Test Methods
Vertical Pipe Test (Houston Pipe Test)
The Vertical Pipe Test (previously know as the Houston Pipe Test) has been designed to evaluate the resistance of coatings against accelerated conditions of coating under insulation (CUI).
These conditions include the infiltration of salt solution into the insulation, as well as temperature fluctuations between high operating temperatures and periods of shutdown where the pipe cools down to ambient temperature. The insulation can have deleterious effects on coating performance, since any water that penetrates the insulation can become trapped next to the coating potentially causing coating failure and corrosion of the pipe. Coatings used under insulation must show resistance to degradation at elevated temperatures and in the presence of trapped water.
Sample requirements: Typical dimensions are 24” length x 2.5” diameter x 0.2” wall thickness (600 mm x 60 x 5 mm) coated carbon steel pipe.
Note, Charter has previously modified the samples to 24" x 6" x 0.25" (610 mm x 150 mm x 6 mm) coated flat panels for certain applications.
Test Setup of Four Coating Samples and One Control Bare Carbon Steel Pipe