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SSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
SPC: THE SOCIETY FOR PROTECTIVE COATINGS
COATING APPLICATION STANDARD NO. 2
PROCEDURE FOR DETERMINING CONFORMANCE TO
DRY COATING THICKNESS REQUIREMENTS.
1. Scope
1.1 This standard desoribes a procedure for determining
shop or field conformance to @ specified coating dry film thick-
ness (DFT) range on terrous and non-ferrous metal substrates
Using nondestructive coating thickness gages (magnetic and
electronia) desoribed in ASTM D 7031
1.2 The procedures for agjusiment and measurement
‘acquisition for two types of gages: ‘magnetic pull-of” (Type 1)
and “electronic” (Type 2) are described in ASTM D 7091.
1.3 This standard detines @ procedure to determine
whetner dry coalings conform to the minimum and we
mayimum thickness speci, See Note 11.1 for an example
‘of & possible modification when measuring dry fm thickness,
‘on overcoated surfaces.
14 This document ig not intended to prescribe a
frequency of coating thickness measurement for a coating
tallure Investigation’
1.8 This document contains the following non-mandatory
appendices:
Appendix 1 ~ Numerical Example of Average Thickness
Measurement
Appendix 2 - Methacs for Measuring Dry Film Thickness
on Steel Beams (Girders)
Appendix 3 - Methacs for Measuring Dry Film Thickness
for @ Laydown of Beams, Siructural Stee!, and Miscellaneous
Paris after Shop Coating
Appendix 4 - Method for Measuring Dry Film Thickness
on Coated Steel Test Panels
Appendix 5 - Method for Measuring Dry Film Thickness
‘of Thin Coatings on Coated Stee! Test Panels that Have Been
Abrasive Blast Cleaned
Appendix 6 — Method for Measuring the Dry Film Thicke
ness of Coatings on Edges
Appendix 7 — Method for Measuting Dry Film Thickness
(on Coated Steel Pipe Exterior
Appendix 8 - Examples of the Adjustment of Type 2
Gages Using Shims
The number and location of measurements during a coating fale
investgaton may 86 more or less Fequent than descnoed by tis
standare
1.8 This standard is not intended to be used for measure-
‘ment of thermal spray coatings. The thickness measurement
procedures for these coatings are described in SSPC-CS
23.008,
2. Referenced Standards
2:4 The latest issue, revision, or amendment of the reter-
‘enced standards in effect on the date of invitation to bid shall
‘govern unless otherwise specified. Standards marked with an
asterisk (") afe referenced only in the Notes, which are not
requirements of ths standard
2.2If there is a conflict between the requirements of any
ofthe cited reference standards and this standard, the require=
‘ments of this standard shell prevail
2.3. ASTM International Standard?
7091 Standard Practice for Nondestructive Measure-
ment of Dry Film Thickness of Nonmagnetio
Coatings Appliod to Ferrous Metals and
Nonmagnetic, Nonconductive Coatings Applied
to Non-Ferrous Metals (mandatory document)
4 SSPC: The Society for Protactive Coatings
‘Standard:
"PAGuide 11 Protecting Edges, Crevices, and lrreg-
Ular Steel Surlaces by Stripe Coating
3. DEFINITIONS,
‘8:1 Gage Reading: A single instrument reading,
3.2 Spot Measurement: The average of three, or at least
three gage readings made within a 1.5-inch (approximately
4.centimeter [-4-cr)) dlameter circle. Acquistion of more than
three gage readings within a spot is permitted. Any unusually
© GS 23 OO/AWS C2.23MINACE No. 12. Spocteation forthe Applica:
tion of Thermal Spray Coatings (Metalizig) of Aluminum, Zinc, and
‘Thai Alloys and Composites fr the Corrosion Protection of Steel
Aavadable anna at
‘ASTM international, 109 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken,
PA 19428-2959, For reterenced ASTM standards, vit the ASTM
wobste, wawasim org. or contact ASTM Customer Service at
service@asim org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards volume
Information eter tothe sandercs Document Summaly page on he
ASTM website.‘SSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
high or low gage readings that are not repeated consistently
are discarded. The average of the aoveplable gage readings is
the spot measurement.
