Published in EPT by Wilhelm Sicking, March 09, 2016

Covestro:
Lasting asset protection for industrial facilities, bridges and ships
Economical and flexible corrosion protection
Pasquick®: Fewer coats, rapid curing, high productivity

2016, March 01  + + +  Pasquick® technology from Covestro makes corrosion protection cheaper and less time-consuming than conventional processes, while delivering results that are just as long-lasting and high in quality. One reason is because it reduces the number of coats required. One recent example of use is the coating of a new swing bridge over Lotse Canal in Hamburg-Harburg, Germany.

Large industrial facilities and steel structures have a lot of surface area open to attack. Only several layers of an anti-corrosion coating can ensure that wind turbines, steel bridges and ships fulfill their purpose and pay off in the long run.

Covestro has developed a pioneering solution that offers a number of advantages: Pasquick® technology makes corrosion protection cheaper and less time-consuming than conventional processes, while delivering results that are just as long-lasting and high in quality. One reason is because it reduces the number of coats required.

Advantages for operators and coating specialists

Both operators and contractors benefit from Pasquick®,” said corrosion protection expert Thomas Bäker of Covestro. “Eliminating one of the coating steps saves contractors time and labor costs. They gain flexibility, meaning they can meet tighter deadlines or take on more projects in the same period.”

However, Pasquick® also benefits wind park and plant operators, shipyards and municipal bridge maintenance offices: Reducing the number of coating steps can save on labor costs, which in turn reduces the overall cost of the coating process. Furthermore, structures can return to service sooner.

Pasquick® is a good example of customer-driven developments by Covestro's Coatings, Adhesives, Specialties segment. It is also part of the company's long-term value proposition, “Inventing for you,” along the entire value-added chain, right down to the facility operator.

Anti-corrosion coatings based on polyaspartic raw materials fulfill the requirements of ISO 12944 and have a low solvent content. They are efficient and recommended by leading coating manufacturers. Even various industry standards are now moving in this direction.

Example: Swing bridge in Hamburg (see photo)

One recent example is the coating of a new swing bridge over Lotse Canal in Hamburg-Harburg, Germany. Soon to go into service, the pedestrian and bicycle bridge is to improve the link between Harburg Castle island and downtown Harburg. The state's Department of Transportation (LSBG), responsible for roads, bridges and waterways, decided in favor of an anti-corrosion coating based on Pasquick® technology.

After the primer and intermediate coat, a topcoat from Dresden-based coatings producer novatic was applied. The company reported that it cured four times faster than conventional systems. Subsequent work on the 45 meter-long bridge was able to be completed sooner, and productivity was increased considerably. Another advantage of Pasquick® is the very low VOC content of the coatings, which significantly reduces solvent emissions. Source: Dr. Frank Rothbarth, www.covestro.com and www.pasquick.com

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About Covestro: With 2015 sales of EUR 12.1 billion, Covestro is among the world’s largest polymer companies. Business activities are focused on the manufacture of high-tech polymer materials and the development of innovative solutions for products used in many areas of daily life. The main segments served are the automotive, electrical and electronics, construction and sports and leisure industries. Covestro, formerly Bayer MaterialScience, has 30 production sites worldwide and employed approximately 15,800 people (calculated as full-time equivalents) at the end of 2015.