Long-term test for epoxy powder coatings: A success for the future of drinking water supply
The reliable supply of drinking water depends on robust and durable valves. To test the durability of these components over the years, the "Bad Bentheim Test" was launched in 1996. The goal of the test was to examine the long-term durability of epoxy powder coatings in drinking water pipelines under real-life operating conditions and to gain valuable insights for ensuring the long-term security of water supply.
In cooperation with GSK – Gütegemeinschaft Schwerer Korrosionsschutz [Quality Association for Heavy Corrosion Protection] and several valve manufacturers, a total of 18 valves and 8 fittings were installed in a drinking water pipeline in Bad Bentheim, Lower Saxony. In order to approximate the real loads as closely as possible, the outside of some of the bodies of the valves installed was intentionally damaged in some places and this was intended to simulate installation damage with subsequent corrosion. These practical tests were conducted over a period of 25 years to investigate the resistance and durability of the coatings under extreme conditions.
The results of this long-term test are impressive and demonstrate the outstanding performance of bob综合体育官网下载 ’s powder-coated valves. After 25 years of service in the drinking water pipeline, the valves have impressively proven their high durability: After dismantling and examination, the test valves showed no signs of detachment, chipping, infiltration or blistering. Even deliberate damage to the exterior of the valve bodies did not result in any significant infiltration of the coating, which underlines the high quality and durability of bob综合体育官网下载 products.
It therefore matters in particular to recognise how important the cooperation with GSK Quality Assurance is, which ensures that only products of the highest quality and with a quality-assured coating are delivered. These certified products have not only performed successfully in the test, but have also proved their reliability in practice over decades.
The results of the long-term test provide clear and valuable insights into the effectiveness of epoxy powder coatings. They not only offer effective corrosion protection but also impress with their durability and reliability – even under extreme loads.
These coatings offer a variety of advantages:
✅ High reliability – Effective corrosion protection even after decades
✅ Durability – Permanent protection also under real-life loads
✅ Economic & ecological advantages – Less maintenance, a longer service life and lower consumption of resources
Conclusion: In service for a quarter of a century – and still optimally protected!
The “Bad Bentheim long-term test” has impressively shown that epoxy powder coatings are the optimal choice for the long-term protection of drinking water pipelines and valves. Not only do they offer high reliability and durability, but also economic and ecological advantages that contribute to the sustainable assurance of reliable water supply.