W. CONSHOHOCKEN, PA - Once approved, a proposed new ASTM International standard will aid in the evaluation of high-performance protective coatings for sewerage systems. The proposed standard will provide a test specific to these coatings.

Subcommittee G01.05 on Laboratory Corrosion Tests is developing ASTM WK 33537, Practice for Operating the Severe Wastewater Analysis Testing Apparatus. G01.05 is under the jurisdiction of Committee G01 on Corrosion of Metals.

The severe wastewater analysis testing apparatus is a laboratory chamber comprising two phases: one, a liquid phase containing a 10 percent concentration of sulfuric acid and 0.4 percent saline solution; and two, a vapor phase consisting of air, humidity and concentrated sewer gas (e.g., hydrogen sulfide, carbon dioxide and methane).

"It is the vapor phase that makes the severe wastewater analysis testing apparatus novel compared to other senescent laboratory testing regimens often used by the wastewater industry," said Vaughn O'Dea, Director, Water-Wastewater Treatment, Tnemec Co., and Chairman of the task group that is developing ASTM WK 33537. "The severe wastewater analysis testing protocol was established based on headspace conditions characteristic of actual sewerage systems."

According to O'Dea, primary users of the proposed standard will include specifying architects/engineers and municipal wastewater owners seeking to extend the service life of their infrastructure assets.