Abstract
Previous papers by the authors have presented cost data to assist the nonexclusive specifying coatings engineer in the identification, selection and justification of protective coating systems for specific environments based on:
Initial installed cost
Corrosion behavior - (resistance)
Estimated life
This cost data is expressed in terms of cost per year of estimated life, and in this manner direct comparisons between coating systems may be readily made by the specifying engineer in terms of real life costs.
This paper provides updated coating work costs, expanded data on environmental resistance, (including seacoast/ marine; chlorine; and also on ammonia resistance and expected life), the importance of inspection and a discussion of costs related to inspection, and finally, a section presenting information on the application of computers to coating work costs. It also includes costs for an epoxy primer, urethane topcoat coating system, one which is proving very popular for both corrosion resistance and for appearance.
Computer software is being developed which will allow the user engineer to feed in the appropriate data concerning the plant environment and desired plant life, and based on this information the computer will develop in tabular form a series of recommended coatings and their relative costs expressed as dollars per square foot per year. Or. if other information is required, the computer print-out may be set up to present coating work cost related data in many different forms, including, initial costs, and expected life under the conditions of exposure.
Computer programs may also be established which include the present value of money, the current interest rate, return on investment, and the cost of maintenance, depending on the date and the time requirements or need for further coatings work or maintenance.
