ISO/DIS 8504-5(E)
First edition
Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Surface preparation methods —
Part 5:
Water Jetting (Water Jet Cleaning)
© ISO 2023
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Contents
Part 5: Water Jetting (Water Jet Cleaning) 1
5 Consideration of Water Jetting Pressure and Flow Parameters 2
5.2.1 Cleaning with low pressure water (LP WC) 3
5.2.2 Cleaning with high pressure water (HP WC) 3
5.2.3 Cleaning with high pressure water jetting (HP WJ) 3
5.2.4 Cleaning with very high pressure water jetting (VHP WJ) 4
5.2.5 Cleaning with ultrahigh pressure water jetting (UHP WJ) 4
6.8 Remote gun or wall - deck cleaning heads 5
6.10 Containment (Management of Water) 6
7.2 Pulsed (disrupted) System 6
8.1 Interactive Parameters For Productivity 7
8.3 Maintenance Coating Work 8
8.5 Pressure Drop in the hydraulic System 8
9.1 Preparation before water jetting 8
9.2.1 Selection of Preparation Grade 8
9.2.2 Selection of Water Jetting Method 9
9.2.3 Selection of Water Jetting System 9
9.3 After Water Jetting and Before Applying Coatings 9
10 Assessment of the cleaned surface 9
Annex A (normative) Pressure levels 11
Annex B High Pressure /UltraHigh Pressure Water Jetting: Theoretical and Practical Information 12
Annex C Flash Rust Guidance 14
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee [or Project Committee] ISO/TC 35 , Paints and varnishes, Subcommittee SC 12, Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products.
This is the First edition.
A list of all parts in the ISO 8504 series can be found on the ISO website.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A complete listing of these bodies can be found atwww.iso.org/members.html.
The performance of protective coatings of paint and related products applied to steel[lf1] is significantly affected by the state of the steel surface immediately prior to painting. The principal factors that are known to influence this performance are
— the presence of rust and mill scale,
— the presence of surface contaminants, including salts, dust, oils and greases, and
— the surface profile.
The ISO 8501 series, the ISO 8502 series and the ISO 8503 series provide methods for assessing these factors, while the ISO 8504 series provides requirements and guidance on the preparation methods that are available for cleaning steel substrates, indicating the capabilities of each in attaining specified levels of cleanliness.
The ISO 8504 series is applicable to new and corroded steel surfaces and to steel surfaces that are uncoated or have been previously coated with paints and related products.
These International Standards do not contain provisions for the protective coating system to be applied to the steel surface. They do not contain provisions for the surface quality requirements for specific situations even though surface quality can have a direct influence on the choice of protective coating to be applied and on its performance. Such provisions are found in other documents such as national standards and codes of practice. Users of these International Standards should ensure the qualities specified are:
— compatible and appropriate both for the environmental conditions to which the steel will be exposed and for the protective coating system to be used, and
— within the capability of the cleaning procedure specified.
The primary objective of surface preparation is to ensure the removal of deleterious matter and to obtain a surface that permits satisfactory adhesion of the priming paint to steel. It is also intended to assist in reducing the amounts of contaminants that initiate corrosion.
Water Jetting is an effective method for removal of coatings from previously painted surfaces, removal of water-soluble contaminants, and production of partially removed coatings. While water jetting by itself can produce a granular profile in metals under some conditions, Water jetting is considered a secondary surface preparation method and is not used to provide the primary anchor pattern on the metallic substrate known as “surface profile.” Water Jetting is primarily used for surfaces where there is an adequate pre-existing surface profile or for Grade C and Grade D substrates. Water jetting can remove oil, grease, and corrosion-stimulating substances such as chlorides and sulphates. Water jetting is widely applicable because this method of surface preparation has a number of features listed below.
— The method allows a high production rate.
— Coatings and salts can be removed in one pass
— Production rates can be similar to conventional abrasive blast cleaning
— A work atmosphere is present without particulate dust pollution
— Other trades can work nearby during the surface preparation
— Surface preparation can generally be performed in unsafe explosive or flammable areas without interruption with suitable control measures, for example earthing of equipment to prevent static discharges from water jetting guns, pumps, and hoses.
— The equipment can be stationary or mobile and is adaptable to the objects to be cleaned.
— The equipment can be remotely or manually controlled.
— The method is applicable to most types and forms of metal surfaces.
— Different surface preparation states can be produced
— It is possible to remove selectively partial failed coatings to leave sound coatings intact.
Representative photographic examples are available (see ISO 8501-4) for assessing some new and previously coated steel surfaces. Because of the many different situations that arise in the preparation of surfaces, these photographs are not always sufficient to describe specific instances and it is recommended that special photographs of a treated reference area that are acceptable to the interested parties be produced for use as a basis for further surface preparation procedures.
Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Surface preparation methods — Part 5: Water Jetting (Water Jet Cleaning)
1.0 Scope
This document specifies water jet-cleaning methods for the removal of the existing coatings and rust during surface preparation of steel surfaces paints and related products. It provides information on the effectiveness of the individual methods and their fields of application. It describes the equipment and the procedure to follow.
2.0 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 12944‑4, Paints and varnishes — Corrosion protection of steel structures by protective paint systems — Part 4: Types of surface and surface preparation
ISO 4628‑3, Paints and varnishes — Evaluation of degradation of coatings — Designation of quantity and size of defects, and of intensity of uniform changes in appearance — Part 3: Assessment of degree of rusting
ISO 8501‑3, Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Visual assessment of surface cleanliness — Part 3: Preparation grades of welds, edges and other areas with surface imperfections
ISO 8501‑4:2020, Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Visual assessment of surface cleanliness — Part 4: Initial surface conditions, preparation grades and flash rust grades in connection with water jetting
ISO/TS 19392‑3:2018, Paints and varnishes — Coating systems for wind-turbine rotor blades — Part 3: Determination and evaluation of resistance to rain erosion using water jet
3.0 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminological databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
field test
cleaning of selected surfaces, carried out before the start of work, intended to achieve the surface conditions to be obtained as identified by reference to ISO 8501-4:2020
Note 1 to entry: the control specimen for the project[1].
flash rust
rapid rusting of water jet or water-abrasive blasting prepared surface as the substrate is drying ISO 8501-4:2020
Note 1 to entry: Flash Rust in this document is more limited than the definition given in ISO 4618:2014, 2.119
nozzle
device that modifies the stream of water as it discharges from the system
Note 1 to entry: nozzle openings can be referred to as bits, tips, or orifices
threshold pressure
minimum pressure required to penetrate the material
water jetting
continuous or discontinuous stream of water in air with defined geometry, velocity and, if discontinuous, frequency. See also: ISO/TS 19392-3:2018, 3.1
4.0 Health and safety
4.1 General requirements
The procedures described in this document shall be carried out by suitably trained and/or supervised personnel. The substances and procedures used in these methods can be injurious to health if adequate precautions are not taken. Attention is drawn in the text to certain specific hazards. This document refers only to the technical suitability of the methods and does not absolve the user from statutory obligations relating to health and safety.
4.1.1 Warning
WARNING — Equipment and materials used for surface preparation can be hazardous. It is important to ensure that adequate instructions are given and that all required precautions are exercised. Only trained and/or certified operatives should use the equipment.
5.0 Consideration of Water Jetting Pressure and Flow Parameters
5.1 General
The contract documents describe the final condition of the substrate. Depending on the initial condition of the area and materials to be cleaned, the method to achieve the preparation grades described in ISO 8501-4 could be low pressure, high pressure, or ultrahigh pressure methods. The methods of water cleaning or water jetting are based on the capabilities of the equipment and its components. Dwell time, traverse rate, pressure, flow, stand-off distances, the number of nozzles, and rotational speed all interact in determining what material will remain and what will be removed. Removal of loose material such as dirt, detritus, or bird feces (Wa 1) requires different equipment than the stripping of a coating system (Wa 2 ½).
Pressurized water cleans by hydraulic shear (mass) at the lower pressures, and by implosion or cavitation at the upper pressures. The removal of material by mass or implosion is a continuum, not a discrete, abrupt change. This mix is discussed more fully in Annex B.
5.1.1 Methods
The historic concept of linking the pressure and flow to material removal is to be considered carefully. The list in Annex A is based on typical operating parameters and typical results. Ultrahigh pressure water jetting could accomplish all of these end results by changing the stand-off and traverse time, but it is not economical to use ultrahigh pressure water jetting, for example, to remove loose dirt or achieve the preparation grade Wa 1. Low pressure water cleaning cannot deliver the energy density, expressed as kJ/mm2, or threshold pressure to the surface to break the cohesion force of old rust or coating systems. Contractors use the pump and flow conditions which are most economical to achieve the desired end result.
Pressure Water Cleaning is accomplished when droplets of water impact the substrate. The droplets force their way into pits and crevices and hydraulically shear between the interface of the metal and the corrosion or paint layers. Water Jetting (water jet cleaning or water jet stripping) uses cavitation or implosion to cut through the different layers of coating or corrosion.
5.1.2 Cleaning with low pressure water (LP WC)
Water jetting performed at pressures less than 34 MPa clean by shear where the load is parallel to the surface. The predominant energy characteristic is the mass.