3.3 Area Measurement: The average of five spot
measurements obtained over each 100 tf (~10 m2) of coated
surface.
4. Description of Gages
4:1 Gage Types: The gage type is determined by the
‘operating principal employed in measuring the thickness and
Is not determined by the mode of data readout, le. digtal or
analog.
4.4.4 Type 4 — Magnetic Pull-Otf Gages: in magnetic
pulLoff gages, a permanent magnet is brought into direct
contact with the coated surface. The force necessary to pull
the magnet from the surface is measured and Interpreted
as the coating thickness value on a scale or display on the
‘gage. Less force is required to remove the magnet from a thick
‘coating. The scale is nonlinear.
4.4.2 Type 2 - Electronic Gages: An electronic gage
Uses electronic circulry to convert a reference signal into
coating thickness.
5, Calibration and Verification of Accuracy
5:1 ASTM D 7091 describes three operational steps
necessary to ensure accurate coating thickness measurement:
callbration, veriication and adjustment of coating thickness
measuring gages, as well as proper methods for obtaining
coating thickness measurements on both ferrous and non-
ferrous metal substrates. These sleps shall be completed
before taking coating thickness measurements to determine
conformance to a speciied coating thickness range.
5.2 Gages shall be calibrated by the manufacturer or
‘2 qualified laboratory. A Certificate of Calibration or other
documentation showing traceability to @ national metrology
Institution is required. There is no siandarc ime interval for
re-calibration, nor is one absolutely required. Calibration inter-
vals are usually established based upon experience and the
work environment. A one-year calibration interval is a typical
starting point suggested by gage manufacturers,
53 To guard against measuring with an inaccurate gage,
gage accuracy shall be veriied at a minimum of the begin-
ring and end of each work shift according to the procedures
described in ASTM D 7091. The user is advised to verity gage
accuracy during measurement acquisition (e.g., hourly) when
a large number af measurements are being obiained. It the
{gage is dropped or suspected of giving erroneous readings
during the work shifts acouracy shall be rechecked,
5.4 Record the serial number of the gage, the reference
standard used, the stated thickness ofthe reference standard
as well as the measured thickness value obtained, and the
method used to verily gage accuracy. If the samme gage, refer-
ence standard, and method of veriication are used throughout
a job, they need to be recorded only once. The stated value of
the standard and the measured value must be recorded each
lime acouracy is verted.
85 It the gage falls the post-measurement accuracy
verification check, all measurements acqured since the
last accuracy verification check are suspect. In the event of
Physical damage, wear, or high usage, or after an established
‘calibration interval, the gage shall be recheoked for accuracy
‘of measurement. If the gage Is not measuring accurately it
shall not be used unt tis repaired andlor recalibrated (usually
by the gage manutacturer).
8.6 Type 1 gages have nonlinear scales and any adjusting
feature is linear in nature. Any adjustment of these gages will
limit the DFT range for which the gage will provide accurate
readings; therefore adjustment of the gage is not recom-
mended. Furthermore, the application of a single “correction
value” representing the full range of the gage fo compensate
Tor a gage tnat is not measuring accurately Is not appropriate,
since the correction will also be noninear.*
6. Measurement Procedure - Type 1 Gages
61 Type 1 gage accuracy Is verted using smootn test
blocks. In order to compensate for any effect of he substrate
liselt and surface roughness, oblain measurements fram the
bare, prepared substrate al a minimum of ten (10) locations
(arbitarily spaced) and calculate the average value. This value
represents the effect of the substratelsurlace roughness on a
‘coating thickness gage. This average value is the base metal
reading (BMP). The gage shall nat be adjusted to read zero on
the prepared, bare substrate.
6.2 Measure the DFT of the dry coating at the number of
spots specified in Section 8.
6.3 Subtract the BMR from the gage reading to obtain the
thickness of the coating,
7. MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE - TYPE 2 GAGES
7A The manufacturers of Type 2 (electronic) gages
prescribe different methods of adjustment to measure dy fim
thickness over abrasive blast cleaned surfaces. Adjust the
gage according to the manufacturers instructions using one of
the methads described in ASTM D 7091 or Appendix & of this
standard,
“A comection curve can be prepared by plating the actual gage
Teadings against the stated values on the calibration test blocs.
