Preparation of oil contaminated floors before the application of epoxy layers

RELATED MATERIALS

DUROPRIMER-SG Two-component epoxy primer for concrete floors

FD-CLEAN Oil/grease remover from concrete floors

 

 

I. NATURE OF THE PROBLEM – REQUIREMENTS

The application of epoxy layers to industrial floors, areas with heavy traffic etc., which are contaminated with oils, it is not feasible. The pores of the floor are filled with oil and therefore the epoxy layer can not penetrate into the pores and adhere to the substrate.

Consequently, it is required the suitable preparation of the substrate, in order to be achieved the correct application of the epoxy flooring.

II. SOLUTION

In order to apply the epoxy floorings to oil contaminated substrate, the substrate should be clean. The oils should be removed from the pores of the substrate, so as the primer of the epoxy flooring to penetrate the substrate and to be anchored. For the cleaning of oils it is used the special emulsifying cleaning agent FD-CLEAN. When applied to the floor, FD-CLEAN penetrates into the pores and emulsify the oils that have soaked its surface. Afterwards, the emulsified oils are removed from the pores by high-pressure and high-temperature water-blast.

Thereafter, on the surface should be apllied the special primer DUROPRIMER-SG. The surface must be wet but its pores should not be fully saturated with water. This can be verified if by slightly dampening the surface, the new quantity of water is fully absorbed by the substrate in short time. Should the surface get dry after the cleaning step, the oil rises up and prevents the bonding of DUROPRIMER-SG to the surface.

III.  APPLICATION

Preparation of the substrate

  1. Primarily the oil contaminated surface is washed with high-pressure and high-temperature water-blast, in order to clean any superficial dirt.
  2. Subsequently the floor surface must be properly prepared by milling, shot blasting etc. so that the oil contaminated pores of the substrate to be opened.
  3. FD-CLEAN is then spread on the floor and rubbed meticulously with a hard wire-brush in order to penetrate the substrate pores and emulsify the oil or fat.
  4. The emulsified oil or fat is removed from the pores by high-pressure and high-temperature water-blast.

Application of DUROPRIMER-SG

  1. Components A (resin) and B (hardener) are packed in two separate containers, at the correct, predetermined mixing ratio by weight. The whole quantity of component B is added into component A. The two components should be mixed for about 5 minutes, with a low speed mixer (300 rpm). It is important to stir the mixture thoroughly near the sides and bottom of the container, to achieve uniform dispersion of the hardener.
  2. DUROPRIMER-SG is applied on the substrate, while it is still wet (but without any standing water) and is thoroughly brushed, in order to fully penetrate the pores of the substrate. Then, the surface is treated with a roller, so that the material is uniformly spread.
    Consumption of DUROPRIMER-SG: 0,6-1 kg/m2 depending on the substrate.
  3. The DUROFLOOR system should be applied within 24 hours form priming with the epoxy primer and after it has dried.

IV. REMARKS

  • Working time of epoxy systems decreases when ambient temperature rises.
  • Epoxy layers should be protected from moisture for 4-6 hours after application. Moisture may whiten the surface or/and make it sticky. It may also disturb hardening. Faded or sticky layers in parts of the surface should be removed by grinding or milling and laid again.
  • In case that longer time than predicted interferes between the application of successive layers or in case that old floors are going to be laid again, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned and ground before application of the new layer.
  • Before application, study the safety advice mentioned on the product’s labels.
  • Oil contaminated surfaces are particularly problematical. For more information we recommend that you consult our Technical Department.