Sherwin-Williams Nuclear Safety-Related Coatings Meet Strict NRC Requirements

Design engineers, contractors and equipment manufacturers doing business with the U.S. Department of Energy/Nuclear Regulatory Commission (DOE/NRC) can look to Sherwin-Williams for guidance in specifying a full range of nuclear safety-related protective coating and lining systems manufactured to the requirements of ANSI/ASME NQA-1, Quality Assurance Program Requirements for Nuclear Facilities, and 10 CFR 50 Appendix B, Quality Assurance Criteria for Nuclear Power Plants and Fuel Reprocessing Plants.

Sherwin-Williams’ Nuclear Quality Assurance Program (NQAP) provides the requirements to be integrated into all aspects of nuclear work performed by Sherwin-Williams personnel and its lower tier suppliers. Products manufactured under this program are available for use in nuclear power plants (NPP), nuclear fuel facilities and nuclear waste facilities. The company is on DOE’s qualified vendor list, and is a current supplier to multiple DOE projects and NPPs, including those in the U.S., Canada, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico and China.

“The selection and application of protective coatings is one of many factors that are considered when assessing the technical requirements for achieving acceptable safety margins in nuclear facility design and construction,” said Bob Johnson, marketing director, power generation, Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings. “DOE recognizes that our product lines can be used with complete confidence in both constructing and maintaining these complex systems, and that our personnel are highly qualified.”

Safety-related coating and lining products are designed to be resistant to the effects of radiation and must be Design Basis Accident (DBA) qualified. These products are used in Level I and III of nuclear facilities. Two of the most versatile nuclear safety-related coatings are Macropoxy 646 N and Zinc Clad II N. Macropoxy 646 N is a fast drying polyamide epoxy designed to protect steel and concrete. Self-priming, it can be used as both an intermediate and a topcoat in multiple systems.

Zinc Clad II N is an inorganic zinc-rich, solvent-based, ethyl silicate that meets Class B requirements for Slip Coefficient and Creep Resistance, and it cures to touch in 15 minutes. Used as a primer and/or coating system, Zinc Clad II N is self-healing to resume protection if damaged.

Both coatings meet specific design requirements for nuclear safety-related qualification including ASTM D 4082, “Standard Test Method for Effects of Gamma Radiation on Coatings for Use in Nuclear Power Plants,” and ASTM D 3911, “Standard Test Method for Evaluating Coatings Used in Light-Water Nuclear Power Plants at Simulated Design Basis Accident (DBA) Conditions.”

For product selection outside of nuclear safety-related Level I and III applications, Sherwin-Williams also has a full range of radiation resistant, low flame spread index (FSI), and low smoke development (SDI) products to satisfy the need for quality floor and wall applications in Level II radiological controlled areas, balance of plant (BOP), nuclear fuel facilities and nuclear waste facilities.