Founded in 1816, York Water Company has been serving its local community for almost 200 years and is the oldest investor-owned utility in the nation, committed to providing high-quality, plentiful water at a reasonable price to their customers. But, in order to do so, York Water must maintain and protect their facilities. When the pipe gallery at their filtration plant was experiencing severe condensation year-round, they turned to Tnemec for help with a solution.

“One of the main concerns with condensation on pipes is corrosion, which can lead to widespread damage,” says Wally Bates, Tnemec representative with Del-Val Coatings Consultants. “Condensation can also pose a safety issue because pooling water can cause slips and falls.”

After speaking with Bates, the owner agreed to test an innovative coatings system on half of the pipe gallery. Aerolon, a spray-applied thermal insulating coating from Tnemec, can reduce the formation of condensation by insulating cool metal substrates from warm, moist air – a common concern in water and wastewater treatment facilities.

The substrates were prepared, removing loose rust and previous coatings, and a prime coat of Series 394 PerimePrime was brushed and rolled at 2.5-3.5 mils dry film thickness (DFT). PerimePrime is a one-component, moisture-cured, MIO- and zinc-filled primer that offers superior bonding to steel and is ideal for corrosion resistance.

Following Series 394, two coats of Series 971 Aerolon Acrylic were spray-applied at 40-50 mils DFT each. Series 971, which is formulated using aerogel particles, was followed by a finish coat of Series 1028 Enduratone.

The coatings system performed so well that the rest of the pipe gallery was completed the following year, explained Bates. “The owner has only experienced one day of minimal condensation in a year of service, and is therefore very satisfied with the application.”