BASF heat exchanger: High-temperature corrosion protection with PPG

Project overview

A heat exchanger at a BASF industrial facility required a specialist protective coating capable of withstanding temperatures of up to 325°C while providing effective corrosion protection.

The project presented a demanding combination of thermal exposure and asset protection requirements.

New BASF Heat Exchanger, Antwerp - PPG Case Study - Promain Paints Blog

The challenge

Industrial equipment operating at elevated temperatures requires coating systems specifically designed for those conditions.

Standard protective coatings may not be suitable where continuous or intermittent high-temperature exposure is expected.

For this application, the coating solution needed to address both:

  • High-temperature service conditions
  • Corrosion protection requirements

The project also required appropriate surface preparation to support long-term coating performance.

Surface preparation and application

The heat exchanger was blasted prior to coating application to prepare the surface and promote adhesion.

PPG's solution incorporated a single-component, surface-tolerant product, selected for its ability to provide protection within the demanding operating conditions.

Using a specialist system designed around the temperature requirements of the asset was essential to the overall specification.

The importance of temperature-led specification

This project demonstrates why coating selection should be based on the actual conditions an asset will experience during service.

For high-temperature equipment, specification should take into account:

  • Maximum operating temperature
  • Temperature cycling
  • Corrosion exposure
  • Substrate condition
  • Surface preparation
  • Maintenance strategy

High-temperature applications can place unique demands on protective coating systems, making early technical assessment particularly important.

New Guard Coatings supplies specialist PPG and Jotun coating solutions for demanding industrial environments, including applications involving high temperatures, corrosion and complex operational conditions.

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