PA9

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR

PAINT SYSTEMS - PROPERTIES AND

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

MARCH 1995
J019 ( Rev 08/98 )

PA9
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD

iii

BRIEF HISTORY

iv

1.

SCOPE

2.

REFERENCES

3.

DEFINITIONS

3.1

General

3.2

Miscellaneous

3.3

Mandatory and non-mandatory requirements

4.

ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

5.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1

Composition and properties of paints

5.2

Performance requirements

6.

TEST PANELS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE EVALUATION OF

PAINT PROPERTIES

7.

ACCEPTABLE PAINT SYSTEMS

8.

COMMERCIAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1

Dispatch

8.2

Marking of containers

9.

VARIANTS

Materials properties and test methods

Minimum performance requirements for the total system

TABLES

APPENDICES
A

LIST OF REFERENCES

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FOREWORD

This specification has been adopted by Transco and is an editorial revision of the former British Gas TransCo
specification PA9. It reflects the identity and organizational structure of Transco - a part of BG plc.
This Transco specification has been approved for use throughout Transco.
Comments and queries regarding the technical content of this Transco specification should be directed to:
Lead Engineer
Transco
Norgas House
PO Box 1GB
Killingworth
Newcastle upon Tyne
NE99 1GB
Further copies of this Transco specification can be obtained from Dataform Print Management using the print
requisition form G004 quoting the Form Number of this Transco engineering document (not the designation)
and your cost code.
Transco engineering documents are revised, when necessary, by the issue of new editions. Users should
ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition by referring to the Transco Register of Engineering
Documents available on the Transco Information Library.
Compliance with this engineering document does not confer immunity from prosecution for breach of statutory
or other legal obligations.
Contractors and other users external to Transco should direct their requests for further copies of Transco
engineering documents to the department or group responsible for the initial issue of their contract
documentation.
DISCLAIMER
This engineering document is provided for use by Transco and such of its contractors as are obliged by the terms
of their contracts to comply with this engineering document. Where this engineering document is used by any
other party, it is the responsibility of that party to ensure that the engineering document is correctly applied.

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BRIEF HISTORY

First issued as BG/PS/PA9

Amended issue published as GBE/PA9
Revision published as PA9

January 1991
November 1992
March 1995

BG plc 1995
This Transco specification is copyright and must not be reproduced in whole or in part by any means without
the approval in writing of BG plc.
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PA9

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION FOR

PAINT SYSTEMS - PROPERTIES AND

PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
1.
SCOPE
1.1
This Specification identifies the properties and specifies the minimum performance requirements for
paint systems suitable for use in accordance with PA10: Parts 1 and 2 and the Supplements to Part 1.

1.2
The material properties of paint systems are defined only in broad terms but performance
requirements are defined by reference to standards which are widely accepted throughout the paint industry.
The tests specified apply to paint used directly on steel material and additional tests may be required for other
painting applications as given in the supplements to PA10.
2.
REFERENCES
This specification makes reference to the documents listed in Appendix A. Unless otherwise specified, the
latest editions of the documents apply, including all addenda and revisions.
3.

DEFINITIONS

3.1
General
For the purposes of this specification the definitions given in 3.2 and 3.3 apply.
3.2
Miscellaneous
paint systems: the complete system of painting including a primer where specified, an undercoat, any
intermediate coats and a finish coat where specified.

long term protection: typically ten-year life.

short term protection: typically two to three years life.
Transco: Transco - a part of BG plc.

Manufacturer: the manufacturer of the paint system.

3.3
Mandatory and non-mandatory requirements
can: indicates a physical possibility.

may: indicates an option which is not mandatory.

must: indicates a requirement in law and in matters of health and safety.
shall: indicates a Transco requirement.
should: indicates a strong preference, but allows deviations exceptionally.
will: indicates an intention by Transco to do something.

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4.
ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS
The paint system shall comply with the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the environmental
requirements contained in PA10: Part 1.
5.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

5.1
Composition and properties of paints
5.1.1
As part of the application, the Manufacturer shall define the paint system and include values for the
properties listed below for each coat within the system when tested in accordance with Table 1.

a)

Volume solids.

b)

Viscosity.

c)

Density g/ml.

d)

Pigment dispersion.

e)

Surface drying time.

f)

Hard drying time.

g)

Sag resistance.

h)

Flash point.

i)

Percentage gloss (finish coat only).

j)

Pigment : Binder : Volatile (ratios).

