When UniTech Services Group required a flooring system to handle the severe traffic and cleaning protocols at its expanded offsite metal decontamination facility in Morris, Illinois, Tnemec’s Ultra-Tread stepped up to the challenge. “The environmental exposure for this job includes thermal shock from high-temperature water cleaning, forklift traffic, and radioactive waste exposure,” reported Tnemec coating consultant Chris Wascher. “UniTech Services Group provides decontamination cleaning services to the power industry that include abrasive blast, as well as carbon dioxide and high-pressure water laser cleaning methods for contaminated items. The owner was looking for a floor coating that could withstand exposure to these conditions.”
The surface of the concrete substrate was shot-blast cleaned in accordance with SSPC-SP13/NACE 6. Approximately 540 gallons of Series 245 Ultra-Tread S, a low odor, polyurethane modified concrete floor topping, were trowel-applied at 3/16” thickness over a 4,000-square-foot processing area and connecting loading dock. The application included a 4” rolled radius cove along the base of the wall using Ultra-Tread. “Due to the thermal shock issues the floors would encounter on a daily basis as a result of their cleaning processes, they needed a coating system that was more durable than traditional epoxy coatings,” Wascher explained. “As a urethane-based material, Ultra-Tread resists thermal shock and chemicals used in the decontamination process.”
Nearly 80 bags of colored quartz were broadcast into the Ultra-Tread S while it was still wet. Fifty gallons of Series 284 Deco-Clear, a polyamine epoxy that protects against mild chemicals and impact, was then roller-applied, bringing the floor topping’s final thickness to 1/4”. “The applicator loved working with the material,” Wascher reported. “It allowed them more flexibility, as they were not under difficult time constraints to get the coating applied to the surface.”
“The owner appreciated the appearance of the floor, as well as its ability to handle forklift traffic and exposure to chemicals, thermal shock, frequent cleanings and exposure to moisture,” Wascher added.
UniTech is an ISO 9002-certified company with 11 licensed plant locations across the U.S. and Europe. In addition to its protective garment services, the company provides both onsite and offsite tool and metal decontamination.