Where are the most likely locations for paint failures on pressure vessels?

Identifying the most likely locations for paint failures on pressure vessels is crucial for ensuring ongoing maintenance and integrity. Weld seams and crevices are particularly susceptible to paint defects due to several factors.

Weld seams experience additional heat during the welding process, which can lead to thermal expansion and contraction. This can create stresses in the paint film, making it more prone to cracking, peeling, or blistering. Furthermore, the surface quality of weld seams may not be as smooth or uniform as other areas, which can negatively affect paint adhesion. The presence of crevices also poses a significant risk. These small gaps can trap moisture and contaminants, leading to corrosion beneath the paint, which subsequently causes the paint to fail as the substrate deteriorates.

While other areas such as flat surfaces and corners, as well as bottom and top edges, can experience paint failures, they are typically less prone compared to weld seams and crevices where the specific conditions of heat, surface profile, and moisture retention create an environment conducive to such issues. Hidden joints and seams, while they can also have paint failure, are not as frequently inspected or maintained, which can mask the underlying problem but do not inherently have the same vulnerabilities as weld seams.