Low Pressure water cleaning depends upon the mass flow of the water stream to remove coatings by shearing between the substrate and the material to be removed. The achieved result is removal of loose dirt, grime, bird droppings, some of the soluble contaminants and possibly weathered paint or chalk. The stream flows parallel to the substrate so the water stream might not get into pits and crevices. A typical usage is to wash surfaces which are to be abrasive blast or hand/power tool cleaned before starting that method. LP WC is typically conducted with a fan jet or non- rotating multi-orifice nozzle. When a multiple orifice nozzle is rotated, it produces a flexure stressing by a repetitive loading and unloading of the coatings system as the stream pass over the surface. The rapid load and unloading reveals areas of low adherence and other nonvisible defects in the coating system.
5.1.3 Cleaning with high pressure water (HP WC)
Water cleaning performed at pressures from 34 to 70 MPa clean by a combination of shear and implosion. The predominate Energy characteristic is a combination of the mass and velocity
High pressure water cleaning depends upon a combination of the mass flow of the water stream and the impact energy to remove coatings by predominately shearing between the substrate and the material to be removed with subordinate impact and implosion. The result is partial removal of adhered coatings, revelation of incipient blisters or areas of low adhesion, and partial removal of rust layers. Oxidized paint is removed from the adherent layer. The water stream can get into the pits and craters and crevices. In removal of old rust, the typical appearance is clean, shiny pits with adherent rust layers at the top surface. It is the opposite visual appearance of a dry abrasive blast method where the shiny top is cleaned, and the pits are filled with dark, detrital material.
5.1.4 Cleaning with high pressure water jetting (HP WJ)
Water Cleaning performed by pressurized water jetting between 70 MPa and 140 MPa.
At 70 MPa the effect of the energy density starts to predominate over the shear forces of the mass flow as the velocity of the water stream increases through a smaller diameter tip.
High pressure water cleaning depends upon a combination of the mass flow of the water stream and the energy density to remove coatings by predominately impact and implosion and subordinately shearing between the substrate and the material to be removed. The achieved result is removal of adhered coatings with lower cohesion, removal of coatings over areas of low adhesion or incipient blisters, and partial to full removal of rust layers.
5.1.5 Cleaning with very high pressure water jetting (VHP WJ)
Water Cleaning performed by pressurized water jetting between 140 MPa and 210 MPa.
Systems operating greater than 140 MPa clean predominately by impact implosion perpendicular to the surface- resulting in the sharp cut where the jet impacts the surface. The predominant energy characteristic is velocity.
The cleaning mechanism is a combination of shear and energy density. The side shear (mass flow) becomes less predominant as the energy density increases, and the stand-off distance becomes more critical. The jetter needs more experience and training. This range is suitable to economically achieve Wa 2 or Wa 2 ½ depending on the coating and rust. (Refer to ISO 8501-4 for Wa descriptions)
NOTE VHP WJ is referred to as THP WJ in[2]
5.1.6 Cleaning with ultrahigh pressure water jetting (UHP WJ)
Water Cleaning performed by pressurized water jetting greater than 210 MPa.
Ultrahigh pressure water jetting is typically used to achieve Wa 2 ½ and Wa 3 to bare substrate. The cleaning action is caused by impact intensity which is an implosion or cavitation of the individual droplets on the substrate. The cleaning is a straight cut through the material yielding a sharp edge. The pressured water is heated by the compression and rapidly vaporizes off the surface. The drying time is fast compared to de-energized water in low pressure or high-pressure water systems. Wa3 can only be achieved and maintained with a full recovery system. The stripping of coatings with none to light flash rusting can be achieved and held with a full recovery vacuum system. This recovery system prevents water mist from subsequent, near-by activities from settling on the previously prepared Wa substrates.
The threshold pressure of the target substrate is crucial when the objective is to remove existing coatings or corrosion and to not significantly change the texture or profile.
6.0 Components
6.1 General requirements
A wide variety of pumps and delivery systems are used for water jetting. The basic components are inflow water, pump, hose, by-pass valve or shut-off mechanism, gun, nozzles.
Water pressure, water volume, nozzle design, stand-off distance and traverse rate are factors which will affect the efficiency of removal of contaminants such as water-soluble matter, rust, and paint coatings.
When selecting a Water Jetting system, the following factors are taken into account:
— Water exit speed at the nozzle (pressure)
— Water volume (flow rate)
— Manual or remote controlled
— Power output expressed as kW
— Complexity of the site and structure
— Space limitations
—Types of coatings or rust to be removed
— The degree of cleanliness to be obtained
— A balanced between pressure, flow, standoff, and traverse rate to achieve the desired end result
— Availability and quality of water
— Economics of a single pass system (open system) with some clean-up of the effluent versus recycling of the effluent water (closed system)
— Pressure-
6.1.1 Pump
Selection of the pump is based on required horsepower, and type of power generation e.g., diesel or electrical motors, capacity to feed remotely controlled nozzles or multiple jetters, ease of transport, handling, and site installation.
Intensifier pumps operating on the principle of hydraulic jacks are used primarily in stationary manufacturing operations. Direct driven piston pumps are used in field or mobile operations. For further information on safety see[3].
