The first objective in applying a coating system to things like tanks and pipelines is to apply a continuous film to help prevent corrosion and loss of section, and in some cases, contamination of the contents. Because the film is vulnerable to stress corrosion cracking, discontinuities in the film might cause substrate undercutting and structure failure. Holiday or pinhole detection is used to find any areas where the coating or lining was not applied correctly. Our team of NACE-certified coating inspectors at Toronto Industrial Coating Consultants is highly qualified in performing pinhole testing and can provide you with the information you need to ensure that your facility is up to code. Call us now at 416-444-5092.
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How it works – Holiday/Pinhole detection
Pinhole testing is a process used to identify areas of thin or missing coating on metallic and concrete substrates. The test involves passing an electrical current through the coating and then observing for areas where the current is not conducted properly. These areas, known as pinholes or holidays, can dramatically reduce the life of a protective coating system. In order to ensure the longevity of a coating system, it is essential to perform regular pinhole testing and make repairs as necessary. Our team of NACE-certified coating inspectors is highly experienced in performing pinhole testing and can provide you with the information you need to make sure your project is a success. Call us today at 416-444-5092 to book a consultation.
These pics show us performing a pinhole/holiday test. Protective coatings and linings are applied to metallic and concrete substrates to prevent corrosion. Areas of thin or missing coating, called pinholes or holidays, can drastically reduce the life of a protective coating system.
Why pinhole testing is vital
Pinhole testing is a vital quality control step in the application of protective coatings and linings. By definition, a pinhole is a small opening in the coating that exposes the substrate to corrosion. The most common method of pinhole testing is performed with a high-voltage holiday detector. This device uses an electrical charge to identify areas of thin or missing coating. Once identified, the area can then be repaired with either an epoxy or urethane filler. While time-consuming, pinhole testing is essential to the long-term performance of any protective coating system. At Toronto Industrial Coating Consultants, our team of NACE-certified coating inspectors is highly experienced and can provide you with the information you need to make sure your coatings are in compliance with industry standards. Call us today at 416-444-5092 to book a consultation.
What are the most popular methods when performing a pinhole test?
There are a variety of holiday detection methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common method is wet sponge testing, which is quick and relatively inexpensive. However, this method can be limited by the porosity of the substrate, and it is not always possible to reach all areas of the structure. Other methods, such as dry sponge testing and conductivity testing, can be more expensive and time-consuming, but they offer a more comprehensive holiday detection solution. Regardless of the method used, it is important to ensure that all areas of the structure are inspected for discontinuities in the applied film.
Coating inspection services
Are you looking for a qualified coating inspector? Toronto Industrial Coating Consultants is a team of NACE-certified coating inspectors with over 25 years of experience in the industry. We offer a wide range of services, including holiday testing, coatings specification development, and on-site consultation. Call us today at 416-444-5092 to book a consultation.
Our qualified coating inspectors provide the following services:
– Holiday/pinhole testing
- Coating inspection of bridges
- Coating Inspection
- Coating Consulting
- Quality Assurance
- Quality Control Consulting
- Failure Analysis
- Specification Writing
- Holiday/pinhole testing
- Galvanizing inspection
Call us today at 416-444-5092 to book a consultation. Our team of experts is ready to help you with all your coating needs!