Coatings Chemical Resistance Testing

Protect your critical assets from chemical degradation with precise testing that simulates real-world exposure conditions. Our Coatings Chemical Resistance Testing identifies the most suitable solutions for your harsh operating environments, helping extend asset lifespans and prevent costly failures in oil and gas applications.

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What is Coating Chemical Resistance Testing at Element?

Coatings chemical resistance testing evaluates how protective coatings withstand exposure to specific chemicals under varying environmental conditions. At Element, we specialize in comprehensive immersion testing with industry-relevant chemicals to determine coating performance when subjected to acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, alcohols, and production fluids in both ambient and extreme temperature/pressure conditions. Our experienced team evaluates resistance to chemical attacks in a variety of service environments.

Element testing specialist examining precision measurement equipment for materials analysis

What Can Element Offer You For Coatings Chemical Resistance Testing?

Materials we test

We test protective coatings designed for challenging chemical environments, particularly those used in oil and gas applications. Our testing evaluates coating resistance to acids, alkalis, hydrocarbons, alcohols, production fluids, and area-specific crude oils to determine their suitability for your specific operating conditions. This helps you select materials that withstand your exact chemical exposure scenarios.

  • Internal protective coatings and linings 
  • Coatings for high-temperature applications 
  • Materials exposed to the "cold wall effect" 
  • Coatings for pressurized environments 
  • Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) systems 

Key tests offered

Our comprehensive testing portfolio evaluates coating performance under various chemical exposures and environmental conditions. We provide standard and customized testing solutions to determine how coatings respond to specific chemicals at different temperatures and pressures, simulating real-world service conditions to identify potential failure points before deployment. 

  • Isothermal immersion testing 
  • Standard Atlas Cell (SAC) testing 
  • Pressurized Atlas Cell testing 
  • Autoclave testing 
  • Chemical immersion testing 

Specialized oil and gas testing capabilities 
Our testing services are specifically designed for oil and gas industry requirements, where coating failure can lead to significant operational issues. We help you evaluate coating performance when exposed to production fluids and gases (sweet or sour) at elevated temperatures and pressures, allowing you to assess suitability for specific project needs and determine long-term chemical resistance. 

  • Cold wall effect evaluation 
  • Temperature differential resistance testing 
  • High-pressure exposure simulation 
  • Failure analysis services 
  • Qualification of new coatings for specific projects 

Methods and solutions offered

Element specializes in multiple testing approaches to evaluate coating performance in chemically aggressive environments. Our methods include partial or full immersion in service-relevant chemicals with detailed examination for film failures, alterations, discoloration, gloss changes, blistering, softening, wrinkling, adhesion loss, or any deterioration signs. This comprehensive assessment ensures you select the right coating for your application.

  • ASTM D6943 immersion testing 
  • ISO 2812-1 chemical immersion 
  • NACE TM0174 isothermal immersion testing 
  • NACE TM0174 pressurized atlas cell testing 
  • NACE TM0185 autoclave testing 

Autoclave testing methodology 
The test involves exposing test specimens to simulated Oil and Gas production fluids and gases (sweet or sour) at elevated temperature and pressure, in accordance with NACE TM0185. 

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!
  • ASTM D6943 – Immersion testing of coatings and linings
  • ISO 2812-1 – Chemical immersion
  • NACE TM0174 – Isothermal immersion; standard and pressurized atlas cell testing
  • NACE TM0185 – Autoclave testing

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

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Chemical attack protection verified

Your assets face destructive chemical exposure in aggressive environments. Our comprehensive immersion testing with production-relevant chemicals identifies coatings that withstand your specific operating conditions, preventing premature failures and extending asset life.
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Harsh environment performance confirmed

Protecting substrates in hostile chemical, temperature, and pressure conditions is challenging. Our specialized Atlas Cell and Autoclave testing evaluates coating performance under combined stress factors, delivering data that confirms material suitability for your exact service requirements.
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Coating Selection Simplified

Choosing the right protective solution from numerous options is complex. Our coating specialists leverage years of experience to recommend and verify the most appropriate testing protocols for your specific service environment, streamlining your material selection process.
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Industry Compliance Made Simpler

Meeting rigorous industry standards is essential but navigating requirements can be difficult. Our standardized testing to ASTM, ISO, and NACE specifications provides documented performance verification that satisfies regulatory requirements and supports your quality assurance processes.

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Global laboratory network

Access convenient testing services through our laboratories across the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia.

Specialized industry knowledge

Benefit from our deep understanding of oil and gas industry coatings requirements and failure mechanisms.

Comprehensive Testing Approach

Receive detailed performance analysis including film failures, alterations, discoloration, and adhesion evaluation.

Custom testing solutions

Get testing tailored to your specific service environments, including area-specific crude oils and production fluids.

Frequently asked questions

What is the "cold wall effect" in coatings testing?

The cold wall effect refers to the temperature difference between internal and external surfaces of a coated substrate. Our Atlas Cell testing evaluates a coating's ability to withstand this temperature differential, which can cause stress and potential failure in real-world applications.

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Speak to our team of experts

AMERICAS

Toll free from US lines

+1 888 786 7555

EUROPE

Contact our Central Team
UK

Freephone from UK

+44 808 234 1667

Germany

Freephone from Germany 

+49 800 000 5137

MIDDLE EAST

Toll free from UAE

+971 800 353 6368

Atlas Cell Testing – NACE TM0174

Element offers Atlas Cell testing services to evaluate the immersion resistance of coatings in line with NACE TM0174. We assist in assessing internal coatings and linings for material selection, determining chemical resistance, and qualifying new coatings for your specific project needs. 

Standard Atlas Cell (SAC) testing evaluates the performance and suitability of internal protective coatings and linings in chemically aggressive environments. It also assesses the coating’s ability to withstand temperature differences between the internal and external surfaces of a coated substrate, which can lead to the ‘cold wall effect.’ 

For service conditions involving pressure, our Pressurized Atlas Cell testing measures a coating’s ability to handle temperature variations between internal and external surfaces while exposed to pressure, temperature, and other environmental factors.