Element in

Energy Coatings Testing Services

Need confidence your coatings will perform in the extreme environments that your critical energy assets face? Element's global network of high-capacity laboratories simulates the harshest conditions - from deepwater pipelines to offshore platforms. Our advanced technical expertise helps you understand how your coating systems will perform once deployed, prevent costly failures, ensure regulatory compliance, and extend critical energy asset life, with the rapid results your oil and gas projects demand.

Why Element are global leaders in Energy Coatings Testing

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Harsh Environment Simulation Expertise
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Global Testing Network
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Comprehensive Testing Range
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Expert Advisory Support
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The global energy sector faces unprecedented challenges in protecting assets from increasingly extreme operating environments. From offshore platforms battling constant saltwater exposure to subsea pipelines withstanding immense pressures and chemical stressors, coating failures can lead to catastrophic consequences including production downtime, environmental incidents, and costly repairs. As regulations become stricter and operating conditions more demanding, the margin for error continues to shrink. 

Element stands as a recognized industry leader in coatings testing and inspection, having pioneered advanced methodologies for simulating real-world conditions that coatings encounter in energy applications. Our technical expertise has been instrumental in developing key industry standards including NORSOK M-501 and ISO 12944 testing protocols.  

With one of the largest capacities for conducting a vast number of environment exposure tests including IMO PSPC test protocols for seawater ballast tanks and cargo oil tanks, we provide crucial data that helps you understand how your coating products and systems will perform once deployed in the field. Our specialized laboratories across the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia provide consistent support for your global oil and gas projects with local convenience and standardized methodologies. This combination of industry knowledge, testing capability, and practical experience ensures your critical assets - including pipelines, offshore structures, chemical plants, and vessels - receive the protection they require.   

Services

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NORSOK M501 – Protective Coatings Testing for Offshore Applications

Element's NORSOK M501 coatings testing optimizes offshore protection, reducing maintenance and meeting compliance. Our experts provide third-party verification and guidance on Edition 7 requirements.

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Thermal Conductivity Testing Services

Element provides thermal conductivity testing and measurement services, including R-value, to ensure your materials insulate, conduct, and withstand temperature changes. Expert thermal conductivity testing for aerospace, oil & gas, and transportation materials. ISO 17025-accredited, non-destructive methods ensure safety, compliance, and performance in extreme conditions

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IMO PSPC Coatings Testing of Seawater Ballast Tanks and Cargo Oil Tank

Element provides IMO PSPC coatings testing for seawater ballast and cargo oil tanks, simulating real-world conditions to verify compliance, prevent corrosion, and optimize coating performance.

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Pipeline and Field Joint Coatings

Element provides expert pipeline and field joint coating testing to prevent corrosion, validate performance under extreme conditions, and support compliance with ISO 21809 standards for long-term infrastructure integrity.

Salt Fog & Salt Spray Testing

Salt Spray Testing

Ensure corrosion resistance with Element’s salt spray (salt fog) testing. Get accurate, reliable results and customized conditions for your specific needs. Learn more now!

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Mechanical and Physical Testing of Coatings

Verify your coating performance, durability, compliance and damage resistance with Element's mechanical and physical testing. ISO 17025 certified testing for actionable insights. Learn More.

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Water Immersion Testing

Element's water immersion testing evaluates coating performance in submerged conditions, identifying degradation risks like blistering and adhesion loss. Get reliable data to meet industry standards and enhance material longevity.

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Cathodic Disbondment Testing

Element's cathodic disbondment testing detects coating weaknesses before failure, simulating real-world conditions up to 204°C. Gain actionable insights to enhance protection for pipelines, offshore structures, and extreme environments.

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Coatings Chemical Resistance Testing

Protect your critical assets from chemical degradation with precise testing that simulates real-world exposure conditions. Our Coatings Chemical Resistance Testing identifies the most suitable solutions for your harsh operating environments, helping extend asset lifespans and prevent costly failures in oil and gas applications.

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

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Corrosion Protection Concerns

From salt spray testing to water immersion and cathodic disbondment evaluation, we comprehensively assess your coating's resistance to corrosion. Our testing methodologies identify vulnerabilities before deployment, ensuring your energy assets remain protected in aggressive environments throughout their service life.
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Performance Uncertainty

Our comprehensive environmental exposure tests simulate specific conditions including subsea, marine, aging, chemical, offshore and onshore applications. This gives you reliable data on how your coatings will perform across different environments, eliminating guesswork and building confidence in your protection systems.
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Compliance Challenges

We test according to all applicable local, national, regional and international standards including NORSOK M501, ISO 12944, and IMO PSPC. This ensures your coating systems meet or exceed regulatory requirements, simplifying your compliance process and reducing certification obstacles.

Standards we test to and materials we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!
  • IMO PSPC (Performance Standard for Protective Coatings) for seawater ballast tanks and cargo oil tanks 
  • ISO 21809 1-3 (for pipeline and field joint coatings) 

Why Choose Element

Element materials testing engineer operating precision measurement equipment for quality analysis

Global Testing Capacity

Access consistent coating evaluation services at any scale across our laboratories in the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia.

Industry-Leading Expertise

Our experts provide helpful technical guidance and accurate, reliable data to solve your most challenging coating problems.

Comprehensive Testing Range

From standard pre-qualification to high-level polymer testing, we deliver all your coating evaluation needs including large-scale simulation of deepwater environments.

Harsh Environment Simulation

We replicate difficult operating conditions with precision to validate real-world coating selection and performance.

Related Articles and Events

Paints and Coatings Failures: A Guidebook on Causes and Remedies

A guide to understanding the paints and coatings failures, the causes and remedies, and failure analysis testing.

Oct 29, 2024

Standard Update: Norsok M 501 edition 7

The NORSOK M-501 edition 7 was published in November 2022 this supersedes edition 6 from 2012. The document specifies the requirements for the selection of coating materials, surface preparation, application procedures, and inspection for protective coatings to be applied during the construction and installation of offshore and coastal facilities and gives guidelines with respect to later maintenance work. Element can provide all the necessary pre-qualification testing to verify materials’ performance in accordance with the new revision.

May 3, 2023

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