What is GIS CW6:2020?

National Grid is a utility company that operates in Great Britain and the northeastern United States. The GIS CW6 standard is a specification for the coating of pipeline and structural steelwork used in the gas industry in Great Britain. It specifies the materials, application procedures, and testing requirements for coatings used in the protection of steel from corrosion.

The GIS CW6 standard applies to both underground and above-ground gas pipelines and structures, and it is intended to ensure that coatings are of high quality, protecting all assets and providing effective protection against corrosion. The standard considers various factors such as environmental conditions, temperature, and the type of steel that is being coated.

The use of the GIS CW6 standard ensures that the coatings applied to structures and pipes are of high quality and are designed to deliver reliable, durable anti-corrosion protection. Compliance with the standard helps promote safety and efficiency in gas transportation systems while preventing unforeseen failures and costly repairs.

Overall, the GIS CW6 standard for coatings helps provide uniformity and consistency in pipeline and structural coating, it enhances system reliability, and helps extend the lifespan of pipeline and structural systems used in the gas industry.

The GIS CW6 standard includes the following specific requirements and provisions for coatings in gas pipelines:

1. Coating Types: details the criteria for the selection of the type of coating that is most appropriate under the specific operating conditions.
2. Surface Preparation: covers the standard of the cleaning processes necessary before the application of coatings, highlighting the need for proper surface preparation to ensure improved coating pulling, adhesion, and durability.
3. Application Process: offers information on the application of coating, which should not be excessive or too thin.
4. Testing Requirements: specifies the series of tests that the coating and painted product need to undergo. The common tests include Adhesion Pull-off testing, Environmental and Biological Testing, and Uniformity Assessment.

By following the above processes and factors, pipeline coating professionals can apply an excellent, durable, and efficient anti-corrosion coating for gas pipelines that provide long-lasting pipeline integrity. The standard provides a uniform process to help avoid errors, complications, or misunderstandings, improving gas pipeline and structural integrity.

How does GIS CW6 improve gas pipeline and structural integrity?

1. Standardisation: By providing a standardised framework for coating selection and application, the GIS CW6 standard helps ensure consistency and uniformity in the way that coatings are selected and applied. This, in turn, can help prevent errors and misunderstandings that could lead to coating failure or long-term problems.
2. Quality Assurance: a set of guidelines for coating manufacturers and contractors to follow ensures that coatings meet or exceed required standards for performance. In this way, GIS CW6 helps promote the use of high-quality coatings, which can lead to improved gas pipeline and structural integrity.
3. Testing: it is vital that coated pipelines and structures undergo a variety of tests to determine the effectiveness of the coating. This helps identify any potential issues early on, allowing for corrective action to be taken before problems become severe, lowering the possibility of corrosion.
4. Planning and Maintenance: compliance with the GIS CW6 standard requires proper planning and maintenance, which can help ensure that coatings last for the expected lifespan of the pipe or structure. Proper planning ensures that the right type and thickness of the coating are used, and scheduled maintenance ensures its durability is inspected and maintained.

Which Coating Systems are used to meet the Standard?

Northpoint is approved for coating application that meets the requirements for GIS CW6, providing coating services that meet this standard as well as CM2 & PA10. Northpoint is proud and excited to share that we are currently working on increasing our coating capacity significantly in the coming months, meaning that customers will be able to place packages of coating work that include up to 12m lengths of pipe.

Presently, Northpoint utilises multi-component liquid coatings (MCL) that meet the requirements of GIS CW6, which are coatings manufactured by combining two or more separate components, each with distinctive chemical properties, until use. For instance, in two-component coatings, individual binders, pigments, fillers, hardeners and solvents are combined just before spraying or applying them. Using multiple components provides coating formulators and end-users with adaptable coating methods with quality adhesion, resistance to wear and tear.

One important feature of MCLs is that they offer improved performance characteristics compared to the use of single-component coatings. This enables the development of several prospective application methods, including spray, brush, roller, and dipping coating procedures. Due to their durability and protective capabilities, MCLs are regularly used in the railway industry, transportation, oil and gas industry, marine and industrial maintenance purposes in structures under severe corrosive influences.

Moreover, multi-component coatings are considered, by certain manufacturers and coating applicators, a compatible coating procedure alternative to hot-applied bitumen compounds. The unique advantage it has against hot-applied bitumen compounds is that they are easy to use with faster curing times, resulting in longer lifespan, levelling flaws, and permeating deep into pores of metal thereby had greater adhesion.

Need a quotation?

Contact our team to discuss your requirements and speak to the experts – sales@northpoint.ltd.uk