395 Anchor Rd, Unit 23

Hamilton, ON L8W 0C7

38B Bigwin Rd, Unit 2A

Hamilton, ON L8W 3R4

Best Nuclear Coating Inspection Canada

What is Nuclear Coating Inspection?

Nuclear energy plays a significant role in generating electricity and is particularly important in Ontario where it accounts for 60% of all energy produced. This sector provides a major boost to the local economy through the employment of nearly 30,000 people, as well as the same number through contractors such as The Coating Inspector.


It’s for these reasons that Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) should think about engaging a professional and independent NACE corrosion investigation. This would help plan and forecast the life span of the plant and be a crucial factor in making decisions related to safety and damage control.

Our process

our coating inspection process

We have a tried and true methodology for assessing and prevention corrosion through our ISO-standardized and client-customized workflow.

01.

Survey

A maintenance survey determines the coating conditions of a surface. Surveys are used to create a maintenance schedule for re-coating and touch-up applications.

02.

Testing

The Coating Inspector performs testing for a wide range of coating applications. We test for conformity, compatibility, performance, coat thickness, hardness, adhesion, and finishes.

03.

Recommendations

Once testing has been completed, we provide our detailed recommendations in a report. This ensures that all aspects of the survey are considered and addressed.

04.

Coating Specifications

All jobs are conducted according to industry standards: NACE/AMPP, ISO 9001:2015 and CSA/SSPC in Canada, ASTM and ISO for international clients.

05.

our team

The Coating Inspector works with contractors, owners, and engineers. We are a third party unbiased leader in the provision of professional coating inspection services.

06.

blasting & painting

The Coating Inspector provides supervision and project management in the sandblasting, painting and coatings industry.

Types of Coating Inspection

Nuclear power plants, like many of the other industries that The Coating Inspector serves, face harsh operating conditions such as high temperatures, ionizing radiation, humidity, and high pressures. In response, billions of dollars have been invested in the development of anti-corrosion components to increase the lifespan and safety of NPPs, as well as to reduce the costs of repairing damage caused by corrosion.

Parts such as:

  • Ni alloys
  • Steels
  • Ti
  • Zr alloys
  • Low alloyed steels
  • Coppers alloys


All of the parts listed above with the only exception being Ti experience one or many types of corrosion listed below.

  • Stress corrosion cracking
  • General corrosion
  • Irradiation-assisted stress corrosion cracking
  • Environmentally assisted cracking
  • Intergranular attack
  • Flow-assisted corrosion
  • Ammonia corrosion
  • Microbiological corrosion

Why It’s Critical To Safe Nuclear Power Operations

Nuclear energy has been an important source of power for many decades, and it continues to be a vital part of the world’s energy mix. In Ontario, nuclear energy is particularly significant, providing 60% of the province’s energy production. This not only provides a reliable source of electricity for the local population, but it also has a significant impact on the local economy through job creation and economic growth. The nuclear energy industry employs a large number of people directly, with an estimated 30,000 workers, and creates even more jobs through contractors like The Coating Inspector.

However, as with any energy source, there are risks associated with nuclear power. One of the biggest concerns is the possibility of corrosion in the reactor, which can lead to leaks and other safety issues. That’s why it’s so important for NPPs to consider a professional and independent NACE corrosion investigation.

A NACE corrosion investigation involves a team of experts who assess the condition of the reactor and identify potential sources of corrosion. They will then develop a plan to address these issues and make recommendations for future maintenance and repair. This is crucial in ensuring the longevity and safety of the plant, as well as in predicting its life span. By identifying potential problems early on, NPPs can take proactive steps to address them, reducing the risk of leaks and other safety issues.

In conclusion, the benefits of a NACE corrosion investigation for Nuclear facilities are clear. By conducting a professional and independent investigation, Nuclear plants can ensure the safety and reliability of their reactors, predict their life span, and make informed decisions about the future of the plant. The impact of the nuclear energy industry on the local economy and the importance of maintaining safe and reliable reactors make it clear why power plants should consider a NACE corrosion investigation.

Why Choose The Coating Inspector For Your Nuclear Facility in Canada?

