AZZ: Creating a Stronger, Safer World

AZZ: Creating a Stronger, Safer World

Surface Technologies

A popular coating for industrial components, powder coating is the electrostatic application of a dry powder to a surface which is then cured to form a protective layer that prevents destructive materials from penetrating and reaching the surface. It also provides maximum protection against chipping and scratching that can last many years even in harsh conditions. Further, it is available in countless color options to complement any customer application.

While also offering an extra layer of protection to surfaces, galvanizing is instead achieved by adding a layer of zinc coating through a hot dipping process, providing a tough armor to safeguard against rust and corrosion. Galvanized surfaces are thicker and require less maintenance. In addition, galvanizing can be applied quickly, typically costs less than powder coating, and can protect steel surfaces for 50 years or more.

AZZ has been delivering leading corrosion protection to the steel fabrication industry for more than 40 years, ensuring structural assets are corrosion free, safe, and sustainable. Proud to serve the Aerospace and Defense sectors, AZZ maintains certifications in various processes, including ISO 9001, AS9100, and Nadcap. With two strategically located powder coating locations in Texas, AZZ can process items up to 60’ long and can handle parts weighing up to 60,000 lbs.

Watch this video to see Technical Director Tony Pajoohi and General Manager Ed Garza explain how AZZ is creating a stronger, safer world.

How Technology Keeps Pipeline Operations Safe and Efficient

How Technology Keeps Pipeline Operations Safe and Efficient

Galvanizing

Like the rest of America’s infrastructure, this system is aging, with half of the existing pipeline now more than half a century old. That means it’s more important than ever to use the latest technology available to keep the existing system running safely and efficiently.

Safe pipelines begin with stringent construction regulations. Every pipeline installed today is tested by filling it with water and pressurizing it well above its operating pressure. Today’s pipelines also use advanced materials and anti-corrosion coatings to help prevent leaks. In addition, new super lightweight polymer aerogels are being used to improve the compression resistance of steel pipe and reduce pipe corrosion caused by friction. Graphene-infused polymers show promise as well, improving strength, toughness, permeation resistance, and fatigue performance.

Most pipelines are continuously managed and monitored using information supplied by sophisticated instruments positioned along the length of the pipeline. Control room operators look for changes in line pressure and flow rate which might indicate a rupture. They can then quickly turn off pumps and close shutoff valves to avoid potential spills. Pipelines are also monitored by foot and aerial patrols, and by members of the local community.

Pipelines are regularly inspected to identify potential issues and address them before they become major problems. The primary method is in-line inspection, in which high-tech diagnostic devices called “smart pigs” use magnetic resonance or ultrasonic waves to identify dents, corrosion, or cracking. Specialized software is then employed to analyze the results, identify potential issues, and schedule maintenance. With the use of smart pigs, corrosion-related pipeline incidents have been reduced by 76% since 1999. And new intelligent machines are currently being tested that take this one step further by detecting leaks and then injecting sealants to repair them on the spot. This eliminates the cost and downtime of excavating in order to perform repairs.

AZZ can help keep your pipeline operations running smoothly. They offer pump and compressor station enclosure systems, hot-dip galvanizing services, hazardous location lighting systems and mechanical integrity services designed to keep your pipeline safe and efficient.

Learn more today at https://www.azz.com/solutions/oil-gas-and-petrochemical/pipeline.

Duplex Coating Steel

Duplex Coating Steel

Surface Technologies

Steel can corrode, weaken, and fail due to a number of environmental and chemical factors. One of the best solutions to prevent steel from corroding or rusting in harsh environments, is to protect it with a powder coating or galvanizing process. These finishes help protect the steel without compromising the inner integrity of the metal. 

Although hot-dip galvanizing and powder coating are proven to provide superior corrosion protection, often for decades, the longest lasting method is known as duplex coating, combining these two effective anti-corrosion methods into one. First the steel is galvanized, which acts much like a primer. Then a polymeric ‘powder’ coating can be applied to further protect the metal and enhance the finish. AZZ offers duplex coating for a wide variety of applications, allowing your steel to look great and last longer in any environment. 

