What is your role with PPG?
I am the global segment director for Oil and Gas within PPG’s Protective & Marine Coatings business. My role involves working closely with industry partners to develop and implement advanced coatings solutions, including SOI, that enhance operational efficiency, safety and asset longevity in oil and gas facilities. I have 30 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, including 12 years in coatings.
What is your product’s thermal conductivity and temperature range?
Thermal testing, conducted in accordance with ASTM, shows that PPG Pitt-Therm 909 SOI coating endures continuous and cyclic temperatures reaching 500°F (260°C), surpassing the 350°F (177°C) upper limit associated with conventional insulation coatings. Field applications and lab tests confirm that the silicone-based coating has a low thermal conductivity (K-value of 0.049 W/m·K (ASTM 7984)). This allows the coating to significantly reduce surface temperatures and minimize heat loss, even at high temperatures, providing energy-efficient performance and safe-to-touch surfaces (ASTM C-1005).
How quickly and easily can your solution be applied, and what are the curing times?
PPG Pitt-Therm 909 SOI coating can be applied in a single coat up to 250 mils thick, significantly reducing application time compared to water-based acrylic SOIs, which require multiple coats of 20-40 mils each. One application is sufficient for many projects, eliminating the need for multiple layers and days of operational downtime. Additionally, the capability to apply up to 500 mils or two coats expands the operational envelope when energy efficiency is the goal. Post application, it cures overnight (approximately 20 hours), allowing for walk-on durability the next day. This proves essential for projects such as tank-roof insulation, where a rapid return to service remains critical.
Can your product be applied to complex geometries and hard-to-reach areas?
Yes. Unlike mechanical insulation, which requires cutting and fastening rigid materials, PPG Pitt-Therm 909 coating can be spray-applied to irregular surfaces, flanges, bolted connections, and tight spaces. We have also qualified various spray equipment options for precision applications in confined areas. Traditional mechanical insulation often requires extensive scaffolding for installation and maintenance, adding time, cost, and logistical challenges to a project. PPG Pitt-Therm 909 coating offers a more efficient alternative. It can be applied by spraying direct to metal (primer optional) and offers an optional topcoat. Like all SOI coatings, it does not require protective metal cladding.
What are the long-term durability and maintenance requirements of PPG Pitt-Therm 909 SOI coating?
Long-term durability proves a key differentiator. The PPG Pitt-Therm 909 coating has been tested under the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 12944-6, achieving a C5 high corrosion category classification. This equates to an expected service life of 15-25 years, even in harsh environments.
Additionally, PPG Pitt-Therm 909 coating does not require a primer or topcoat, though both are optional based on operator preference. This reduces the overall maintenance burden.
Can your product be easily repaired or reapplied if needed?
Yes. PPG Pitt-Therm 909 coating supports simple, localized repairs. If an operator needs to inspect an area, the insulation can be removed and reapplied using a hand trowel or spray gun, ensuring continued protection without full-system replacement. We have also collaborated with industry partners to integrate sensor technology for real-time monitoring of corrosion under insulation (CUI), allowing for proactive maintenance without removing insulation. However, it’s important to note that the hydrophobic SOI coating resists water absorption better than many fibrous insulation materials. It absorbs less than 3 percent water when submerged after 72 hours, compared to much higher absorption rates in mineral wool.
What should owners know about choosing the right spray-on insulation coating partner and solution?
When selecting a spray-on insulation solution, asset owners should consider several factors:
Proven testing and certifications: Ensure the product meets industry standards for thermal efficiency, fire resistance, and corrosion protection.
Application efficiency: Evaluate thickness build per coat, curing time and ease of application on different surfaces.
Water resistance and CUI mitigation: Know the product’s impact on CUI. Unlike traditional insulation, which absorbs moisture, the silicon-based PPG Pitt-Therm 909 coating repels water to prevent CUI.
Temperature tolerance: Assess the true operating window. If the device is operated at temperatures above 350°F, many traditional SOIs are unsuitable.
Technical support and field service: A reliable supplier should offer on-site technical expertise and global support to ensure proper application and long-term performance.
MORE INFO www.ppgpmc.com