The industry is governed by a professional association that sets high standards of expertise. NACE certified inspectors ensure the highest level of quality control for all coating projects and systems under their jurisdiction.

The Coating Inspector Program for nuclear specialties is designed for those seeking specialized training in nuclear coating inspection. This certification is a valuable addition to current CIP Level 1, 2, or 3 certifications.

The course specifically trains coating inspectors to perform inspections at Nuclear Power Plants (NPPs) and serves as an introduction for non-CIP certified personnel to familiarize themselves with NPP coating requirements. The training focuses on the unique challenges posed by the restrictive and safety-critical environment of a nuclear facility and emphasizes compliance with regulations in NPPs. The course also provides in-depth coverage of government, industry, and plant-specific regulations, technical specifications, and procedures through lectures, case studies, and discussions.

At The Coating Inspector, we employ the most highly skilled NACE-accredited coating inspectors in the industry, who bring decades of combined experience.

Our Accreditations:

  • The Coating Inspector is NACE International certified in NACE levels 1, 2 and 3
  • SSPC Certified by the Society for Protective Coatings, the leading standard in the protective coatings industry
  • MPI Certified by the Master Painter’s Institute
  • NACE certification has Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (advanced). Our NACE inspectors demonstrate the highest level of practical knowledge and industry-specific experience from working all over Canada and the world.

 

Our Level 3 trained inspectors have extensive experience in inspecting, maintaining, and preventing corrosion for some of the largest companies, from the Bruce Power plant to major marine ports. With decades of combined experience, The Coating Inspector can handle any NACE inspection, whether it’s a small project or a large-scale enterprise worksite..

At TCI, no job is too big, too small, or too challenging. Simply provide your information below, and we will immediately get back to you with a quote. If we need any additional information, a TCI representative will contact you. Thank you for considering The Coating Inspector!

Bruce Power Nuclear Coating Inspection Case Study

Low Pressure Service Water project a success Team who works underground are rising up for well-earned recognition 

A key project to refurbish the Low Pressure Service Water (LPSW) buried piping in Bruce A was successfully completed during the Unit 4 outage.

The team involved worked tirelessly underground to complete the job — and they

are rising up for some well-earned recognition.

“The project was completed safely, with quality, on time, on budget and within 26 days using a new innovative strategy, which is a marked improvement from past performance during A2131 when it was completed in 40 days,” said Nicholas Hadjiev, Project Manager, Piping Program, Project Management and Construction (PMC).

“This now marks the sixth successful campaign. The dedication and heart the team gives when it’s time to perform is nothing short of a beautiful thing. And I’m honoured to be a part of such an amazing group.”

The LPSW buried piping transports lake water from the pumphouse to the powerhouse for the purpose of cooling various system loads such as Maintenance Cooling, Shutdown Cooling, Vault Cooling, Moderator Cooling, High Pressure Service Water, Generator Hydrogen Coolers and Turbine Coolers.

The main objective of the project, which wrapped up in November, was to clean, inspect and repair the 495-foot pipe that runs below the station foundation. One of the biggest challenges for the team was working inside the pipe where the diameter ranges from 20 to 54 inches and means staff must be in a kneeling position and working in confined space for the duration of the project. About 60 skilled workers, including pipefitters, carpenters, painters, iron workers, labourers, sheet metal workers, electricians, insulators, welders, operating engineers, teamsters, safety staff and mechanical/civil engineers, were part of the cross-functional team who worked together to achieve success.

Much of the work involved cleaning debris and corrosion from theinside of the pipe using abrasive blasting, followed by a detailed inspection of the pipe using robots to perform laser and ultrasonic scans to search for defects to repair, and finally a protective coating of paint was applied through the entire pipe.

Safety was the number one focus for the project as workers faced a myriad of hazards on the job, including fatigue and strain due to confined space, dust and airborne particles from abrasive blasting, and loud noise, to name a few.

“The team implemented an innovative safety plan with a focus on hazard elimination and a robust confined space ventilation plan, reducing the risk to personnel to ensure everyone came home safe at the end of their shift and sustained no injuries during the project,” said Brian Binning, Safety Specialist, Bruce A, who supported the team.

“The synergy between all groups, safety, skilled trades, senior leadership and station operations was stellar,” Hadjiev added.

