- Home
- Disciplines
- Testing
Discipline 04
Testing
The data you need to stop microbiologically and hydrogen-induced corrosion — and to prove coatings meet spec.
Testing
Corrosion and coating testing — MIC, HIC and inspection
The challenge
Testing delivers the data needed to stop microbiologically and hydrogen-induced corrosion — and proves coating applications meet or exceed ISO quality standards.
Our approach
Specialised test equipment, designed and manufactured for the industrial painting and coating industries.
Brands
Brands for testing.
Questions
Frequently asked.
What is microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC)?
MIC is corrosion caused or accelerated by microorganisms, such as sulphate-reducing bacteria, living in biofilms on metal surfaces. It is common in water systems, pipelines, tanks and offshore equipment and often shows as localised pitting. Diagnosis combines sampling, water chemistry and molecular methods such as qPCR.
What is hydrogen-induced cracking (HIC)?
In HIC, hydrogen atoms — often from sour service with hydrogen sulphide — diffuse into steel and recombine at inclusions, building pressure that forms internal blisters and stepwise cracks. Steels for sour service are qualified with tests such as NACE TM0284.
What is corrosion under insulation (CUI)?
CUI is corrosion of pipework and vessels beneath thermal insulation, where trapped water and contaminants attack the steel out of sight. It is a major integrity risk in oil and gas and process plants, which is why coating quality and inspection under insulation matter.
Which tests check a coating job?
Common checks include surface cleanliness (ISO 8501-1), soluble salts (ISO 8502-6/-9), dew point and humidity (ISO 8502-4), surface profile (ISO 8503), dry film thickness (ISO 19840) and pull-off adhesion (ISO 4624).
Need help with testing?
Tell us about your asset and we'll connect you with the right specialist.