6.1.2 Hose and fittings
The hose and fittings are appropriate to the pressures that they will carry. The largest diameter hose which is rated for the pressure is used from the pump to just before the gun, with a short, more flexible hose (a whip hose) attached to the gun itself. Hoses and fittings are certified to the pressure range.
6.1.3 Water path
The number of connections and fittings are minimized to reduce pressure loss between the pump and the nozzle. The water must have a return flow path when it is not passing through the nozzle. The system will either shut down the pump, idle the pump, bypass the flow, or reduce the discharge pressure to a low level when the water is not passing through the nozzle.
6.1.4 Vacuum recovery
The gun or nozzle head can be fitted with a vacuum system to remove de-energized water back to a holding area. Use of a vacuum to collect the water reduces the water containment and collection system.
6.1.5 Water quality
Most often the inlet water is of mains or potable quality with some filtering.
Surface preparation water (SP water) is of sufficient purity and quality that it does not prevent the object being cleaned from achieving the specified degree of surface cleanliness nor nonvisible contamination criteria. Surface preparation water does not contain sediments or other impurities that are destructive to the proper functional of the cleaning equipment[4][5][6][7].
NOTE Lower quality water can be acceptable during low pressure water cleaning. See section 5.2.1 and Annex B
6.1.6 Manual guns
The guns have appropriate safety controls. The gun dumps the water at the gun, or the water is shunted through another by-pass mechanism. The barrel of the gun is long enough so that it is hard for the jetter to hit his extremities (foot).
6.1.7 Remote gun or wall - deck cleaning heads
Remote guns or wall-deck heads have multiple tips and are not limited to the back thrust. The tips generally rotate at high speeds. Vacuum recovery is available. Multiple equipment variations are available. The nozzle is controlled by an operator who is isolated from the immediately vicinity. The nozzle assembly can be at the end of a robotic arm or held to the surface with magnetics or vacuum.
Remotely controlled, or automated, equipment is widely available in industrial cleaning operations from tight spaces to large outdoor surfaces but is not as widely used in surface preparation. Remote controlled or automated units provide consistent results, reduced worker fatigue, and the use of higher horsepower for tough coatings or corrosion layers. Economics is the important factor to determine if manually or automated systems are chosen. Examples of remote-controlled devices are “deck cleaners”’ which can range in width from 5 cm to 90 cm, and three axis robots with focused cleaning nozzles that can be used on angles or inside I or U beams.
6.1.8 Nozzle
The nozzle can hold multiple tips or a single zero degree or fan opening. The nozzle or the gun barrel can rotate. Materials for the tip orifice (the opening through which the water exits) are selected for the pressure and include: drilled steel, drilled carbide, drilled sapphire or diamond jewels.
6.1.9 Containment (Management of Water)
Water runoff and mist is contained by cloths or waterproof liners that direct the mist into a holding area at the ground to collect the water. The discharge of the effluent water and the paint residues are typically not allowed to enter the environment.
Equipment is available which will remove the solids, dissolved chemicals, and return the water to be recycled at the pump. The use of systems to recycle the effluent is based on the specifics of the site, sustainability, and the economics.
7.0 Systems
7.1 Continuous System
The continuous water jetting systems have accessories for specific coating and cleaning applications. The direct piston or intensifier pump system provides a continuous flow of water. The cleaning is accomplished by disruption of the stream by rotating heads or manual movement to maximize the initial impact pressure. The change in the water droplet streamlines provides a loading-unloading effect on the target in comparison to a static head.
7.1.1 Pulsed (disrupted) System
The concept of the force pulse system is to produce individual drops or slugs of water. As an example, the force pulse or electrical discharge systems is described. The flow of the water is pulsed or disrupted by an electrical discharge or piezoelectric ceramic which is an auxiliary unit placed between a pump, generally in the 20.7 MPa (207 bar, 3,000 psi) range, and the nozzle. The packets of water act differently from a continuous water jet stream, in that that impact dynamics rapidly change. When a drop or slug of water strikes the surface, the initial impact pressure [waterhammer pressure] is much higher than the stagnation pressure. The short impact time amplifies the pressure on the surface. The breakdown of the material depends on the impact pressure and time. The force pulse or electrical discharge systems amplifies a 34.5 MPa system to an impact of 400 MPa. Pulsed water jetting systems have a significant difference in cleaning performance compared to continuous water jets.
8.0 System Operation
Selection of a equipment system, together with an appropriate pressure and flow operating conditions, is necessary to achieve the required level of surface preparation.
Removal of degraded coating is coupled to thoroughly stressing the remaining coating. Jet energy (joules) is the work done when the jet stream vertically impacts the coating surface to stress the cohesion. Shear stress is developed against the vertical pit walls and larger fractures are created on the eroded coating surface. This, in gross terms, is thought of as a hydraulic load which stresses the adhesion force between the coating (rust) and the metal substrate.