Suipsequent coating thickness measuremens can be “corected” by
Dloting ine measurements along the conection curve. The correc-
‘Non curve may or may not cover the ulange ofthe gage, but should
‘cover the intended range of usa. The Base Metal laacings (EMA)
“ — .
a .
8 a |
7 = = > a
Bottom FlangeSSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
TABLE A2
DATASHEET FOR RECORDING SPOT MEASUREMENTS AND
AVERAGE DFT VALUES FOR THE 12 SURFACES OF A BEAM OR GIRDER.
‘Spot Measurements of DFT on Beam #.
Surface
‘Seotion 1 Seotion 2
108
0b
wt
12
Seotion 3
‘Section 4
{1=1op hal of web for beams equal to or greater tan 26 in [9 em] in height
bottom nal of wad (fr beams equal o or great than 26 in [21 cm n Neh)
‘TABLE A2.1 ~ NUMBER OF SPOT MEASUREMENTS NEEDED
ON EACH SURFACE OF A BEAM FOR A FULL OR A SAMPLE DFT DETERMINATION
Number of Spot Measurements per Surface
Length of Beam Full DFT Determination” ‘Sample DFT Determination
less than 20 f (6 m) 5 2
{fom 20 to 60 ft (6 to 18 m) 5 3
‘over 60 f (18 m) 5 NA
* For beams 98 inches (91 cm) or more, the top al and the bottom half ofthe web are Weatad as separate surfaces in afull DFT determination.
DFT of surface 1. Repeat for the other 11 surfaces (7 surfaces
Iv the toe fs not measured; 14 surfaces for tall beams). The dala,
can be reported in a format shown in Table A2.
[A2.3 If Coating Thickness Restriction Level 3 is invoked
by the specification (or if no Restriction Level is invoked by
the specification), then no single spot measurement can be
less than 80% of the specified minimum OFT, and no single
‘spot measurement can be more than 120% of the specified
mayimum DFT. The average value for each surlace must
conform to the spesified DFT. (There willbe only eight average
values ifthe DFT of the toe Is not measured; there may be as
many as 14 average values for beams greater than 26 Inches
Inheight,)
A2.4 SAMPLE DFT DETERMINATION OF A BEAM: In
lieu of a full DFT determination of each beam, the jab speci-
fication may require only a sample DFT determination for
selecied beams less than 60 ft (18 m) long. For sample DFT
determination, the web of beams less than 86 Inches (91 cm)
in height is not spi
A2.4.1 Beams less than 6m (20 ft) in length: For beams
less than 20 it (6 m) in length, take two spot measurements,
randomly distributed, on each of the 12 suriaces (8 surfaces if
the toe is not measured) ofthe beam as defined in Figure A2,
Each spot measurement must conform to the specified DFT.
‘A2.4.2 Beams 20 Mt (6 m) up to 60 ft (18 m) in lengin:
For beams 20 fi (6 m) up to 60 (18 m) in length, take three
spot measurements, randomly distributed, an each of the 12
surfaces (6 surlaces ifthe toe is not measured) of the beam as
defined in Figure A2. Each spot measurement must contorm to
the specified DFT.
2.5 NON-CONFORMANCE: If any spot measurement
falls outside the specified range, additional measurements
may be made to define the non-conforming area.‘SSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
A2.6 RESTRICTED ACCESS: If the beam is situated
such that one or more of the surfaces are not accessible, take
measurements on each accessible surface in accordance with
Section A2.2 or Section A2.4 through A2.4.2, as specified
A2.7 ATTACHMENTS: Sttieners and other attachments
to_a beam shall be arbitrary measured,
APPENDIX 3 - Methods for Measuring Dry Film
Thickness for a Laydown of Beams, Structural Steel,
and Miscellaneous Parts After Shop Coating
Appendix 3 is nat a mandatory part of this standard, but
it provides two sample protocols for measuring DFT for a
laycown,
A3.1 GENERAL: A “laydown"is a group of steel members|
laid down to be painted in one shift by one painter. For inspec
tion of a laydown, first make a visual survey to detect areas
with obvious detects, such as poor coverage, and correct as
necessary, As an informal intial survey, the inspector may
‘want to check for uniformity af DFT across each surtace.
