Core Engineering
Cathodic Delamination
Specialist expertise in coating disbondment on protected metallic substrates.
Specialist expertise in coating disbondment on cathodically protected and galvanically influenced metallic substrates.
The Engineering Challenge
Cathodic delamination can occur where a protective coating loses adhesion from a metallic substrate under the electrochemical conditions associated with cathodic protection or galvanic effects. Disbondment typically initiates at a coating defect or edge and can progress beneath an otherwise intact coating film, where it is difficult to detect visually.
Why It Matters
Because disbondment develops under the coating, the visible surface may give little indication of the condition of the substrate beneath it. Recognising the mechanism, the conditions that promote it and the material and process factors that influence it is therefore a specialist engineering matter rather than a routine inspection task.
Capability
How Whitewells Supports This Area
- Specialist advice concerning materials and processes intended to help mitigate cathodic delamination risk.
- Technical explanation of the mechanism in the context of a specific coated assembly and its operating conditions.
- Consideration of coating adhesion, substrate preparation and system compatibility in delamination-prone service.
Technical Considerations
- Coating adhesion to the metallic substrate
- Coating defects, holidays and edges
- Applied cathodic protection conditions
- Galvanic effects within an assembly
- Material and process selection intended to mitigate risk
Where It Applies
- Coated metallic structures
- Oil pipeline installations
- Marine environments
- Submarine connector cable assemblies
- Remotely operated vehicle (ROV) connector systems
- Land installations
Related
Related Capabilities
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