The RSS product is deployed in extreme environments, ranging from mining applications in Western Australia's Pilbara region to coastal regions, mountain tops in New South Wales, and the high-altitude Alps of New Zealand and need to have adequate protection from the elements.

Coating Solutions for Commtel Network Solutions

The containers in New Zealand were coated with a system that included a C3 coating, specifically designed to withstand a higher level of corrosivity environment compared to the C2 coating system used in the containers in New South Wales, Australia.

The coating system for the containers in New Zealand consisted of:

•    1st coat: Dulux® Zincanode® 402 is a two pack epoxy zinc rich primer formulated for cathodic corrosion resistance in harsh corrosive environments
•    2nd coat: Dulux® Durebild® STE can be applied over a wide range of well adhered aged coatings
•    Topcoat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR offers high durability and low maintenance. It also helps to maintain asset value

The New South Wales containers were coated with:

•    1st coat: Dulux® Duremax® GPE ZP is a general-purpose epoxy primer that has been enhanced with zinc phosphate pigment for inhibitive corrosion protection on mild steel
•    Topcoat: Dulux® Weathermax® HBR 

According to Chris Eldred, Dulux® Protective Coatings Consultant, "The coating systems used on the Commtel NSW and NZ containers provide excellent protection against the corrosivity category C2 and C3 PUR5. This ensures that the containers are well-protected from corrosion, which can cause damage and reduce the longevity of the assets."

The Role of McElligotts

To ensure proper coating application, Commtel Network Solutions enlisted the expertise of McElligotts. Their team played a crucial role in preparing the surfaces by conducting abrasive blasting. This step is essential as it removes contaminants and surface irregularities that could hinder the coating's adhesion to the substrate. Incorporating abrasive blasting into the process ensured that all surfaces were well-prepared for the coating application, emphasizing the significance of proper surface preparation for effective coating adhesion.

Cost Savings through Asset Protection

By investing in quality coatings on their RSS products, CommTel have full confidence that their products will withstand the elements and are protected from corrosion and damage. This in turn leads to significant cost savings in the long run as it extends the longevity of the product when deployed in customer applications. It is essential to work with experts like McElligotts and Dulux Protective Coatings to ensure the right coatings are specified and the substrate is adequately prepared, which provides confidence in the longevity of the assets.