‘A3.2 FULL DFT DETERMINATION
(43.2.1 Beam (Girder): Follow the procedure deseribed in
Section A2.2.
{A3.2.2 Miscellaneous Parts: Take 1 spot measurement
(@s defined in Section 8.1) on each surface of the part. Ifthe
part has fewer than § surfaces, take mutiple spot measure-
ments on the larger surfaces to bring the total to 8. the total
area of the partis over 100 f (10 mt), take 5 spat measure-
ments randomly distributed over the part for each 100 tf (10
m9), oF fraction thereat.
|A3.3 If Coating Thickness Restriction Level 3 is invoked
by the specification (or if no Restriction Level is invoked by
the specification), then no single spat measurement can be
less than 80% of the specified minimum DFT, and no single
spot measurement can be more than 120% of the specified
maximum DFT. The average value ol the spot measurements
‘on each surface must conform to the specified DFT. I there is
only 2 single spot measurement on a surface, t must conform,
to the specified DFT.
A3.4 SAMPLE DFT DETERMINATION: in lieu of a full
DFT determination of each painted piece as described in
Section A2.2, the job specification may require only a sample
DFT determination for selected pioves.
(A3.4.1 Beams less than 20 ft (6 m): Follow the procedure
described in Section A2.4.1
3.4.2 Beams greater than 20 f! (6 m): up to 60 ft (18 m)
In length: Follow the procedure described in Section A2.4.2,
3.4.3 Miscellaneous parts: For miscellaneous part,
take three spot measurements, randomly distributed on the
part. Each spot measurement must conform to the specified
DFT.
83.5 NON-CONFORMANCE: It any spot measurement
falls outside the speciied range, additional measurements,
may be made to define the non-conforming area.
A3.6 RESTRICTED ACCESS: ita beam or miscellaneous
partis situated such that one or more of the surfaces are not
acpessible, take measurements on each accessible surface in
accordance with Section A2.2 or Section A2.4, as specified
3.7 NUMBER OF BEAMS OR PARTS TO MEASURE:
Ina laydown, tne number of beams or parts to receive a full
DFT determination and the number to have a sample DFT
determination can be specttied. For example, do a full OFT
determination on a plece painted near the beginning of the
shit, near the middle of the shift, and near the end of the shift
In accordance with Section A3.2; and perform a sample DFT
determination on every third piece in accordance with Section
ABA,
A3.8 ATTACHMENTS: Stileners and other allachments
toa beam shall be arbitrarily measured,
APPENDIX 4 - Method for Measut
ness on Coated Steel Test Panels
Thick-
Dry
Appendix 4 Is not a mandatory part of this standard, but it
provides a sample protocol for measuring DFT on coated sto!
test panels,
‘AAA PANEL SIZE: The test pane! shall have a minimum
area of 18 in (116 om) and a maximum area of 144 in?
(990 on; e.g, minimum 3x 6inen (75x 15 om) and maximum
12x 12ineh (90 x30 om).
‘A4.2 PROCEDURE: Use a Type 2 electronic gage. Take
two spot readings from the top third, the middle third, and the
bottom third ofthe test panel. Readings shall be taken at least
4% inch (12 mm) from any edge and 1 inch (25 mm) from any
‘other spot reading. Discard any unusually high or low gage
reading that cannot be repeated consistently. The DFT of the
lest panel is ine average of ie six acceptable spot reaaings,
A4.3 MINIMUM THICKNESS: The average of the accept
‘ble spot readings shall be no less than the specified minimum
thickness. No single spot reading shall be less than 80% of the
specified minimum.
