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PART 3
AMBIENT CONDITIONS

SECTION NUMBER AND TITLE

1.0

INTRODUCTION

2.0

MEASUREMENT OF AIR TEMPERATURE, RELATIVE HUMIDITY

& DEW POINT USING A WHIRLING HYGROMETER

3.0

STEEL TEMPERATURE

4.0

RESIDUAL

5.0

ATMOSPHERIC

6.0

WORK TO PROCEED

MOISTURE
POLLUTION

Protective Coatings Inspection Manual

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SECTION 1.0 - INTRODUCTION

TO AMBIENT CONDITIONS.

NB. This Part does not detail automatic ambient

should be used as per Manufacturer's instructions.

conditions

instruments;

these

It is vitally important that the painting Inspector can correctly monitor ambient
conditions. The objective of this Part is to determine whether the conditions are
suitable, for the application of coatings, by the measurement of; air temperature,
steel temperature, relative humidity and dew point. This Part will detail the use of
coating inspection instruments for recording ambient conditions, but it can never
replace the experience and interpretations of site Personnel.
For Example:
If the steel temperature is 1C below specification at 7 am and the sun is shining,
then it maybe OK to proceed with work, conversely if the same conditions prevail at
4 pm then conditions will probably only get worse. In the event of a coating failure,
the Painting Inspector's ambient condition recordings are always reviewed.

SECTION
2.0 - MEASUREMENT
OF;
RELATIVE
HUMIDITY
& DEW
POINT
HYGROMETER. (See Figure 4).
2.1
2.1.1

2.2

AIR TEMPERATURE,
USING A WHIRLING

To Check the Instrument.

Thermometers and mercury columns are not broken ..
Fabric covering the wet bulb is clean, wet and secure at both ends.
Container is filled with distilled water.
To Take Measurement.

2.2.1

Whirt the hygrometer slightly faster

revolutions per second) for 1 minute.

2.2.2

For best results, the hygrometer should be out of direct sunlight while being
whirted. In a still atmosphere, the Operator should walk slowly forward while
whirting so that the readings are not affected by the body.

2.2.3

Read both thermometers,

2.2.4

Whirt again for a further 1 minute.

2.2.5

Read both temperatures.

2.2.6

Repeat until each thermometer

successive whirtings

Protective Coatings Inspection Manual

Doc. No: TMA-0147 Issue 02

than

180

revolutions

per

minute

(3

noting the wet bulb temperature first.

reads a constant

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temperature

following

two

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2.2.7
2.3

Record the wet and dry bulb temperatures.

Calculate the values for relative humidity & dew point from tables provided.

2.3.1

Work out the difference

temperature.

between

the dry bulb temperature

2.3.2

From the tables, read down the columns

temperature.

2.3.3

Read across the columns to the appropriate temperature difference column.

2.3.4

Read off and record the relative humidity and dew point.

SECTION 3.0 - STEEL TEMPERATURE

to the appropriate

and the wet bulb

air or dry bulb

(See Figure 5).

Select a part of the steel within the area to be worked which is typical of that area
with regard to exposure to the weather (sun, wind).
3.1

Dial Thermometers

(Magnetic).

3.1.1

Fix the thermometer to the steel surface and note the temperature. The position
of fixing should be such that the gauge is not likely to get knocked, blasted or
painted. The gauge should not be in direct sunlight or on a wind exposed
surface. Where high or low temperatures are a problem, more. than one reading
may be necessary.

3.1.2

After 15 minutes, read the temperature

3.1.3

After a further 5 minutes read the temperature again and continue reading at
about 5 minute intervals until a constant temperature is reached. A dial
thermometer may take up to 30 minutes to reach constant temperature.

3.1.4

Record the steel temperature and include the time of reading and location of the
gauge.

3.2

Digital Electronic

Thermometers.

3.2.1

Engage probe, ensuring it is inserted correctly into the instrument socket; with
some instruments this automatically switches on the instrument so that the
temperature of the probe is indicated.

3.2.2

Press the probe firmly against the surface where it is required to measure the
temperature.

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3.2.3

Hold the probe

reached.

in position

for 20 seconds

until a constant

temperature

is

3.2.4

Record the steel temperature and include the time of reading and location where
readings were taken.

3.2.5

Depending on the type of instrument, either switch the instrument off or unplug
the probe (automatically switching the instrument off).
Note: Do not drag the probe over the surface.
Conclusion You have measured:
- Air temperature
- Steel surface temperature
- Derived relative humidity and dew point
Consult the specifications and Manufacturer's
whether ambient conditions are as laid down.
In the absence of instructions
should be observed.
Painting or final surface
advised when:

recommendations

from these documents.

preparation

to determine

the following guidelines

shall be reviewed

and the Contractor

- The relative humidity is above 90%

- The ambient temperature falls below 4C
- The steel temperature is less than 3C above the dew point
- The Inspector will document all such observations as appropriate to the
specification and projecUcontract.

SECTION 4.0 - RESIDUAL MOISTURE.

At present there is no satisfactory test to determine the presence of moisture on the
surface .
The Inspector must therefore rely on visual examination. Look for areas of high gloss
and wipe the surface with a tissue. Sprinkle a little talcum powder on the surface and
then gently blow the talc. If the surface is dry and free from oil the powder will be
readily blown off.
Bear in mind that a large steel structure may take a long time to warm up sufficiently
to evaporate all moisture from the surface. Areas exposed to the wind will tend to
dry off more easily than sheltered areas. Look at the ground, windows, unheated
buildings or vehicles parked overnight in the area for evidence of condensation.
Protective Coatings Inspection Manual
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Remember that you are acting as the Quality Controller on site and that it is
generally required that almost all paints are applied to a dry surface to obtain
maximum durability.
Where you are involved with materials designed to be applied to a damp surface, it
may be necessary to seek guidance from the paint Manufacturer for a more precise
definition of the application conditions.

SECTION 5.0 - ATMOSPHERIC

POLLUTION.

This must be by visual observation of the surroundings. Clearly, if the site is close to
the sea or chemical works, there is the risk of surface contamination.
Generally, surface contamination will not be a problem during surface preparation,
when the surface is being primed within 4 hours of cleaning. However, when a paint
system is being applied, there may be delays of several days or weeks between
coals, during which time, the surfaces may have become contaminated. Under such
circumstances, the specification should be consulted and the Client advised.

SECTION 6.0 - WORK TO PROCEED.

After taking all the above considerations into account, ensure that the Contractor's
Supervisor is aware of your decision and, where you advise delays on further
treatment, that he understands the reasons behind the decision.
If necessary, and in the event of a disagreement
necessary to involve the Client.

with the Contractor, then it may be

Bear in mind that the conditions at the time of the coating application, and for a few
hours afterwards, will determine whether the paint system will perform according to
the Manufacturer's recommendations or fail prematurely.

Note.
This Part does not detail ventilation requirements even though these can be as
important to the project as temperatures, relative humidity etc. Ensure that
ventilation is available, especially in confined locations.

Protective Coatings Inspection Manual

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Top (Figure 4) Whirling Hygrometer

Bottom (Figure 5) Steel Temperature Gauge

Protective Coatings Inspection Manual

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Sa2

Sa1

Sa3

Figure 6 Pictorial Blast Standards - Sa1, 2, 21/2 and 3 (equivalent)

Protective Coatings Inspec1ion Manual

Doc. No: TMA-0147 Issue 02

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CRobinson Irwin Technical Support Ltd.,

England 1994-5,7