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Experience Exchange
Wet sponge test on sample no . 1 ( larger surface pore free at 67.5 V ).
The original project completed .
likely run smoothly — as everyone involved hopes , of course . At the location , we examine cleanliness and workplace structures . Having a workshop ourselves , I can walk through a site and , while looking around , already assess at first glance if the audit is going to succeed . Interestingly enough , other people from the industry have shared the same experience with me .
How do you then conduct the actual audit , and with what instruments ? The actual audit can be done in two ways . If the job only involves the spray application of a SÄKAPHEN baked coating product , I simply run through the application process on sample plates , from surface preparation to multi-layer application and baking , including intermediate and final bakes . I look at the quality of the application operation , the fulfillment of application guidelines , the quality assurance and control and its documentation . The latter is particularly interesting as although the documentation ’ s scope is pretty much standardized in the industry , everyone uses their own format , thus always creating the occasion for a fruitful exchange . If the customer wants to apply a SÄKAPHEN lining inside heat exchangers , we are usually looking at a long-term relationship . In this case , we do all the above to verify that the application equipment works correctly . In addition , we supervise a trial or actual application process of a SÄKAPHEN product inside a heat exchanger , especially because flooding sounds very easy — but ask any SÄKAPHEN applicator : we all had to learn it ! In both cases , this is not a control performed with a critical or negative approach but rather a verification that the applicator is aware of the challenges entailed in applying baked linings .
How do you like to end an audit ? Obviously , we prefer this to result in a successful audit with a happy partner , confident in their skills and level of quality and knowing they can call us anytime in case of challenges or technical requests . More practically , at the end of an audit , about three larger sample pieces should have successfully been cleaned , blasted , coated , baked and QC ’ ed , including proper documentation .
What advice would you give to any applicator intending to use SÄKAPHEN ’ s baked products ? What can you recommend to make sure the application is a success ? It is always recommended to read the instructions provided carefully . This should be followed by an internal discussion , also asking questions to us as the issuer : it is , in effect , a toolbox meeting — massively important for any project , whether with SÄKAPHEN or any other manufacturer . Other than that , excellent workmanship is paramount . During my NACE CIP training many years ago , the importance of workmanship was the first lesson I was taught . After more than a decade in the industry , I now know why and fully agree . Finally , I recommend calling us in case of any issues . One of our partners or we will undoubtedly have experienced the same problem and have the right answer . SÄKAPHEN is not only about a product with related application technology but rather a solution against corrosion and fouling , including a trustful exchange amongst the partners in our network .
Back to the audit you conducted on Trepax . How did the project end ? Very well , indeed ! The audit itself turned into an interesting , fruitful learning and exchange experience — and I would like to thank Trepax ’ s Project Manager Dean Wilson and Managing Director Paul Greenhalgh for that . Then , after a few months , they completed the original project for which they had contacted us , and I could not be more proud of the impeccable coating job they made . In the future , I sincerely hope that our collaboration will continue and enable both of us to grow and learn even more .
48 Heat Exchanger World February 2025 www . heat-exchanger-world . com