at 93°C ± 2°C.
a) Reagent Grade Distilled Water which meets the
requirements of ASTM D1193, Type I.
b) 5% Sodium Hydroxide
c) 5% Sodium Chloride

5.3.5.3 At the conclusion of 90 days exposure in immersion condition,

the coating systems shall be evaluated to meet the criteria in
Table 1. Additionally, the coated samples can be evaluated
after one month, and two months in accordance with paragraph
6.2.2 of NACE TM0174. If the coating was evaluated to have
failed during the one-month or two-month inspection, the
testing can be discontinued.

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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

5.3.5.4 The coated samples shall be conditioned in accordance with

Section 6.2 of NACE TM0174 for half an hour at 23 ± 2°C
prior to being assessed.

5.3.5.5 At the conclusion of three months exposure, the coating system

shall be evaluated for and shall meet the Table 1 criteria.

Table 1 - Immersion Test Acceptance Rating

Standard Acceptable Rating
ASTM D714, Evaluating
No blisters
Degree of Blistering of Paints
ASTM D610, Evaluating
Degree of Rusting on Painted 10
Steel Surfaces
Post immersion, the coating shall
be tested for adhesion per Section
ASTM D4541 Pull off
5.3.2 of this specification. Pull off
Adhesion
adhesion shall be at least 90% of
the original reading.
Coating shall maintain the same
Thickness
thickness
EIS More than 90% of initial reading

5.3.6 Cathodic Disbonding Test

5.3.6.1 Prepare three (3) steel panels in accordance with Section 5.2.

5.3.6.2 The Cathodic Disbondment test shall be conducted in

accordance with ASTM G42 (with modification), at 93°C ±
2°C for 30 days. The modification includes the source of the
sample plate, temperature, and duration. CSD may request to
change the duration, voltage or temperature of the test, if
needed.

5.3.6.3 As per ASTM G42, Section 7.4 the immersed area shall be at
least 23,200 mm2 (36 in2).

5.3.6.4 Unless tested for a specific application, the thickness of the

sample’s coating shall be identical to the typical DFT specified
in the coating’s product data sheet. An artificial holiday,
measuring 6.4 mm/0.25 inches in diameter, shall be drilled
through the coating to reach the steel surface on each sample.

5.3.6.5 Electrolyte shall be refreshed by adding distilled water as

needed. The solution shall be replaced after 7, 14, and 21 days
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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

to ensure its concentration (Sodium Chloride 1%, Sodium

Sulfate 1% and Sodium Carbonate 1%) does not drop below
3%. The Solution shall simultaneously maintain a pH of 10 or
higher and a resistivity of 25 to 50 Ω.cm at room temperature.

5.3.6.6 Adjust the rectifier or voltage divider so that the potential

between specimen and reference cell is -1.55 ± 0.01 V at 93°C.
The test report shall include a daily report of the electrical
current inside the cell.

5.3.6.7 Upon completion of the test, the maximum allowable radius of

disbondment shall be 10 mm.

5.3.7 Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure Test

5.3.7.1 Prepare three (3) steel panels in accordance with Section 5.2.

5.3.7.2 Sample shall be subjected to ASTM D5894 “Standard Practice

for Cyclic Salt Fog/UV Exposure of Painted Metal”.

5.3.7.3 The required test duration shall be 1,680 hours for cyclic salt
fog/UV exposure test.

5.3.7.4 At the conclusion of the testing, the coating system shall be

evaluated for and shall meet the Table 2 criteria.

Table 2 - Coating System Evaluation

Standard Acceptable Rating
ASTM D714, Evaluating Degree
No blisters
of Blistering of Paints
ASTM D660 Evaluating Degree of
No checking
Checking of Exterior Paints
ASTM D661 Evaluating Degree of
No cracking
Cracking of Exterior Paints
ASTM D610, Evaluating Degree of
10
Rusting on Painted Steel Surfaces

6 Method of Packaging

Coatings shall be packaged in accordance with 09-SAMSS-060.

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Document Responsibility: Paints and Coatings Standards Committee 09-SAMSS-070
Issue Date: 7 September 2016 Qualification Requirements of Epoxy
Next Planned Update: 7 September 2019 Coating Systems for Splash Zone (APCS-19C)

Revision Summary
7 September 2016 Major revision.
1. The title was changed.
2. Add more guidelines for testing procedure.
3. Phased out qualification requirements of the thick coating systems, APCS-19A and B.
4. Add new testing requirement for glass flack reinforced epoxy coating, APCS-19C to be
in line with international standards.
5. Revise the title.

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