Flash Rusting

Flash rusting is the rapid formation of a thin layer of rust on freshly blasted steel surfaces when they are exposed to moisture or high humidity before coating is applied.

Where does flash rusting occur?

Flash rusting can happen in:

• Oil & Gas – offshore risers, flare booms, topside piping.
• Petrochemical & Chemical plants – process vessels, reactors, insulated pipelines.
• Marine & Offshore wind – deck areas, turbine towers, hull details.
• Infrastructure & Power – bridges, cranes, boilers, turbines.

For you as an asset owner, flash rusting can compromise coating adhesion, reduce protection, and increase maintenance costs.

Extra explanation

Causes:

• High relative humidity (RH > 85%).
• Condensation or rain on bare steel.
• Delayed coating after blasting.

• Impact: even a light layer of flash rust reduces coating performance and can cause premature coating failure.

Prevention:

• Apply coating immediately after blasting.
• Control climate with dehumidification or heating.
• Use inhibitors in blasting processes if allowed.

Pinovo and flash rusting

Pinovo helps reduce flash rusting risks by:

• Dust-free blasting keeping steel clean and free from contaminants.
• Enabling faster project turnaround coating can start immediately since parallel work is possible.
• Improving efficiency minimizing time between surface prep and coating.

Pinovo does not prevent rust chemically, but ensures that blasted steel is perfectly clean and ready for fast coating application.