Our main target is to cover all test methods for protective coating both for offshore and onshore industry.

In general, a protective coating is a layer applied to the surface with the intent of inhibiting or preventing corrosion.A coating is applied to the surface of an object, usually referred to as the substrate. The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative or functional. Functional coatings may be applied to change the surface properties of the substrate, such as adhesion, wettability, corrosion resistance, or wear resistance.To ensure that the coating used for the different applications is functional, it must be tested and approved in accordance with relevant standards.

ISO 17025 accredited testing

Norner is accredited according to ISO 17025 within protective coating testing area, meaning that we are fulfilling the intentions given in “Joint ISO-ILAC-IAF Communique – General Requirements for the testing and calibration laboratories” which says:

A laboratory’s fulfilment of the requirement of ISO/IEC 17025 means the laboratory meets both the technical competence requirements and managing systems requirements that are necessary for it to consistently deliver technically valid tests and calibrations.The management systems requirements in ISO/IEC are written in language relevant to laboratory operation and operate generally in accordance with the principles of ISO 9001.Norner offers both 3rd party testing and pre-qualification testing of protective coating within different application areas. In addition, we also perform bespoke testing “per client’s request”.

Our standard tests enable evaluation of the protection properties of coating systems in relation to a wide range of application and atmospheric environments in accordance with international standards like ISO, ASTM, NACE or CSA in addition to company specifications.

Surface protection - Norsok M-501 and ISO 12944-6

Norsok M-501 and ISO 12944-6 and 9 are the most relevant standards for protective coatings used for offshore application. These standards specify requirements for surface preparation, application procedures and performance requirements to protective coatings for offshore installations and associated facilities. It covers coatings for use in different applications like atmospheric conditions, tidal / splash zone or totally immersed.

Pre-qualification testing of protective coatings in accordance with Norsok M-501 and ISO 12944-6 and 9 consists of various test methods depending on the area of application.For atmospheric conditions, the testing includes cyclic ageing, where the coating is exposed to UV, condensation, salt fog and low temperature.Coatings for use in tidal or splash zone will in addition undergo immersion testing and the ability to withstand cathodic protection.The pre-qualification testing of coatings for totally immersed application consist of immersion testing and cathodic resistance testing.

Structure protection - ISO 12944

The most relevant standard for structure protection is ISO 12944. This specifies requirements for protection of steel structures, mainly intended for on-shore application. The standard includes classification of different corrosion environment and associated requirement.

Pre-qualification testing in accordance with ISO 12944 consists of salt fog, condensation, cyclic ageing testing and immersion testing.Choice of test method and duration is dependent on required corrosion classification.

Pipeline protection - ISO21809/CSA Z245.20 / NACE SP0394-2013

Relevant international standards within pipeline coating is ISO21809/CSA Z245.20 /NACE SP0394-2013. These standards specify requirements for qualification, application, testing of materials for external single layer fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) and three-layer polyethylene- and polypropylene-based coatings applied for the corrosion protection of bare steel pipe for use in pipeline transportation systems for the petroleum and natural gas industries.

Pipeline coating standards specify extensive wide-range of testing methods within raw material testing, quality control and pre-qualification of final product.Gel time and curing time are examples of important properties for FBE in addition to corrosion protection and cathodic resistance ability. Mechanical properties like flexibility and impact resistance are important properties, especially for multi-layer pipelines.