Water Immersion Testing

We provide comprehensive water immersion testing services at ambient conditions, elevated temperatures, and elevated pressure environments. Our testing evaluates coating performance for signs of degradation including blistering, cracking, and adhesion loss. We can also assess dimensional stability and water absorption characteristics to provide complete performance data on your protective coating systems.

• Ambient water immersion testing 

• Elevated temperature water immersion 

• Elevated temperature and pressure water immersion 

• Water absorption testing 

• Dimensional stability assessments 

• Custom testing protocols can be developed to meet specific project requirement 

Our laboratories perform testing to numerous international standards while also offering customized testing protocols to meet your specific project requirements. From standard ambient immersion tests to specialized high-temperature, high-pressure autoclave testing with various gas mixtures, we deliver the precise data you need to validate coating performance and ensure compliance with industry specifications.

Ambient water immersion methods: 

• ISO 2812-2 – determination of resistance to liquids – Part 2: water immersion method 
  Standards which incorporate this test include: 
  - Norsok M-501 
  - ISO 12944-6 
  - ISO 12944-9 

• ASTM D870 – water resistance of coatings using water immersion 

• NACE TM0104, TM0204, TM0304 and TM0404 – a suite of standards for offshore installations 

Elevated temperature water immersion methods: 

• ISO 21809-1 – buried or submerged pipelines – hot water immersion 

• ISO 21809-2 – buried or submerged pipelines – hot water adhesion 

• ISO 21809-3 – buried or submerged pipelines – hot water immersion 

• CSA Z245.20&21 – pipe coatings – hot water adhesion 

• NACE TM0174 – evaluation of coatings in immersion service 

• ASTM D6943 – immersion testing of industrial protective coatings and linings 

Elevated temperature and pressure water immersion methods: 

• NACE TM0174 (Modified), specifically adapted to incorporate elevated pressure, temperature, and gas mixture conditions. 

• Autoclave testing using vessels of varying sizes capable of simulating extensive temperature, pressure, and gas mix ranges 

Water absorption testing: 

• ISO 62 – Determination of water absorption 

• NACE TM0104 and TM0204 – Dimensional stability 

Our laboratories test a comprehensive range of protective coatings across multiple industries and applications. We evaluate coatings for offshore installations, buried or submerged pipelines, and industrial protective coatings and linings. Our testing capabilities extend to various coating types including fusion bonded epoxy (FBE) and other specialized protective systems designed for immersion service environments.

• Offshore installation coatings 

• Pipeline protective systems 

• Industrial protective coatings and linings 

• Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coatings 

• Submerged and buried pipeline materials 

Our laboratories use autoclave vessels of varying sizes to simulate a wide range of temperatures, pressures, and gas mixtures. Our state-of-the-art facilities enable us to simulate real-world service conditions accurately, providing you with reliable performance data that correlates to actual field conditions your coatings will experience.

• Various sized autoclave testing vessels 

• Temperature-controlled immersion tanks 

• Pressure equipment for elevated testing 

• Specialized assessment tools for coating evaluation 

• Advanced measurement systems for dimensional stability 

Our team operates from materials testing labs across the world, providing global access to our expert capabilities. Find your nearest lab on our Locations Page.