Flexure stressing is induced by repetitive loading and unloading of the coatings by the jet streams as they pass over the surface. The rapid loading and unloading is vital to finding areas of low adherence and nonvisible adherence defects in the coating system.
The classification between the pressurized water system with respect to pressure and flow has no abrupt distinction. The classification into low, high, very high, and ultrahigh originates from the manufacturers of the systems and the specific industries. For further information, see5 , Annex A, and Annex B .
The effect of rotating nozzles on the removal rate compared to non-rotating is profound. The contractor should be aware of the effect of a pressure pulse, or loading and unloading, as compared to a static head. For example, a hydraulic lift is a static pressure head which has high pressure but no motion. This static head does not clean the surface. However, when even low-pressure water is allowed to rotate so that the target experiences an on-off load cycle, that target will begin to erode. Materials to be removed face an impact pressure or threshold pressure.
A typical method to select pressure and flow is: the contractor determines the threshold pressure to remove the material. Then the contractor increases the pressure gradually to about two times the threshold pressure.
8.1 Interactive Parameters For Productivity
These parameters all interact to change the effectiveness of the cleaning productivity:
Stand-off distance,
Rotation speed,
Traverse speed,
Flow (mass),
Pressure (velocity),
Output power
Shear between materials compared to implosion (cavitation),
Temperature
8.1.1 Additives
The removal efficiency also depends on whether additives are being used in the cleaning process. The additives can consist of a variety of chemicals, such as, detergents, emulsifiers, acidic, basic, neutral, molecular or ionic in nature. Unless not recommended by the additive manufacturer, if an additive is used, rinsing afterwards with surface preparation water is advisable.
Further information on the compatibility of the additives with the coatings can be obtained from the coating’s supplier. Further information on compatibility and interaction with water jetting equipment can be obtained from the additive or pump supplier.
There is a broad range of additives for water jetting available in the market with different properties. Some common properties are:
— Protection against flash rust
— Creating a passivation layer for a better corrosion resistance and paint adhesion
— Pickling the surface with an acidic, neutral, or alkaline solution
— A combination of the above-named properties
8.1.2 Maintenance Coating Work
When water jetting is used in maintenance coating work, specific instruction is provided on the extent of the surface to be water jet cleaned or partial/spot cleaned. The surface cleanliness is achieved across the entire area specified.
8.1.3 Maintenance of pump
Daily maintenance of pumps and accessories are critical along with inspection check lists to avoid unexpected breakdowns.
8.1.4 Pressure Drop in the hydraulic System
Pressure losses occur throughout the system at each connection, the flow through the supply lines, the diameter of the lines, and change in elevation. This pressure loss can be significant and is complicated to calculate. Most of this pressure is lost in the lines and connections and is not available at the nozzle or exit point. There are “apps” available from manufacturers, to calculate pressure loss, jet reaction force, jet impact, flow through orifice, pressure loss through tool, orifice size, the flow to achieve a certain horsepower.
8.1.5 Positioning of the gun
The angle of attack of the water jet on the substrate, as well as the optimal nozzle head / surface distance (standoff distance) and the traverse speed are determined by in situ testing and vary according to the nature of the coating to be removed.
The gun must be perpendicular to the surface for stripping of coatings.
The effective stand-off or surface distance is generally 100 to 200 times the tip (orifice) diameter. Thus, the stand-off distance decreases as the water jet method goes up in pressure because the orifice diameter becomes smaller.
9.0 Procedure
9.1 Preparation before water jetting
Check for the presence of oil, grease, salts or similar contaminants. Deposits of heavy grease can be removed using a degreasing (emulsifier) procedure. After the washing, assess whether oil or grease contaminants are still present with methods such as water break or fluorescence or UV light test.
The contractor establishes an exclusion work zone to protect other workers.
Suitable methods for removal of contaminants are described in ISO 12944-4.
A field specimen is used to determine if the selected water jetting method will remove surface deposits of grease, oil, and dirt. Recommendations regarding the preliminary treatment of welds, the removal of weld spatter and the removal of burrs and other sharp edges are provided in contract documents. ISO 8501-3
Assess the rust grade(s) and the degree of rusting of the workpiece, by the method described in ISO 8501-4:2020and/or in ISO 4628-3, within the limits of a contract or specification, if any.
9.1.1 During Water Jetting
Select an initial starting condition from ISO 8501-4:2020 and a water jetting method.
9.1.2 Selection of Preparation Grade
Determine the minimum preparation grade required in accordance with clause 9.1 and with the preparation grades defined in ISO 8501-4:2020. Determine the required surface profile in accordance with ISO 8503 series. The exposed profile will reflect the previous existing profile under the coating or material to be removed.
