Tetrachim News #3 – Navigating Regulations and Selecting the Best Coating Solutions for Fluid Transfer – An Update by Tetrachim
In an era where water preservation and environmental compliance are paramount, advancements in industrial coatings offer both practical and sustainable solutions. Coating technologies deliver unparalleled performance while complying to stringent regulations across major developed nations, ensuring safety in potable water and industrial fluid systems.
This first newsletter of the year highlights the main coating solutions tailored for the fluid transfer industry today as well as gives an update of the main regulations in developed countries worldwide
Safeguarding Water Resources
Here is our selection of coatings that offer excellent chemical and corrosion resistance, making them suitable for various water treatment and pipeline applications.
Rilsan® Polyamide 11 Coatings by Arkema + PrimGreen® Endurance
Excellent flexibility and colorful thermoplastic option for complex shape
Since 1967, Rilsan® has been a benchmark for durable, cost-effective coating solutions. Its unique properties include:
- Unmatched Corrosion Resistance: Protects steel, cast iron, and aluminum from aggressive chemicals, seawater, and effluents.
- Application methods and Thickness: from 250 to 500 µm with fluid bed dip and from 80 to 150 µm by electrostatic powder spraying
- Cost-Effective Alternative to Stainless Steel: Superior durability at a fraction of the cost.
- Energy Savings: Smooth surfaces minimize fouling and pressure loss, enhancing operational efficiency.
- Salt spray resistance is less than 1mm corrosion after 2000 h. (ISO 9227)
Resistance to salt water: no corrosion after 10 years
Florida exposure 3 years (ANCM D1235)
- Complying with drinking water and EU BPA regulations: ANSI/NSF 61, WRAS, and other global standards
- High flexibility: conical mandrel folding >35% (ISO6860)
- Surface finish: Smooth, low roughness, machinable, prevents biofilm formation thanks to its unique surface profile
Used with Rilsan® PA11 coatings, Primgreen® Endurance, a water-based, BPA-free primer excels in challenging environments like seawater and offshore conditions with over 20 years durability in seawater. Primgreen® Endurance is rated with a C5 High durability.
Applications include desalination plants, membrane filtration systems, harsh industrial and marine environments, with track records of over 40 years of maintenance-free operation.
| Country | Certification | Description | Key Features |
| France | ACS (Attestation de Conformité Sanitaire) | Mandatory certification for products in contact with drinking water
Validity:5 years |
– Ensures products don’t modify organoleptic, physicochemical, or microbiological properties of water – Includes composition assessment and migration tests |
| United Kingdom | WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme) | Determines compliance with water regulations
Validity: 5 years |
– Tests materials for suitability with potable water – Checks for backflow prevention and other regulations |
| Germany | KTW and W270 | Evaluates products for drinking water applications | – Assesses chemical substance migration and microorganism growth – Part of DVGW certification |
| Netherlands | KIWA Water Mark (formerly ATA) | Certification for drinking water products | – Evaluates hygienic aspects including toxicological, microbiological, and organoleptical criteria – Based on full requirement packages |
| United States | NSF61 | Certification for drinking water system components | – Evaluates contaminants or impurities that may be imparted to drinking water |
| Japan | JWWA (Japan Water Works Association) | Certification by the Ministry of Health | Products verified and certified are listed on JWWA’s website |
| Australia | AS4020 | Certification for materials in contact with drinking water
Validity: 5 years |
– Analyses the suitability of products for use in contact with drinking water, with regard to their effect on the quality of the water |
Bisphenol A (BPA)
As of December 19, 2024, the European Commission has adopted a ban on the use of Bisphenol A (BPA) in food contact materials, citing its potentially harmful health impacts. This ban encompasses all materials intended to come into contact with food, including those used in potable water systems. The regulation will come into force after an implementation period of up to three years.
Conclusion: Partnering for a Sustainable Future
At Tetrachim, we are committed to equipping you with the best coating technologies to ensure compliance, longevity, and operational excellence of your water systems and pipeline applications. Whether your focus is on reducing costs, enhancing sustainability, or meeting rigorous industry standards, these solutions empower your business to stay ahead. Together, let’s shape the future of industrial fluid systems.
For further details or technical consultation, contact us today.