Achieve ISO 12944-9 Compliance & Optimal Corrosion Protection

With the extreme challenges related to corrosion that come with extended exposure to the offshore environment, there’s absolutely no room for sub-par protective coatings for metallic structures. Today’s customers can’t afford to find out that a protective coating doesn’t meet their expectations after it’s already been applied- but with extravagant marketing claims abound, how can customers shop smarter and verify the validity of those claims? That’s where the International Standards Organization, or ISO, comes in. In today’s blog, we go over helpful tips and best practices to help ensure ISO 12944-9 compliance and ultimately achieve optimal protection against corrosion. 

Understanding ISO 12944-9

Every ISO standard holds a very distinct purpose for an intended application. The first step to proper implementation of a standard is to understand whether or not it is totally applicable to your specific use case. The scope of ISO 12944-9 is defined by ISO as follows: 

“This document specifies the performance requirements for protective paint systems for offshore and related structures (i.e. those exposed to the marine atmosphere, as well as those immersed in sea or brackish water). Such structures are exposed to environments of corrosivity category CX (offshore) and immersion category Im4 as defined in ISO 12944-2. 

This part of ISO 12944 describes paint systems for high durability according to ISO 12944-1.” 

In essence, what all of that means is that this specific section of the standard is meant to be applied to carbon steel structures that will be exposed to some of the harshest offshore environments, which are classified by ISO by corrosion categories and immersion categories. Intended use in different environmental categories will call for different metrics and values to be met, so it is of utmost importance to begin with a proper understanding of the standard’s conditions. 

Next, it is imperative to comprehend the methodology that the standard entails. ISO 12944-9 serves as a guide to testing methods that can be used to qualify a given paint coating for compliance, defined as follows: 

“This document specifies: 

• the test methods to be used to determine the composition of the separate components of the protective paint system; 

• the laboratory performance test methods for the assessment of the likely durability of the protective paint system; 

• the criteria to be used to evaluate the results of performance tests.” 

Offshore Coating Specifications

Within the ISO 12944-9 standard are a vast collection of individual specifications that are integral to properly implementing the standard as it applies to offshore protective coatings. A few of these additional specifications that are referenced throughout the ISO 12944-9 standard include, but are not limited to: 

• ISO 1413, Standard panels for testing 

• ISO 2811, Paints and varnishes – Determination of density 

• ISO 4624, Paints and varnishes – Pull-off test for adhesion 

• ISO 9227, Corrosion tests in artificial atmospheres 

And many more beyond those listed. In order to truly ensure adherence to ISO 12944-9, it is imperative for protective coating manufacturers to understand the various testing methods that are outlined by supporting standards like the ones listed above. 

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Implementation Strategies

With a thorough understanding of the specifications outlined in the standard, users should be well-equipped to effectively implement the following strategies throughout their sample preparation, coating application, and performance testing steps: 

During Sample Preparation

• Ensure that the sample is a valid carbon steel panel sized to ISO 1514 specifications. 

• Prepare the surface of the sample to the instructions specified in ISO 12944-9.1.2. 

• Not all samples have to be previously untouched. There are guidelines for using panels that have been hot-dip galvanized, thermal sprayed, or previously coated then cleaned with abrasive blasting. Check that the preparation instructions apply to your specific sample type before proceeding with coating application. 

During Coating Application 

• Check that all coatings are within their designated shelf life and pot life. 

• Ensure that coatings are applied evenly to a surface that has been properly prepared. 

• Always apply coatings to the manufacturer’s specifications. 

• If an applied coating demonstrates flaws like sagging, dripping, or cracking, it should not be considered a valid specimen for testing. 

During Performance Testing 

• Testing standards for ISO 12944-9 are specified in ISO 4624 (pull-off adhesion); ISO 4628-2,3,4,5,6; and Annexes A, B, C, and D. Follow the instructions and standards outlined in Table 5 of the full ISO 12944-9 document, which includes criteria for both pre- and post-qualification testing. 

Testing Documentation & Reportings

Implementing strategies for ISO 12944-9 can be a challenge on its own, but documenting that implementation is another lofty hurdle that operators must cross. Some key documents to keep record of include: 

• Technical data sheets for the paint coating being tested 
• Safety data sheets for the coating 
• Batch numbers for each sample group 
• Sampling methods which align with those outlined in the standards 

One way that organizations can help keep this process organized is by designating a party that is responsible for documentation, whether that be an individual or a dedicated department. It will be crucial for this responsible party to actively maintain frequent contact with all parties involved in order to ensure the most thorough documentation possible. 

This reporting becomes most valuable in cases when operators may have to present their process documentation and test results to concerned parties like customers or environmental agencies. Putting together a detailed report to prove the validity of your organization’s testing methods will likely be a team effort with all hands on deck. A dedicated coordinator or responsible party can once again help keep things organized, but ultimately ISO reporting can never be a one-person job. That brings us to our next topic, personnel training and education. 

Personnel Training & Education

You can know everything there is to know about ISO12944-9- but what good is that knowledge if you’re the only one who has it? With that in mind, one of the most vital steps you can take to ensure the success of your ISO12944-9 certification efforts is to bring your entire team up to speed. Organize training sessions to teach your team how to apply a coating according to the standard; hold seminars that discuss the importance of certification; share your experience about any past challenges or insights; and continue to stay informed as standards get updated and change from year to year. 

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