A44 MAXIMUM THICKNESS: The average of ine
scceplablle spot reacings shall be na more than the specified
maximum thickness. No single spot reading shall be more than
120% of the specified maximum,
A4.5 REJECTION: II @ spot reading Is less than 80% of
the specilied minimum DFT or exceeds 120% of the speci-
lied maximum DFT, additional measurements may be made
to reevaluate tne OFT on the area of the test panel near thelow or high spot reading. If the adcltional measurements indi-
cate the DFT in the disputed area of the panel to be below
the minimum or above the maximum allowable DFT, the pane!
shall be rejected,
APPENDIX 5 - Method for Measuring Dry Film Thick-
ness of Thin Coatings on Coated Steel Test Panels
that have been Abrasive Blast Cleaned
Appendix § Is not a mandatory part of this standard, but
It provides a sample protocol for measuring DFT of thin coat-
Ings on coated steel test panels that had been abrasive blast
cleaned,
AS.1 For the purposes of this standard, a coating is
detined as thin if the dry film thickness (DFT) is on the order of
1 mil (25 ym) or less. Because the DFT is the same order as
Ine statistical uctuatlons of a DFT gage on bare biast cleaned
steel, many gage readings must be taken to get a meaningful
average.
‘A5.2 PANEL SIZE: The test panel shall have a minimum
area of 18 in? (116 om) and a maximum area of 144 in?
(280 om*);.g., minimum 3 x6 inch (7.5x 150m) and maximum
42 12 inch (80 x 30 om).
|AS.3 PROCEDURE: Use a properly adjusted Type 2
electronic gage. Take len gage readings randomly distributed
in the top third of the panel. Compute the mean (average)
and standard deviation of these ten readings. Similarly, take
ten readings from the middle third and ten readings trom the
bottom third of the test pane! and compute their means and
standard deviations. Readings shall be taken at least ¥2 inch
(12 mm) from any edge and 1 inch (25 mm) from any other
{gage reading, Discard any unusually high or low gage reading,
Le, a reading that is more than three standard deviations from
the mean. The DFT of the test panet isthe average of the three
AS.4 MINIMUM THICKNESS: The average of the means
shall be no less than the specified minimum thickness. No
single mean shall be less than 80% of the specified minimum.
AS.5 MAXIMUM THICKNESS: The average of the means
shall be no more than the specified maximum thickness.
No single mean shall be more than 120% of the specified
SSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
APPENDIX 6 - Method for Measuring the Dry Film
Thickness of Coatings on Edges
Appendix 6 is not a mandatory part of this standard, but it
provides a sample protocol for measuring DFT of coatings on
edges.
AB.1 Type 2 gage manufacturers offer @ variely of probe
configurations, some of which are less affected by proximity
to edges and are designed to better measure the thickness of
coatings on edges. The user should consult the gage manu=
tacturer's instructions before measuring coating thickness on
edges. SSPC-PA Guide 11 describes the use of coatings with
ledge retention properties and references a method (MIL-PRF-
232960) far assessing edge retention properties of coatings.
[A6.2 Prior to measurement of coating on edges, the gage
land probe should be verified for accuracy by placing a thin,
flexible shim onto the prepared, uncoated edge. Adjustments
to the gage may or may not be required. This procedure also
verifies that the probe configuration will accommodate the
ledge configuration priar to coating thickness data acquisition.
‘A6.3 Obtain a minimum of three gage readings within 1.5,
linear inches (~4 linear em) of coated edge. The average of
the gage readings is considered a spot reading. The number of,
spot readings along the edge will vary depending on the total
length of the coated edge.
APPENDIX 7 - Method for Measuring Dry Film
Thickness on Coated Steel Pipe Exterior
‘Appendix 7 Is not a mandatory part ofthis standard, but it
Provides a sample protocol for measuring DFT of the exterior
of coated pipe.
AT. Pipe sections that are loaded onto a cart or rack
are considered a complete unit, as opposed to a single joint
of pipe. The total number of spot and area measurements Is
based on the total square footage of pipe on the cart or rack.
The square footage can be calculated using the formula below:
‘Area = (length of each pipe x circumference) x number of pipe
sections on cart or rack
AT.2 Some carts may have several small items that could
exceed the number of spot DFT readings required based on
TABLE A7
NUMBER AND LOCATIONS OF SPOT MEASUREMENTS - PIPE SPOOLS.