9.1.3 Selection of Water Jetting Method
Select the appropriate water jetting method from those described above to produce the required preparation gradedegree of visual cleanliness. Be aware if the energy density of the water jet could create a fine profile within the retained coating.
9.1.4 Selection of Water Jetting System
Select the appropriate water jetting-system to suit the properties of the workplace and the productivity requirement.8
9.2 After Water Jetting and Before Applying Coatings
The method of testing for soluble contaminants and the acceptable limit is agreed between all parties involved. If the amount of residual soluble impurities is to be reduced further, the user can wash with a steam jet, hot fresh water, solvent or other suitable cleaner (followed by rinsing with clean fresh water) and dry. For testing methods, see ISO 8502 series, and ISO 12944-6.
Before application of paints and related products, a cleaned surface must dry, and "flash rusting" as the substrate is drying might occur. Newly formed “flash rust” resulting from the drying of the substrate is reduced to a level agreed between all parties involved.
NOTE For further information on salt levels, see[8]
For further information on flash rust levels, see Annex C
10.0 Assessment of the cleaned surface
This clause describes the individual preparation levels.
10.1 Selection of Preparation Grade
All parties involved in the project will agree on thepreparation grade to be achieved, in explanation: Wa 1, Wa 2, Wa 2 ½, and Wa 3, as described in ISO 8501-4:2020
10.1.1 Field Test
Field test specimen are recommended to determine the most effective operating parameters to achieve the resulting surface preparation grade and the resulting surface profile. See field test (3.1)
In all cases, all oil, grease, mud, concretions, and non-adherent scale are eliminated.
Except in the case of “clean to bare substrate”, tightly adherent mill scale, thin rust, thin coatings, and other thin adherent foreign matter can be present.
After the water jetting, discoloration of the metal substrate could be present. If the metal substrate has not been attacked under the existing coating, the texture will appear as the original method, i.e., retention of grit or rounded abrasive profile, grinding marks from grinders, scratches from rotating pads or wire brushes, finely etched surface if chemically etched. The exposed substrate reflects activity which occurred under the coating. The revealed substrate under existing corrosion could be lightly pitted, or very uneven with an overall large variation in profile.
On steel surfaces with abundant rust, the exposed substrate has a rough appearance, due to the non-uniformity of the corrosion and the presence of corrosion craters.
The degree of visual cleanliness, for example Thorough or Very Thorough, is checked after the jetting operation, perhaps even as the water is drying, and without the use of a magnifying glass.
The level of cleaning, and the amount of newly formed “Flash Rust” is visually checked again before new paint is applied to assure conformance to the project specifications. See Annex C.
10.1.2 Organic Contaminants
Check for the presence of oil, grease, or similar contaminants. Remove any deposits using a degreasing or washing procedure and check whether any other contaminants are still present.
NOTE Water break or fluorescence or UV Light methods are suitable methods to assess the presence of oil and grease.
10.1.3 Visual
Assess all cleaned surfaces as described in the ISO 8501 series, the ISO 8502 series, and the ISO 8503 series for conformity with the requirements agreed by all parties involved. In the event of non-conformity, repeat the above procedure. 9 Assess the preparation grade when the surface is dried and before any flash rust occurs. The assessment for remaining residual paint or rust can be made while the substrate is still wet. The surface appears darker if it is wet and darker than a dry abrasive blasted substrate.
10.1.4 Guidance Photographs
Visual assessment is performed according to the text. Representative photographic examples are found in ISO 8501-4:2020
10.1.5 Flash Rust
Assess flash rust after the substrate has dried but before the application of paint. If the amount of flash rust is greater than as agreed by all parties involved, the amount is to be reduced, generally by pressure wash or brushing or wiping.
NOTE For further information, see Annex C
10.2 Non-Visible Inorganics Contaminants
Assess the surface for non-visible ionic species as agreed by all parties involved. For further information on salt levels, See[8]
10.2.1 Third Party Representation
Work performed under this document is subject to assessment by a representative of those responsible for establishing the requirements. Work areas are accessible to the assessor. The procedures and times of assessment are as agreed by all parties involved.
As agreed by all parties involved, the surfaces can additionally be assessed in accordance with parts of the ISO 8502 series and ISO 8503 series.
10.2.2 Conformity
Immediately prior to coating application, the entire substrate shall conform with the degree of cleaning as agreed by all parties involved.
