In water and wastewater systems, coatings are often used in situations that directly impact marine life or human health. These coatings must be 1) effective at withstanding harsh chemicals and preventing corrosion, and 2) safe for the environment. Existing regulatory standards ensure that coatings deliver durability while protecting the environment.
Introduction to Environmental Compliance Standards
Existing criteria for levels of chemicals that can safely be present in water systems were established by the EPA decades ago.
The EPA’sQuality Criteria for Water was published as a result of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which was passed in 1972. It serves as a reference document for states and tribes to establish water quality standards to protect both aquatic life and human health. While the reference document was drafted in 1986—and hasn’t been updated since—a recent initiative by the EPA seeks to incorporate more advanced methods to update the guidelines document. These criteria are relevant to coating systems, as they include chemicals commonly used as solvents.
In addition to EPA guidance, the NSF/ANSI/CAN 600/61 standard certifies coatings as safe to use in potable water. It is the governing standard for North America and specifically incorporated by reference in 49 states and 11 Canadian provinces.
Beginning in 2014, the NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 criteria were updated to include toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. The updates were accompanied by a 5-year implementation period. This change was significant because many coatings contain solvents like these three substances. The compliance deadline for this change was January 2023.
Challenges with Compliance
According to the EPA, understaffing and labor shortages are significant challenges that must be overcome to successfully comply with updated regulations. Short-staffed teams are typically more reactive, slower in response times, and have less time for innovation or skill development. Taking all of this into account, facilities would strongly benefit from products designed for their current challenges. These products typically have:
Shorter and easier application procedures
Readily available, on-demand training
Designs that accommodate real-world applications, not just lab-like environments
Impacts of Solvents: Toluene, Ethylbenzene, And Xylenes
Toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes are typically used as solvents in coatings. These solvents can have dangerous health consequences for both humans and animal life.
Toluene
Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
Dizziness, confusion, and headache
Damage to vital organs, such as liver, kidneys, and reproductive system
High exposure can lead to death
Ethylbenzene
Associated with respiratory issues and hearing damage
Classified as a possible carcinogen
Xylene
Irritation of eyes, nose, and throat
Nausea and neurological impacts
Damage to vital organs, such as kidneys and cardiovascular system
Coating the inside of a large riveted steel tank used for holding seawater and marine life with 100% solids coating.
Epoxies Designed for Environmental and Health Safety
Because of the many challenges associated with using the above solvents, an easy solution to ensure compliance with environmental and health standards is to remove them altogether. The complete removal of solvents results in 100% solids, zero-VOC epoxies.
Due to their high solids content, solvent-free coatings are usually thicker and highly durable in a single application. They are also safer to apply in confined spaces because they contain no flammable VOCs. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are typically associated with the presence of solvents, and they can be highly dangerous in enclosed environments that lack adequate ventilation.
Case in Point
A raw seawater tank was repaired using solvent-free coating and composite materials.
Repairing a Raw Seawater Tank with Solvent-Free Materials
In February 2021, a riveted steel tank storing raw seawater exhibited severe internal corrosion, multiple through-wall failures, and external degradation. The tank was being used by a marine research facility and contained marine life. Because of this use, the facility needed a contaminant-free option that would be safe for the marine specimen. A composite repair using solvent-free materials was applied to the identified problem areas on the bottom half of the tank.
Coating For Water Immersion Without Harm: How to Stay Compliant
In water and wastewater systems, coatings are often used in situations that directly impact marine life or human health. These coatings must be 1) effective at withstanding harsh chemicals and preventing corrosion, and 2) safe for the environment. Existing regulatory standards ensure that coatings deliver durability while protecting the environment.
Introduction to Environmental Compliance Standards
Existing criteria for levels of chemicals that can safely be present in water systems were established by the EPA decades ago.
The EPA’s Quality Criteria for Water was published as a result of the Clean Water Act (CWA), which was passed in 1972. It serves as a reference document for states and tribes to establish water quality standards to protect both aquatic life and human health. While the reference document was drafted in 1986—and hasn’t been updated since—a recent initiative by the EPA seeks to incorporate more advanced methods to update the guidelines document. These criteria are relevant to coating systems, as they include chemicals commonly used as solvents.
In addition to EPA guidance, the NSF/ANSI/CAN 600/61 standard certifies coatings as safe to use in potable water. It is the governing standard for North America and specifically incorporated by reference in 49 states and 11 Canadian provinces.
Beginning in 2014, the NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 criteria were updated to include toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes. The updates were accompanied by a 5-year implementation period. This change was significant because many coatings contain solvents like these three substances. The compliance deadline for this change was January 2023.
Challenges with Compliance
According to the EPA, understaffing and labor shortages are significant challenges that must be overcome to successfully comply with updated regulations. Short-staffed teams are typically more reactive, slower in response times, and have less time for innovation or skill development. Taking all of this into account, facilities would strongly benefit from products designed for their current challenges. These products typically have:
Impacts of Solvents: Toluene, Ethylbenzene, And Xylenes
Toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes are typically used as solvents in coatings. These solvents can have dangerous health consequences for both humans and animal life.
Toluene
Ethylbenzene
Xylene
Epoxies Designed for Environmental and Health Safety
Because of the many challenges associated with using the above solvents, an easy solution to ensure compliance with environmental and health standards is to remove them altogether. The complete removal of solvents results in 100% solids, zero-VOC epoxies.
Due to their high solids content, solvent-free coatings are usually thicker and highly durable in a single application. They are also safer to apply in confined spaces because they contain no flammable VOCs. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) are typically associated with the presence of solvents, and they can be highly dangerous in enclosed environments that lack adequate ventilation.
Case in Point
Repairing a Raw Seawater Tank with Solvent-Free Materials
In February 2021, a riveted steel tank storing raw seawater exhibited severe internal corrosion, multiple through-wall failures, and external degradation. The tank was being used by a marine research facility and contained marine life. Because of this use, the facility needed a contaminant-free option that would be safe for the marine specimen. A composite repair using solvent-free materials was applied to the identified problem areas on the bottom half of the tank.
Two and a half years later, inspection revealed that the unreinforced upper section continued to corrode heavily, while the previously repaired bottom remained in excellent condition. A composite system was again applied to the upper section, seamlessly integrating with the prior repair. This solution provided full structural reinforcement and long-term protection against internal corrosion.
Wastewater Applications of Coatings Systems
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