Luminescent paint

Abstract

A method of detecting the quality or damage and / or deterioration of a coating when applied to a clean surface, the coating (6) consisting essentially of a paint into which is mixed a luminescent pigment additive which is less than 10 % by weight, the luminescent additive being much less than that used for known luminescent paints where the level of luminescent pigment is as much as 45 %. The coating (6) is illuminated by means of a projector (4) with ultraviolet light; the coating then being viewed for gaps or variations in the intensity of the luminescence of the image. The image is then preferably digitally recorded for detailed analysis and subsequent reference. The coating and method are advantageously used on surfaces which are difficult to view, such as ships' ballast tanks or tall structures such as bridges.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to a paint (such as a paint), a method of testing the quality of the paint, and a method of using the paint to detect subsequent damage or wear to the paint. Background technique [0002] Whether for marine, industrial or domestic applications, the performance of coatings on metal surfaces depends largely on the quality of the first coat. When considering performance, various factors affecting the coating operation must be taken into account, such as surface preparation, coating thickness and continuity, number of coats and subsequent damage to the coating due to heat, abrasion, weather and impact. [0003] For marine or aircraft applications, especially for military equipment, the coating quality is crucial. In high performance military aircraft, damage to paint due to corrosion and bird strikes is sometimes difficult to detect. [0004] It is necessary to inspect and test the coatings of aircraft, seagoing ships, under...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In high performance military aircraft, damage to paint due to corrosion and bird strikes is sometimes difficult to detect

[0004] It is necessary to inspect and test the coatings of aircraft, seagoing ships, underwater parts of offshore drilling platforms and production platforms, as well as land installations such as oil storage tanks and chemical storage tanks, reactors in industrial installations, railway tank cars, etc. Takes a lot of time and is therefore expensive both in terms of the skilled labor used for the inspection itself and the time the equipment being inspected is out of service

Due to the complex structure of some equipment, it is impossible to conduct sufficient inspections with certainty and completeness on the key parts of these structures

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