Norner is one of few test laboratories that is accredited in accordance with ISO 17025 when it comes to testing of corrosion protective coatings. Such accreditation proves that our laboratory is a technical leader in quality management and competence and that our test methods are in accordance with the latest version of international standards. 

We are now in a process where we expand our portfolio of ISO 17025 approved methods, with ISO 15711, “determination of resistance to cathodic disbonding of coatings exposed to seawater”. This method evaluates the properties of the coatings to resist the effect of cathodic protection of subsea steel structures. 

With this method included we will be able to offer a complete list of approved test methods required in the qualification procedure of coating given in Norsok M-501 and other international standards. 

Marine coating

We work continuously to expand our range of tests. As an example, we are now in the process of establishing test methods for qualification of protective coatings for use within the marine industry. Our goal is to achieve approval within short time for 3rd. party testing of protective coatings for use in cargo oil tanks and seawater ballast tanks in accordance with IMO resolution MSC.288 (87) and MSC.215 (82).

Crude oil cargo tanks

This approval includes qualification testing in accordance with annex 1 in resolution MSC.288(87). The tests in this standard are designed to simulate the two main environmental conditions to which the crude oil cargo tank coating will be exposed, both in the vapour phase and in the liquid phase in a loaded condition. 

In the vapour test, test panels with protective coating are exposed in a gas tight chamber. The gas inside of the chamber is a standardized gas composition, based on the vapour phase in a crude oil tank. 

The panels are exposed for the gas at fixed temperature and examined for damages after 90 days exposure time. 

To test the resistance to crude oil, the test panels applied with protective coatings are immersed in a standardized test liquid. Crude oil is a complex mixture of chemical materials that can vary in composition over time. To overcome this, a standardized liquid is used to simulate crude oil. The formulation is given in the IMO resolution. 

The panels are immersed at fixed temperature and examined for damages after 180 days exposure time. 

Since both methods involves hazardous materials, such as H2S, a very high HSE focus is a necessity when performing such tests.

Ballast tank

This approval includes qualification testing of protective coatings in accordance to resolution MSC.215 (82), annex 1. The test used in this specification is based on simulation of conditions that occurs inside a ballast tank, filled with seawater. The protective coatings are exposed for different parameters such as temperature cycles, dry-wet conditions and cathodic protection. To achieve this complex environment a wave tank has been constructed. Test panels will, when they are installed in tanks, be exposed for similar conditions that occurs in in a real-life ballast tank, including continuous splashing of seawater.  

After 180 days the protective coatings will be examined for corrosion, adhesion and cathodic disbondment properties. 

The ballast testing also includes a condense test. Test panels are exposed in a condense chamber, where the panels are exposed for water condense. The panels are visually examined after 180 days. 

Norner is very active in various standardization bodies. We want both to influence the standards when it comes to testing and be up front in new demands from relevant markets.

Contact us if you would like to receive more information about our test laboratories.