Pipe Diameter Circumferential Spot Measurements Interval Spacing
Up to 12.in (20 em) 4 evenly spaced 10 feet (3 meters) apart
14 to 24 Inches (36-60 em) G evenly spaced 10 feet (3 meters) apart
Greater than 24 inches (60 «m) Bevenly spaced 10 feet (3 meters) epart‘SSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
{otal square footage. In this case, the Owner/Gontractor may
select a Pipe DFT frequency Level shown below:
AT.2A Pipe DFT Level 1 Area = (length of each pipe x
circumference) x1. of pipe sections on cart or rack = (number
‘of spot measurements) x 2
AT.2.2 Pipe DFT Level 2 Area = (length of each pipe x
Crcumterence) x1. of pipe sections on oart or rack = (number
of spot measurements) x 3
A7.23 Pipe DFT Level 2 Area = (length of each plpe x
Creumference) xno. of pipe sections on cart or rack = (number
of spot measurements) x 4
7.2.4 Pipe DFT Level 4 Area = (length of each pipe x
circumference) x no. of pipe sections on cart or rack = (number
of spot measurements) x 5
A7.2.5 Pipe DFT Level § Area = (length of each pipe x
Circumference) x19. of pipe sections on cart or rack = (number
of spot measurements) x 6
AZ.3 Pipe spools that are not loaded onto a rack or cart
fare measured Individually. The number and locations of spat
measurements are based on Table A7. Three sets of four
circumferential spot measurements should be obtained on
pipe spools less than 10 feet (3 meters) in length,
ATA A challenge for the painter in costing fabricated pipe
spools Is providing a uniform thickness throughout the entire
surface. On a fabricated pipe spool, valves, flanges, and
elbows tend to have low or high DFTs when compared to the
straight run section. Painters may develop a pattern of work for
a specific task. Hence, the DFT on the flange and valves may
be consistently on the high side or the low side of the target
DFT. This type of error is easy to detect and correct. Random
errors pose a more dificult problem. Gross errors where the
paint \s obviously too thin or too thick must be corrected and
are beyond the scope of this standarc.
“The number of spat measurements in this protocol may far
‘exceed the “5 spot measurement per 100 f (10 me) required
Inthe standard, The full DFT determination, described in Table
AZ, provides a very thorough inspection ofa joint of pipe. The
DFT determination, described in Section A7.1, may allow for
fewer spot measurements. The user does not have to require a
{ull OFT determination tor every joint of pipe. For example, the
requirement may be for a ful DFT determination on one pipe
‘out often, or a sample DFT determination on one pipe out of,
Tive, or a combination of ull and sample DFT determinations
APPENDIX 8 - Examples of the Adjustment of Type 2
Gages Using Shims
Appendix 8 does not form a mandatory part of this stan-
«dard, but it provides examples of how to adjust Type 2 gages
using shims on roughened (e.g., abrasive biast cleaned)
surfaces
This example describes a methad of adjustment to
improve the effectiveness of a Type 2 (electronic) gage on a
blast cleaned or otherwise roughened surface. Blast cleaning
is used throughout this example, but these methods are appli-
‘cable to other types of surface preparation. A less uniform.
surface, such as partially rusted hand too! cleaned steel, may
require more gage readings to achieve a salistactory level of
slalistical significance, Since gage operation altters among
manufacturers, Tollow tne manufacturer's instruclons. tor
agjustment of a partcular gage,
A Type 2 gage needs to be adjusted to account for the
profile of the substrate in order to read the coating thickness
directly. Type 2 gages equipped with double pole probes
may provide greater measuring precision on rough surfaces
‘compared to single pote probes.
A portion of the substrate, after blast cleaning but prior
to coaling, can be used to adjust the gage. Alteratively, an
Uncoated test panel, blast cleaned at the time the structure
‘was blast cleaned and having a profile representative of the
structure can be used to adjust the gage provided the test
panel s of material with similar magnetic properties and geom-
etry as the substrate to be measured. If this Is not avallable
then a correction value can be applied to a smooth surface
adjustment as described in 48.3.
‘Three adjustment techniques can be used depending
‘on the capability and features of the gage to be used for the
inspection. Note that due to the statistical variation produced
TABLE AS
TYPICAL GAGE CORRECTION VALUES USING ISO 8503 PROFILE GRADES
(SOURCE: ISO 19840)"
ISO 8508 Profile Grade Correction Value (mil)
Correction Value (ym)
Fine oa 10
Medium 1.0 25
Coarse 16 40
* international Organization for Standardization (ISO), Case Postale 56, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland. {SO standards:
‘are avalabe orn trom the American National Standards lnstute (ANSI), 1819 Sweat, NW, Suite 600, Washington,
‘DC 20086 or at
10by a roughened surface, individual readings taken using these
three methods may not perfectly agree.
