Powder coating

Powder coating

Before Vestre's products are powder coated, they are subject to extensive cleaning and processing in multiple phases. This process takes place in a series of immersion tanks and comprises degreasing, purified water and activators. The powder coating does not contain any solvents and is applied electrostatically through sophisticated nozzles. The powder is then melted in an automatic curing oven that gives the product its final appearance. The process was developed for the Norwegian offshore industry to ensure a very high finish that meets the strict requirements of Corrosion Class C5 (coastal areas with high salinity).

LT = Lifespan in years
LZn = Estimated lifespan of zinc plating exposed to the environment in question
LM = Estimated lifespan of lacquer coating exposed to the environment in question, if applied directly to steel

K = environmentally-dependent synergy factor, which can be set at:
1.5: for exposure in Environment Class C5
1.6 – 2.0: for exposure in Environment Class C3 – C4
2.1 – 2.3: for exposure in Environment Class C2

Example: a product surface treated with Vestre’s Duplex technology and exposed to Environment Class C5, will have a lifespan of more than 80 years*: * (=1.5*(40 years + 15 years)

Vestre’s unique surface treatment consists of wet zinc and powder coating. This process ensures a considerably longer lifespan than that obtained by separate systems.

The lifespan can be calculated by this formula:

LT = K(LZN + LM)

Corrosion Class (EN ISO 12944) Examples
C1 Heated buildings
C2 Outdoors in inland areas or in warehouses where condensation may occur
C3 Outdoors in coastal climates with little salt content or indoors in production facilities with high humidity levels
C4 Outdoors in coastal climates with moderate salt content or in indoor swimming pools
C5–I Outdoors in coastal climates with high salt content
C5-M (Vestre Standard) Outdoors in coastal climates with high salt content, high humidity levels, and aggressive atmospheric corrosion