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Industrial coatings provide a barrier against external elements, protecting water storage tanks, pipes, valves, and fittings from corrosion, oxidization, and other hazards. However, due to the prevalent use of protective coatings across the industry, the U.S. government and general public are seeking reassurance that these products are not transmitting harmful levels of contaminants into drinking water. As a result, the NSF/ANSI/CAN 600 came into effect in January 2023.
What Is NSF/ANSI/CAN 600?
In an effort to prioritize the safety and quality of drinking water, the NSF 600 reference – a supplementary standard to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 – has been implemented.
NSF 600 drastically reduces the maximum contaminant levels (MCL) of frequently used solvents in coating formulations. In particular, these stringent regulations will only certify coatings with extractables of toluene less than 0.06 mg/L, ethylbenzene less than 0.14 mg/L, and xylene less than 0.09 mg/L. These proposed limits will phase out numerous solvent-based lining products used in potable water structures and components.
The NSF (National Sanitation Foundation) provided a five-year enactment period for manufacturers and contractors to conform with the amended criteria. Still, the changes have sparked discussions within the industry, raising concerns regarding the potential impact on coatings projects.
How Will NSF 600 Affect Coatings Projects?
The NSF 600 changes will reshape the coatings landscape through the following:
NSF 600 will discontinue several widely-used products for tanks, pipes, valves, pumps, and fittings used in drinking water systems.
Products with low solid content are unlikely to pass the new NSF 600 standards and regulations, while products with high solid content or VOC-compliant coatings with exempt solvents may meet the redefined prerequisites on extractable limits.
In coatings and linings, the term “solid content” refers to the liquid (e.g., epoxy) that will solidify after application and curing. For instance, when applying coatings with a 90% solid content, 90% of the liquid will solidify into film, while 10% will evaporate.
This new standard will require asset owners and coating specification consultants to conduct a thorough review and update of all project specifications written before the NSF 600’s rollout in January 2023. Ensuring all water storage tanks align with the latest industry standards is crucial for maintaining compliance.
100% solids epoxy will emerge as the industry’s top product norm.
As the “100% solid” suggests, this industrial coating does not contain any water or solvents that could evaporate. The product will retain 100% of its thickness, body, and shape after curing. It also has zero harmful organic vapors, unlike polyurethane applications. A 100% solid epoxy is also resistant to abrasion, stains, and chemicals. It delivers on the standards outlined in the NSF 600 and offers exceptional performance, setting new benchmarks for quality in the industry.
NSF 600 will have a profound impact on coating manufacturers, specification developers, and other industry leaders.
Coating manufacturers with non-standard formulations need to develop alternatives to solvent-based coatings for potable water systems. This shift will demand extensive research and development efforts to meet the NSF 600’s requirements while ensuring environmental friendliness and safety.
In general, all industry professionals must adapt to the change by embracing more sustainable practices, safeguarding public health, and promoting environmentally responsible solutions in present and future water tank coatings projects.
Asset owners must protect their businesses by upholding NSF 600 compliance.
The NSF 600 reference has been in effect for some time now, but not all coatings in contact with drinking water meet the lower extraction limits. This non-compliance may lead to water quality concerns, structural integrity risks, or legal issues.
Avoid any potential risks associated with non-compliance. Industrial Inspection Group is dedicated to assuring that all coatings align with the new standards. Stay ahead of regulations by working with us. Dial 480-993-8999 now to hire an SSPC Protective Coatings Specialist or for more information about our services.
