Now Encapsulate Contaminated Materials to Remedy Pollution Problems.



Posted: Saturday, January 29, 2011

by Harvey Chichester
Durall Industrial Flooring

Remediation of pollution can be expensive and technically difficult. Now many state and local pollution control agencies have found that encapsulating contaminated concrete is the most economical and long lasting solution for existing contamination. 100% solid epoxy can seal contaminants into the concrete with layers of 10 to 100 mils thick. In effect, the encapsulation works like an insect trapped in amber. Solids, gasses, and liquids are all trapped inside a solid hard capsule. Contaminants can thus be left in place, with no danger to crews that might have had to work in close proximity to remove them.

It is advisable to choose a white, yellow, or red color for the first coat, or "seal coat." Subsequent topcoats are a contrasting color like gray or brown. In this way, workers moving around the contaminated surfaces are alerted when wear has made re-coating necessary. The contrasting colors thus provide a "wear meter."

100% epoxy has no odor, can go on as thick as needed, and comes in colors as well as clear. When applying floor seals that can be 20 to 500 mils thick as they repair and level imperfect floor surfaces, it is critical to consider the height of the coating in addition to the length and width issues of normal roll-on applications. When water is poured on glass, it protrudes above the surface at the edges. Pulling a finger though the water, one sees flattening at the entry and exit points due to its surface tension. When leveling floors, these same effects of the epoxy's surface tension must be dealt with. In other words "self-leveling," which is incomplete even for liquids like water, will not produce a flat top layer of epoxy.

100% epoxy coatings do not shrink and will harden at any height it is left at after being catalyzed. But special procedures are needed in order to assure a flat surface while filling uneven anomalies in the substrate. Experience has determined that using a squeegee-like motion with a very short nap roller (3/16") creates a pool of epoxy that can be pulled towards you to leak into low spots while keeping the surface flat. Care must be used to apply an even coat at the surface, and too much rolling can cause the surface to try to contour along the floor's imperfections.

Harvey Chichester is a well published principal of Durall Marine Products, a company with more than 40 years experience in developing special flow-coatings for industrial and consumers. Products developed are for Sailboats, Power Boats, and Ships. See http://www.boat-bottom-paint.com for online information about Durall and its products. Family history includes Sir Francis Chichester single handing around the globe. Admiral Edward Chichester, Superintendent of the British Navy. Rosalie Amelia Chichester, a female yachtsmen flourishing in the Victorian Age. John Chichester, made a fortune in the privateer business and captured a ship with 1200 lb. of gold off the coast of Ghana. Admiral John Chichester helped to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588 aboard the HMS Larkey.

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