New coating from Sigma

Sigma Coatings has just launched the solvent free epoxy phenolic tank coating Sigma Novaguard for marine applications. Novaguard has increased chemical resistance compared to pure epoxy and standard solvent free epoxy tank coatings currently on the market whilst possessing the same excellent flow and edge coverage properties of the Sigma solvent free product range.

The solvent free nature of Sigma Novaguard means that it is more environmentally friendly than solvent based products both in terms of VOC emission and health and safety, with the solvent free nature of Novaguard improving the working conditions for the applicator as well as reducing the explosion hazard. Application can be carried out by brush or roller for small areas and cold single feed airless spray for large areas. One of the key differences between Novaguard and other solvent free tank coating systems on the market is the ability to apply it at dry film thickness down to 150 microns enabling a two coat system of total 300 microns to be specified. Previously the minimum application film thickness for a single coat solvent free tank coating was in the order of 300 microns making the cost of coating complex structures, which required two coats to ensure good coverage, was in some cases prohibitive.

The excellent flow, wetting of the steel and resistance to cracking at high film thickness means it is ideally suited to for application to pitted steel where a high degree of chemical resistance is required. It is ideally suited for vessels such as product carriers where tank top pitting can be a problem, or FPSO?s (newbuilding or conversion) where a relatively high degree of chemical resistance is essential combined with long-term performance requirements, as these vessels can typically be on station for 10 ? 20 years with little or no possibility for maintenance.

Supply vessels can also benefit from using Novaguard?s resistance to the many and varied cargoes carried on these vessels such as drilling brines, fuel oils, lubricating oil etc. The tanks on board these vessels are typically small, complex and difficult to coat. Use of a solvent free system reduces health and safety risk as well as improving the working environment. The solvent free nature of Sigma Novaguard means that the coating is tolerant to over-application, an unavoidable problem in these small complex tanks.