Duplex coating combines two effective anti-corrosion methods into one, to make steel over 2x more resistant to the elements than with just one of these methods alone. Galvanizing involves dipping the fabricated steel into molten zinc, where iron in the steel reacts with the zinc to form a tightly bonded alloy coating that is resistant to corrosion. 

Powder coating is a process by which a polymer based powder is applied electrostatically to the metal, and then cured with heat. The results of this process are both long-lasting and chip and fade resistant. Powder coated steel has a beautiful finish that is extremely durable and comes in a variety to custom colors. At their Crowley, Texas facility AZZ combines these two processes to extend corrosion protection 1.5 to 2.3 times longer than either process independently. This improved resilience means that the life of the steel, along with maintenance intervals, is dramatically increased, considerably lowering total life-cycle expenses.

At the moment, no other protection method matches this enhanced coating system. As an added benefit, steel can be powder coated in an unlimited number of colors, and the finishes are truly eye-catching. Steel utilizing this duplex coating process can be used in a number of applications, from specialty architectural cladding, where the color options allow for new creative options, to more industrial applications in the demanding Automotive, Aviation, and Petro-Chem industries, among others. 

Duplex coatings strengthen and extend the operational life of steel, whether it is being used architecturally or as part of an appliance. By enhancing its corrosion resistance, duplex coating also lengthens the product life and increases maintenance intervals, saving you money. Though steel is fantastically strong, it is still subject to corrosion, which can be accelerated by certain environmental conditions. AZZ’s duplex coatings offer you two layers of protection in a variety of colors to give extra life to your materials. To learn how AZZ can lower costs by making your steel components last for years longer, visit https://www.azz.com/products/powder-coating-new/duplex-coat.

Essential Zinc

Essential Zinc

Galvanizing

According to the International Zinc Association (IZA), zinc has been present since our planet formed over 4.5 billion years ago, and all life on Earth has developed in its presence.  Considered a “Life Saving Commodity” by the United Nations, zinc is the 24th most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and is a crucial element of “exceptional biologic and public health importance” on which all organisms depend. Zinc works at the cellular level by enhancing protein and enzyme function, and plays an important role in gene maintenance, the immune system, vision, and organ and tissue growth. Zinc also plays an integral role in supporting global agriculture and safeguarding the world’s infrastructure. 

Simply stated, zinc is essential. 

Health

Over 2 billion people globally lack zinc in their diet. This deficiency hampers the immune system and can lead to growth retardation, infections, hair loss, and skin rashes. Worse, zinc deficiency can be linked to over 1.2 million deaths annually. However, the 2006 Copenhagen Consensus rated vitamin A and zinc as the highest cost-effective solution to the world’s malnutrition epidemic. 

World Agriculture

While natural erosion processes transport zinc in soil, rock, and sediment, many regions lack an adequate dilution of zinc to provide for solid crop quality and yields, resulting in zinc deficient harvests that further compound the health of the consumer. Agricultural output must expand to meet the nutritional needs of the world’s ever-growing population; thus, zinc fertilizers are now being adopted to boost crop yields. In test crops fortified with zinc fertilizer, China reported a 20% increase in yields with an astonishing 40% boost in nutritional content. 

Energy

Known for its anti-corrosion properties, zinc has been protecting our nation’s steel-built electrical infrastructure for decades, and various zinc coatings are being employed to safeguard other structures, such as solar arrays and wind turbines, as well. In addition, due to the high specific energy, recyclability, safety, and zero emissions of zinc-based energy storage systems, zinc is used in the manufacture of a variety of battery chemistries, both primary and rechargeable, consumer and industrial, helping renewable power become 24-hour power. 

Zinc: more than natural; essential. 

Learn more at azz.com/galvanizing/essential-zinc. 

Source: International Zinc Association, 2017

AZZ: We Protect Steel from Corrosion

AZZ: We Protect Steel from Corrosion

Surface Technologies

AZZ is a multifaceted company providing cost-effective metal protection solutions that require zero maintenance.

There are very few places that exist in the country where you can get four different types of finishes at one stop—AZZ is an industry leader for a reason. Watch our video below shot at our facility in Crowley, Texas to learn more about the capabilities and expertise AZZ brings to corrosion protection.