W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA — A proposed new ASTM International standard is emerging from research being conducted at the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to identify and investigate coatings that will prevent the settlement and attachment of erosion-causing invasive species such as zebra and quagga mussels inside water and wastewater pipelines.

The proposed standard, ASTM WK45207, Test Method for Erosion of Coatings by Flowing Water Slurry, is being developed by Subcommittee D01.48 on Durability of Pipeline Coatings and Linings, part of ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications. The procedure simulates the degradation caused by sand, silt and other suspended sediments in raw or untreated water.

David Tordonato, Materials Engineer, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, coordinated the bureau’s efforts to devise the accelerated test method that provides the basis for ASTM WK45207. Tordonato brought the test method to D01.48 to help other end users looking for solutions to coating erosion issues.

According to Daniel Libby, Coatings Development Engineer, Chase Corp., and Chairman of D01.48, the proposed standard is relevant to coating materials that are used to line water and wastewater infrastructure. “Much of the general public with access to municipal water and sewer systems utilizes and is affected daily by operation of the infrastructure,” notes Libby. “In addition, maintenance costs and capital expenditures are passed along to customers so the general public has a stake in the development, selection and proper utilization of long-lasting and high-performance protective coatings.”

Libby says that the proposed standard will aid coating manufacturers, who will be able to use it in developing new erosion- and abrasion-resistant coatings. In addition, end users will find WK45207 helpful when endeavoring to evaluate multiple products and optimize protective coating maintenance programs for equipment subject to immersion in flowing water with high sediment loading.

Subcommittee D01.48 is actively recruiting members to join in this standards development activity. Anyone who has an interest in pipeline coatings is welcome.

ASTM International welcomes participation in the development of its standards. For more information on becoming an ASTM member, visit www.astm.org/JOIN.