By: Joey Thomas, Induron Business Development Manager
When I meet with specifying engineers, treatment plant operators and utility companies, one of the most frequent—and important—questions I get is: “Where exactly do I need protective coatings?
It’s a fair question. With limited budgets, tight schedules, and a wide range of materials exposed to aggressive environments, it’s critical to protect the right areas with the right coatings. The short answer? Protective coatings are essential anywhere corrosive, abrasive, or chemical attack threatens the long-term performance of your infrastructure. But let’s break it down–protective coatings are needed in…
Concrete and Steel Substrates in Immersion Service
In both water and wastewater treatment facilities, submerged or partially submerged components—think wet wells, clarifiers, filters, sedimentation basins, and contact chambers—are at high risk of degradation. Whether it’s exposure to chlorinated water or hydrogen sulfide gases from sewage, these environments demand robust protection.
Induron’s line of innovative protective coatings are formulated for long-term immersion service, offering chemical resistance and low permeability to protect concrete and steel structures in these conditions.
Chemical Containment and Feed Areas
Water and wastewater treatment facilities rely on a variety of chemicals: chlorine, sulfuric acid, ferric chloride, caustics—the list goes on. Containment areas, floors, and tanks in chemical feed buildings are vulnerable to spills, splashes, and vapors that can quickly degrade unprotected surfaces.
In these areas, chemical-resistant coatings and linings prevent premature failure and environmental hazards. Specifying coatings here isn’t just smart—it’s essential for compliance and safety.
Exterior Steel and Above-Ground Structures
From clarifier mechanisms and pipe supports to steel tanks and walkways, exterior metals face UV exposure, rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations. Over time, uncoated or poorly coated steel will rust, compromising not just aesthetics but structural integrity.
A proven epoxy/urethane system—like Induron’s Permagloss—offers durability and gloss retention for long-term protection in these demanding environments.
Not every square foot of a plant needs a protective coating, but the areas that do…really do. As engineers, your goal is to design systems that perform over decades—not just years. Induron’s role is to help you select the right coatings for the right environments, based on field data, proven case histories, and real-world application success.
If you ever find yourself asking, “Do I need a coating here?”—chances are, you probably do. But don’t guess. Let’s talk. We’re always happy to help you evaluate your next project with durability and longevity in mind.