Denso, Inc. has introduced a high-solids epoxy coating system for corrosion protection in potable water infrastructure, targeting pipes, fittings, valves, pumps, and large storage tanks where regulatory compliance and long service life are critical.

Coating requirements in potable water systems

Corrosion protection in drinking water infrastructure must balance mechanical durability, chemical resistance, and compliance with health and environmental standards. Coatings used in contact with potable water are required to meet defined extraction limits for contaminants while also performing under continuous immersion and varying flow conditions. In large-diameter pipelines and tanks, application efficiency and curing time are additional constraints that directly affect project schedules and operational downtime.

Within this context, Denso, Inc. has expanded its portfolio for water utilities and industrial operators with Archco 426 Epoxy, a two-component epoxy coating formulated specifically for potable water service.

Technical formulation and application characteristics

Archco 426 Epoxy is formulated with an ultra-high solids content exceeding 98 percent by volume and volatile organic compound (VOC) levels below 0.1 lb/gal (15 g/L). This composition allows the coating to comply with strict air-quality regulations, including use in South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD)–restricted areas, while maintaining film build in a single coat.

The coating system does not require a primer or induction time, reducing application steps and potential sources of variability. It can be applied by airless spray, plural-component spray, or roller, enabling use across field and shop-applied projects. At 25 °C (77 °F), the coating reaches a tack-free state in approximately seven hours and achieves full cure within 24 hours, allowing assets to be returned to service with limited interruption.

Standards compliance and verified performance

For potable water applications, regulatory certification is a baseline requirement. Archco 426 Epoxy is certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 and NSF/ANSI/CAN 372 for materials in contact with drinking water and is compliant with AWWA C210 requirements for liquid-epoxy linings and coatings for steel water pipelines.

These certifications confirm that the coating meets established limits for extractable substances and is suitable for long-term contact with drinking water. High adhesion strength and a dense epoxy matrix contribute to corrosion resistance under continuous immersion, supporting extended maintenance intervals for coated assets.

Application scope and use cases

The coating is specified for large-scale potable water components, including fittings, valves, meters, and pumps with diameters of 6 inches and greater, steel water pipelines of 36 inches and above, and storage tanks exceeding 10,000 gallons. It is also suitable for immersion service in both fresh and salt water, allowing use in coastal or brackish environments.

Typical use cases include rehabilitation of aging transmission mains, internal lining of steel storage tanks, and corrosion protection of pump stations where shutdown windows are limited. The single-coat, high-build application reduces labor requirements and helps control total installed cost while maintaining compliance with potable water safety standards.

Relevance for water utilities and infrastructure operators

By combining high solids content, low VOC emissions, and potable water certification in a single coating system, Archco 426 Epoxy addresses both regulatory and operational demands in drinking water infrastructure. Its curing profile and simplified application process are particularly relevant for large-diameter assets, where downtime and labor efficiency are key constraints, while its standards compliance supports use in regulated municipal and industrial water systems.

www.densona.com

  Ask For More Information…