5.1.2
The Manufacturer shall comply with all legal requirements and, if requested by Transco, shall
disclose in confidence the composition of the paints supplied.
5.2
Performance requirements
The minimum performance requirements are given in Table 2.
6.
6.1

TEST PANELS AND PROCEDURES FOR THE EVALUATION OF PAINT PROPERTIES

The Manufacturer shall submit a full test programme to Transco before testing begins.

6.2
The Manufacturer shall carry out the test programme to demonstrate compliance with this
specification.
6.3
Tests shall be carried out in accordance with the procedures specified in Table 1 as a minimum.
Paints submitted for acceptance shall be applied to the appropriate substrate prepared in accordance with the
relevant supplements of PA10. The paint system shall be applied in accordance with the Manufacturer's
instructions to achieve the minimum dry film thickness specified in the relevant supplement to PA10.
All testing shall commence seven days from the time of application. Where appropriate, results shall be
interpreted using the relevant ISO pictorial reference standards (e.g. ISO 4628).
The Manufacturer shall maintain records of the results of all such tests and these shall be available for
inspection by Transco.
6.4
A minimum of 250 ml wet samples of all batches of paints supplied in compliance with this
specification shall be retained by the Manufacturer for one year.

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7.
ACCEPTABLE PAINT SYSTEMS
7.1
The Manufacturer shall demonstrate that the proposed paint system complies with the requirements
specified in Table 2 and shall declare the values attained for each of the properties listed in 5.1.1.

7.2
The Manufacturer may be requested to submit representative samples from full scale production
together with data sheets to Transco.
7.3
The validity of paint system shall be acceptable to Transco for five years following satisfactory
testing. At this stage, a fresh submission shall be made.
7.4
No change in the paint formulation, materials source, or in the method of processing may be made
subsequent to the Manufacturer's submission to Transco. Transco shall be informed of any proposed changes
and this may necessitate submission for re-testing.
8.

COMMERCIAL REQUIREMENTS

8.1
Dispatch
Paints shall not be dispatched until all quality control testing has been carried out and satisfactory results
obtained. Paint which has exceeded its expiry date shall not be dispatched.
8.2
Marking of containers
Paints shall be supplied in suitable containers which shall be indelibly and legibly marked with the following
information:

a)

Manufacturer's name.

b)

The Transco identification code 'PA9'.

c)

Description of product.

d)

The colour code (where specified by Transco).

e)

Any special storage requirements.

f)

The expiry date.

g)

Application grade (brush or spray).

h)

Batch identification code.

i)

Identification of parts and mixing ratio by volume for multi-pack materials only.

j)

Any markings required by current legislation.

9.
VARIANTS
A Manufacturer shall only propose variants to this specification where the text indicates that variants would
be considered by Transco.

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TABLE 1 - Materials properties and test methods

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TABLE 2 - Minimum performance requirements for the total system

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APPENDIX A
LIST OF REFERENCES
This specification makes reference to the documents listed below (see clause 2).
Statutes and Regulations

The Environmental Protection Act 1990

European Standards

BS EN 535

Method for determination of flow time or paints by use of flow cups

BS EN 29117

Paints and varnishes. Determination of through-dry state and throughdry time. Method of test

Methods of test for paints:

Part A7
Determination of viscosity of paint of a high
rate of shear
Part A8
Test for flash/no flash (closed cup equilibrium
method)
Part A10 Determination of volume of dry coating (nonvolatile matter) obtained from a given volume
of liquid coating
Part A12 Determination of density
Part B2
Determination of volatile matter and nonvolatile matter
Part C2
Surface-drying test (ballotini method)
Part C5
Determination of film thickness
Part C6
Determination of fineness of grind
Part D5
Measurement of specular gloss of non-metallic
paint films at 20 0 , 60 0 and 850
Part E1
Bend test (cylindrical mandrel)
Part E2
Scratch test
Part E3
Impact (falling weight) resistance
Part E6
Cross-cut test
Part F2
Determination of resistance to humidity (cylic
condensation)
Part F4
Resistance to continuous salt spray

British Standards

BS 3900

Transco specification

PA10

J019 ( Rev 08/98 )

Specification for new and maintenance painting at works and site for
above ground pipeline and plant installations:
Part 1
Painting procedures
Part 2
Notes for guidance.

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