Table 1 — Pressure Levels and Descriptive Terms
pressure | Abbreviation | Minimum pressure | Maximum pressure | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Low pressure water cleaning | (LP WC) | 34 MPa | remove laitance, dirt, scale or light marine growth | |
High pressure water cleaning | (HP WC) | 34 MPa | 70 MPa | remove weak concrete, marine growth, clean pipe, expose concrete aggregate |
High pressure water jetting | (HP WJ) | 70 MPa | 140 MPa | remove rust layers, loose paint, burned deposits, cut concrete |
very high pressure water jetting | (VHP WJ) | 140 MPa | 210 MPa | remove rust layers, loose paint, burned deposits, cut concrete |
ultrahigh pressure water jetting | (UHP WJ) | 210 MPa | Remove non-skid, heavy rust layers, paint, scour surfaces prior to dry abrasive blast cleaning |
1 Relationship between kinetic energy and velocity of the water jet. SSPC-NACE (Item No 21076) Joint Surface preparation Standard NACE No. 5/SSPC-SP 12 Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Metals by Water jetting Prior to Recoating (2002- withdrawn and replaced by later standards) and AFNOR NF T35-520 contains further information and tables on the kinetic energy and velocity of the water jet. [2][9] 2 Caution of usage of Descriptive Terms The terms and definitions for water jetting are arbitrary descriptions and have originated from industrial organizations and gradually change as equipment becomes available. For example, defining “high” could range from 7 MPa to 34 MPa, depending upon the country of origin. In 2022, there is ongoing discussion whether high pressure water jetting starts at 25 MPa or 35 MPa. In the United States, low pressure is less than 34 MPa. When using descriptive terms for water jetting methods, participants should be aware of common terminology usage within the industry sector or region. 3 Information on Production Rates There are different thoughts on increasing production rates during the removal of materials. First, determine the threshold pressure at which the material will just be removed. Then the jetter can increase the flow or increase the pressure. The pressure is increased no greater than two times over the threshold pressure. Generally, the flow is increased no more than two times the initial flow at the threshold pressure. These two methods do not necessarily yield the same result. Remote or semi-remote systems will greatly increase production rates as pressure and flow can be higher than for manual operations. A skilled operator will increase/decrease stand off and traverse rate to achieve the maximum production to the required standard. Contractors use the pump and flow conditions which are most economical to achieve the desired end result. Example 1 For example, for an external coated pipeline, the productive removal of 2,5 cm thick coal tar bitumen is performed at 172 MPa and 102 litre per minute. Polymer tape coating is removed at 241 MPa and 75 liter per minute because the tape has to be cut by the focused jet implosion. Example 2 Removal of concrete or cement [hydrodemolition] or cementatious coatings from rebars or pipe is accomplished with lower pressures to just overcome the cement coherence and with higher flows to transport the rubble. 3 Information about Visual Appearance and Creation of Texture With a rotating, multi-tip nozzle, it is possible to change the texture of the existing profile of the steel substrate, or to create a texture or profile on a softer metal such as aluminium or within the retained coating. The exposed substrate could have a uniform finish, “original metal” appearance if the original paint were intact prior to stripping. The exposed substrate could have a very non-uniform finish, or dull, mottled appearance with coloration ranging from dark grey to almost black depending on the metallurgy. 4 Availability of Pumps at various Pressures Pressurized water system operating below 35 MPa are generally available from a wide variety of manufacturers and are found in hardware stores. The systems generally come with a single, non-rotating head, with a variety of nozzles which can be flat or zero-degree angle. The common application is washing off dirt, grime, loose material from sidewalks or to wash a surface prior to another method of surface preparation, ie abrasive blast, or hand-power tool so that obvious detrimental material such as dirt or bird dropping does not get worked into the substrate. Equipment with pressures above 35 MPa are generally not found in hardware stores but belong to the commercial cleaning industry. The safety features are more robust. Equipment with pressures above 70 MPa (700 Bar) are offered by fewer manufacturers and are frequently found in the industrial environmental cleaning industry. In 2020, the contractor can expect to find pumps which can operate from 70 MPa to 280 MPa (2800 Bar) with conversion packages. 5 Remote controlled or automated Equipment Remotely controlled, or automated, equipment is widely available in industrial cleaning operations from tight spaces to large outdoor surfaces but is not as widely used in surface preparation. Remote controlled or automated units provide consistent results, reduced worker fatigue, and the use of higher horsepower for tough coatings or corrosion layers. Economics is the important factor to determine if manually or automated systems are chosen. 