“All these changes are now permanent additions into our framework for future executions. This is a good example of driving improvements and safety through innovation.”

Innovation and safety highlights

Full training mock-up and program created for abrasive blasting and coating, including new PELs and quals now available.

  • Created new Maintenance procedures that detail how to perform this type of operation.
  • Introduced new PPE from the Bullard 88VX to the leading-edge RPB NOVA 3 Blast Suit (the green ones pictured) with improved heating/cooling, ergonomics, weight reduction, built-in lighting and push-to-talk voice communication for confined space.
  • Became self-sufficient with tooling by purchasing abrasive blasting and coating application equipment, capitalizing on quality and safety with new technology such as roto-blasting and vehicular rovers to reduce fatigue and strain on workers.
  • Improved timeline, completed in 26 working days, rendering this project now feasible for Units 1 and 2 short outage durations to help improve the equipment reliability of those units.

why us

Nuclear Coating Inpection FAQs

Do you have existing corrosion, or are looking to prevent costly equipment failure? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Contact us today to get a consultation.

Nuclear coating inspection is the process of examining the protective coatings applied to various structures and components within a nuclear power plant. The aim is to detect and prevent corrosion, which can pose a threat to the safety and longevity of the plant.

Nuclear coating inspection is crucial in ensuring the safety and longevity of a nuclear power plant. Corrosion can cause structural damage and lead to failure, potentially resulting in safety concerns and costly repairs. By conducting regular inspections, the plant can be proactively maintained to prevent such issues.

Nuclear coating inspections are typically carried out by NACE-accredited coating inspectors with extensive experience and training. These inspectors have the knowledge and expertise to identify potential issues and recommend corrective actions to prevent corrosion.

A nuclear coating inspection typically involves a visual examination of the coatings, as well as testing to assess the adhesion, thickness, and overall condition of the coatings. Inspectors may also review relevant documentation, such as technical specifications and procedures, to ensure compliance with industry standards.

The frequency of nuclear coating inspections depends on several factors, including the age of the plant, the type of coatings used, and the environment in which the plant operates. Regular inspections are necessary to detect and prevent corrosion, but the exact frequency will depend on the specific circumstances of each plant.

Other Industries

Corrosion poses a growing threat as bridge infrastructure continues to age and spending on maintenance and repair is put off. Corrosion is a leading factor in the degradation of bridges. The Coating Inspector possesses expertise in corrosion inspection, prevention, and protective coatings.

Both public and private water and wastewater agencies throughout North America have infrastructure assets ranging in value, from millions to billions of dollars. The Coating Inspector utilizes proven principles of corrosion prevention and mitigation for dams, aqueducts, tunnels, water and wastewater treatment plants, pumping plants, distribution pipelines and storage reservoirs.

Park rides and attractions see a combination of stresses and elements unlike other comparable structures of their size and shape. The Coating Inspector works with government regulators and amusement parks to successfully control corrosion on rides and make corrosion inspection a critical and fundamental part of a park’s maintenance operation.

Aircraft, ships and other vital assets used by the military must be kept in peak shape and readiness to fulfill their important defense roles. That means corrosion prevention is a must. The Coating Inspector offers industry knowledge gleaned from years of experience working in differing environments in regions.

Storage tanks, pipelines and other underground systems are all susceptible to corrosion. They carry or hold such materials as crude oil, processed liquids, and wet and dry gas. The Coating Inspector can perform regular pipeline inspection for condition, effectiveness and potential for failures.

The ability of coatings to resist corrosion over extended periods is an important contributor in safeguarding your capital investment. Corrosion related maintenance can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars over the lifetime of your ship. The Coating Inspector can help you to reduce costs, maximize asset availability, keep personnel safe, and preserve the environment.

Combating corrosion in the oil and gas industry is paramount since the economic loss in these industries due to corrosion is extremely high. The Coating Inspector has years of experience combating corrosion issues at oil and gas pipelines, refineries and petrochemical plants.

The Coating Inspector provides NACE level 2 and level 3 Senior Inspectors who are trained and fully compliant with the Rail Industry and Rail specification documents. From coated surfaces of rail vehicles to track and switching hardware, we are rail & railway coating specialists.

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