Recently, Induron President, Davies Hood, was interviewed by IEEE, (pronounced “Eye-triple-E”), which stands for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. The association is dedicated to advancing innovation and technological excellence for the benefit of humanity and is the world’s largest technical professional society.
Davies was honored to be asked to do an interview about Induron. Here are some of the questions and his answers:
IEEE: Please start by telling us a bit about the Induron and your history.
Davies: Induron is an Industrial Coatings manufacturer that began making paint for the Post-War steel industry in Birmingham, AL in 1947. Over the past 65 years, our company has strived to produce reliable protection through innovative coatings. Induron has adapted over the years in order to compete against much larger competitors. We have transitioned from producing predominantly primers for steel to high quality architectural paints to the industry leading lining for ductile iron sewer pipe. To come full circle, we are currently focused on producing traditional coatings for the power market.
IEEE: Please tell us about the company’s main product for the Power market.
Davies: We developed Induraguard 9200 to be the most cost-effective coating (often one coat) to fight corrosion on weathered galvanized or corroded carbon steel T&D structures. This product is high build, easy-to-use, has excellent wetting properties and provides unrivaled barrier protection that is all based on a totally sustainable resin system derived from plant material. The barrier protection is so good because of the synergistic properties provided by the proven pigment package or ingredients, some of which date all the way back to paints used by the ancient Greeks!
IEEE: What features or benefits do these barrier pigments provide?
Davies: The micaceous iron oxide is a large lamellar-shaped pigment that provides a “labyrinth-effect” or “shielding” that slows the ingress of water, chlorides, and pollutants. Additionally it reduces the effects of ultra-violet on the sustainable resin. Zinc is a second pigment that will inhibit moistures pathway by actually expanding in size with moisture contact. The ceramic microspheres help with the film-build on edges and bolts; often the first areas to fail on transmission structures. Without the synergistic effects of these three barrier pigments the coating could never last 25-30 years with just one coat.
IEEE: Is this coating safe for painters?
Davies: It is a very health and safety-minded coating with 92% SBV = very low VOC, zero HAPs and a very low odor.
IEEE: Does Induron have other coatings for T&D?
Davies: We have a complete systems approach to all T&D coatings needs; including flow-coatings and moisture cured tower footings (below grade). We like to think our product line contains some old and some new technology.
IEEE: Are there locations one could see this coating in use?
Davies: We have projects nationwide; come visit one of our jobs today!
Founded in 1947, Induron manufactures high performance coatings that serve a range of industrial applications, including the wastewater, transmission and distribution and groundwater storage industries. Learn more about us at www.Induron.com.