6 Correlation between ISO 8504-1 and National Standard Body Preparation Grades ISO guidance does not use a percentage for Wa 3 (Water jetting to bare substrate). NF T35-20 (baring of steel) and NACE -SSPC-SP-WJ 1 are very similar in description for the cleanliness level: the surface shall be free from all visible previous rust, oil, grease, dirt, previous paint coatings, and from all other foreign matter[2][7]. ISO guidance does not use a percentage for Wa 2 ½ (very thorough cleaning). NF T35-20 allows up to 5% of the total surface to be partially covered with old paints, having resisted the jet of water. SSPC-NACE WJ-2 allows a maximum of 5% of each unit area to be covered[2][5]. ISO guidance does not use a percentage for visual inspection of Wa 2 (thorough cleaning). NF T35-20 (medium pickling) requires areas which are to be partially covered with old paints, having resisted the jet of water, to be present in up to 70% of the total surface. SSPC-NACE WJ-3 allows a maximum of 33% of each unit area to be partially covered[2][4]. ISO guidance does not use a percentage for Wa 1 (light cleaning). NF T35-20 provides further guidance. SSPC-NACE WJ-4 allows ightly adherent existing matter to remain. Coatings, mill scale, and foreign matter are considered tightly adherent if they cannot be removed by lifting with a dull putty knife[2][6] |
In this document, "Flash Rust" (FR) refers to newly formed rust which occurs as the substrate is drying. The time period is typically a few minutes to a few hours. The “flash rust” which is formed during water jetting operations is more restrictive than ISO 4618 definition. Flash rust is minimized when the contact with the water is limited. Shorten the drying time by drying the surface as in removal of water puddles by vacuum, squeegee, or air blower. Compressed air free of oil and moisture or other means (for example heated air) can then be used to assist in drying the surfaces before application of paint. Alternatively, the water may contain an agreed upon rust inhibitor or additive. This newly formed “flash rust” can be acceptable to coatings manufacturers for paint application. The older, original black or brown rust is considered a contaminant to be removed by water jetting until only a discoloration remains. The discoloration is typically black and has no discernible thickness. The newly formed "flash rust" is assessed for light, moderate, or heavy level by wiping with a cloth to ascertain that the amount will meet the coating manufacturer requirement, that is, the liquid paint will wet the rust dust and incorporate the rust dust into the liquid layer and wet the substrate. If the newly formed flash rust dust layer is thick and not easily wetted by liquid paint, then the flash rust is reduced or removed. Flash rust, as limited to new rust formed as the carbon steel substrate is drying during water jetting, has been studied by the major paint manufacturers. The specific type of rust is inert, clean without salts, formed from the oxygen dissolved in the impact energized water, and with the structure of the iron oxide that is used in pigmentation. The technical staff at the coating manufacturers has studied this “flash rust” and found that light or moderate levels do not affect the performance. The contractor and the coatings manufacturers shall agree if flash rust can be allowed when a particular coating is to be used in the specific condition. Flash rust originating from water jetting is considered by the coating manufacturers to be different from newly formed rust back which occurs between the time a substrate has been cleaned with a dry abrasive blast method and the time of coating application. The users of water jetting should note that there is disagreement between various published studies on coating performance over "flash rust." Some researchers produce the “flash rust” by water jetting, then waiting days, weeks, or months for the “flash rust” to develop to a moderate or heavy level. In effect, those studies report on performance over rust that has been formed over a long period of exposure rather than a few hours up to one day. Other studies include “flash rust” as the rapid rusting during dry abrasive blasting operations, for example flash rust during tank interior surface preparation, as this is within the ISO 4618 definition. This flash rust, or rust back, under dry atmospheric conditions is produced by residual ionic contaminants on the substrate and the atmospheric moisture. The performance level is reduced by the residual ionic contaminants. |
[1] ISO 4618, Paints and varnishes — Vocabulary
[2] NF T 35-520:1997: NF T 35-520:1997, Peintures et vernis - Preparation de surface d’aciet deja revetue - Dacapage a l’eau sous pression Paints and varnishes - Preparation of steel substrates already coated - High-Pressure Water jetting cleaning
[3] EN 1829‑1:2021, High-pressure water jet machines - Safety requirements - Part 1: Machines
[4] NACE WJ-3/SSPC-SP WJ-3-2021:2021, NACE WJ-3/SSPC-SP WJ-3-2021, Waterjet Cleaning of Metals— Thorough Cleaning (WJ-3)
[5] NACE WJ-2/SSPC-SP WJ-2-2021:2021, NACE WJ-2/SSPC-SP WJ-2-2021, Waterjet Cleaning of Metals—Very Thorough Cleaning (WJ-2)
[6] NACE WJ-4/SSPC-SP WJ-4-2021:2021, NACE WJ-4/SSPC-SP WJ-4-2021, WATERJET CLEANING OF METALS— LIGHT CLEANING (WJ-4)
[7] NACE WJ-1/SSPC-SP WJ-1-2021:2021, NACE WJ-1/SSPC-SP WJ-1-2021, WATERJET CLEANING OF METALS—CLEAN TO BARE SUBSTRATE (WJ-1)
[8] ISO/TR 15235:2001, Preparation of steel substrates before application of paints and related products — Collected information on the effect of levels of water-soluble salt contamination
[9] Item No. 21076:2002, SSPC-NACE Joint Surface preparation Standard NACE No. 5/SSPC-SP 12 Surface Preparation and Cleaning of Metals by Water jetting Prior to Recoating (withdrawn and replaced by later Water Jet standards)