The first two examples desoribe adjustment and verifia-
tion to one or more shims. When shims are used, resultant
gage measurements are less accurate and must be recalcu-
lated, For exemple, It the aocuraoy of & properly calibrated
(gage Is + 2% and the thickness of a shim Is accurate to within
23%, the combined tolerance of he gage and the shim will be
++ 4% as given by the sumn of squares formula:
ETE:
6055 = 496
For the gage to be In agreement with the shim, the
average thickness measured by the gage must be within 4%
ofthe shims thickness. If the average thickness measured on
‘2 250-pm (10-mil) shim is between 9.6 mits (240 jm) and 10.4
mits (260 ym), the gage is properly adjusted, The minimum
240 is 250 minus 4% of 250 (9.6 is 10 minus 4% of 10); the
‘maximum of 260 is 250 plus 4% of 250 (10.4 is 10 plus 4% of
10). 49% of 250 is 10; 4% of 1018 0.4.)
AB.1 SINGLE POINT ADJUSTMENT: This example uses
single shim value at or close tothe thickness to be measured,
‘The thickness range over which this adjustment achieves the
required accuracy will vary with gage design.
Assuming that the coating thickness to be measured is 4.0
mil (100 pm) then a shim of approximately 4.0 mil (100 pm) or
slightly greater should be used to adjust the gage. The shim is
placed on an area of the substrate that has been blast cleaned
to the required standards, or on a blasted test coupon with a
similar surface protie.
‘The average of 10 readings on the shim is sufficient to
allow for the statistical variation inthe blast profi.
AB.2 TWO POINT ADJUSTMENT: This example uses
two shim values, one above and one below the expected film
thickness fo be measured. It shauld be noted that not all fim
thickness gages can be adjusted in this manner.
‘Assuming that the coating thickness to be measured Is
4.0 mil (100 pm) then shims of 10.0 mil (250 ym) and 2.0 mit
(60 jim) are appropriate for setting the upper and lower values
‘on the seale of the gage.
SSPC-PA2
May 1, 2012
‘As protective coatings are normally applied to blest
cleaned metal surfaces, a stalistical approach is required to
‘obtain a typical value for the adjustment. Ten readings on a
shim are sulficientto establish a reliable average value for that
shim on the roughened surface. Following the manufacturer's
Instructions, the gage is adjusted so tnal the actual shim thick-
ess is then used to set ine gage.
‘This procedure should be repeated for botn the upper ang
lower shim values,
The average of 10 readings on an intermediate shim,
approximately 4.0 mil (100 pm) thick in the case described
above, will confirm thal the gage has been adjusted correctly
Itis acceptable forthe average reading to be within = 4% af the
shim thickness.
‘This method ensures that the gage reads the thickness of
the coating aver the peaks ofthe profi.
AB.3 SMOOTH SURFACE ADJUSTMENT: If access
to the bare blast cleaned substrate is not available because
the coating already covers it, a smoath surlace can be used
to adjust the gage. Adjust the gage on a smooth surface
according to the manufacturer's instructions. Altematively
it may be possible to adjust some Type 2 gages through the
‘coating already applied to an abrasive blast cleaned substrate
(may be necessary if no uncoated substrate exists). This
procedure should be performed according to the manufac-
Turer's instructions.
Readings taken on the blast-cleaned substrate will be
higher than the rue value by an amount dependant on the
surface profile and the gage probe design. For most appli-
cations a correction value of 1.0 mil (25 jm) 1s generally
applicable. Note that this value Is not related to the actual
surface profile measurement. This correction value must be
subtracted from each gage reading to correct for the effect
of the profie. The resulting corrected reading represents the
thickness of the coating over the poaks.
For fine profies the correction value may be as low as 0.4
mil (10 ym) but for coarse profies it could be as high as 1.6
mil (40 jm), Table A8 gives approximate correction values to
be used when a blast-cleaned surface isnot available to adjust
the gage.
“The use of coated standards to adjust gages means that
a correction value must be applied to readings, as the coated
standards make use of smooth substrate surfaces,
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