Nuclear coating means a protective coating formulated and recommended to seal porous surfaces such as steel (or concrete) that otherwise would be subject to intrusions by radioactive materials.

These coatings must be resistant to long- term (service life) cumulative radiation exposure and be tested in accordance with ASTM Method D4082-89 "Standard Test Method for Effects of Gamma Radiation on Coatings for Use in Light-Water Nuclear Power Plants", January 2002. These coatings must also be relatively easy to decontaminate and resistant to various chemicals to which coatings are likely to be exposed and be tested in accordance with ASTM Method D3912-80 "Standard Test Method for Chemical Resistance of Coatings Used in Light-Water Nuclear Power Plants".

The paints used in nuclear power plants are specialised high performance products which undergo rigorous testing and certification programmes:

• ASTM D 3911 (Standard test method for evaluating coatings used in light-water nuclear power plants at simulated design basis accident (DBA) conditions)
• ASTM D 4082 (Standard test method for effects of gamma radiation on coatings for use in light-water nuclear power plants)
• ISO 8690 (Decontamination of radioactively contaminated surfaces. Method of testing and assessing the ease of decontamination)
• STUK-YTO-TR 210 (Requirements of Finnish Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority)
• TBY (Technical Requirements for Surface Treatment in Swedish Nuclear Power Plants)

UESI Expert Technical Consultants, Nuclear Coating Specialists, and Inspectors provide services that encompass all aspects of nuclear plant coatings. Our personnel are experienced and trained in regulatory requirements and Licensee commitments that govern safety-related Service Level I/III coatings as well as Service Level II/BOP coatings. Work may be performed under UESI’s NUPIC audited 10CFR50 Appendix B QA program.