Reclamation Information Sharing Environment (RISE)

Two rounds of testing to evaluate and compare atmospheric plasma removal of coal tar enamel (CTE) to traditional abrasive blast processes were performed. Test samples were prepared as steel coupons measuring 3 inch x 6 inch x 1/8 inch with or without CTE coating on each, depending on the test parameter to be determined. Each round of testing was designed with separate test groups involving different surface preparation protocols, including one or a combination of atmospheric plasma, abrasive blasting, bristle blasting, and no removal (controls). Prepared test samples were tested for corrosion performance (rust creep) and adhesion properties (dry and wet) under different sets of conditions. Data from these results and the visual observations of CTE and smoke released into the environment during atmospheric plasma removal suggest that abrasive blasting and containment of hazardous waste streams generated during removal will still be required. In general, analyses of the results indicated that additional testing is needed to accurately determine whether any observed differences in performance are of statistical significance.