FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

General & Company

Which industries do you serve?

We support power generation, oil & gas (upstream, midstream, downstream), petrochemical, marine, and heavy industrial sectors where corrosion protection and surface enhancement are critical.

Where are your services available (geographic coverage)?

We operate globally, with rapid deployment teams capable of mobilizing to power plants, refineries, and manufacturing sites worldwide.

Where are your services available (geographic coverage)?

We operate globally, with rapid deployment teams capable of mobilizing to power plants, refineries, and manufacturing sites worldwide.

Can you support both on-site and in-shop applications?

Yes — SPARK provides full-service solutions on customer sites and in our workshops.

Technology & Process

What is thermal spray cladding?

Thermal spray cladding is a process where molten or semi-molten metallic particles are sprayed onto a prepared surface to create a dense, well-bonded protective layer.

How does SPARK’s technology protect against corrosion?

Our coatings act as a physical barrier, preventing corrosive agents from contacting the substrate, and in many cases provide cathodic protection that stops corrosion from starting.

What types of metallic cladding do you offer?

We offer a wide range of alloy coatings including stainless steel, nickel alloys, aluminum, zinc, and other corrosion- and wear-resistant materials.

How does SPARK cladding compare to organic paints or galvanizing?

Thermal spray cladding is thicker, metallic, longer-lasting, and can withstand harsher environments than paint or galvanizing, providing better lifecycle cost savings.

How do SPARK coatings compare to weld overlay?

SPARK coatings deliver comparable — and in some cases superior — corrosion protection compared to weld overlay, but with several advantages. Because thermal spray cladding has no dilution with the base metal, its chemistry remains pure and optimized for corrosion resistance. This means a thinner layer of thermal spray coating can achieve the same or better corrosion protection than a much thicker weld overlay. Additionally, SPARK coatings involve minimal heat input, eliminating distortion, residual stresses, and the risk of cracking associated with welding — while also offering faster application and reduced downtime.

Are your coatings compliant with industry standards (NACE, ISO, ASTM)?

Yes — we meet or exceed NACE, ISO, ASTM, and other relevant international standards.

How do you select a coating material and specification?

SPARK performs a technical assessment of the equipment’s operating conditions — temperature, medium, wear mechanisms, and expected service life. Based on this data, we recommend the most suitable coating material and thickness. When needed, we prepare and supply test coupons that can be exposed in service to verify performance before full implementation.

Performance & Benefits

How long will SPARK coatings last?

When correctly specified and applied, coatings can last several years depending on environment, maintenance, and service conditions.

Can coatings withstand high temperature, chemical exposure, or seawater?

Yes — we offer specialized alloys and ceramic coatings tailored for extreme temperatures, chemical process environments, and marine conditions.

Can SPARK help reduce unplanned shutdowns or maintenance costs?

Yes — our solutions lower the frequency of replacements, extend inspection intervals, and improve overall plant availability.

Applications

What components or equipment can you coat (pipes, turbines, valves)?

We coat piping, boilers, heat exchangers, ducts, valve bodies, housings, shafts, compressor components, rollers, and other high-value assets.

Can you coat internal surfaces (e.g., bores, housings)?

Yes — with specialized equipment we can coat internal diameters and hard-to-reach geometries.

Applications

How do you guarantee coating quality and adhesion?

We perform 100% inspection (visual, thickness, adhesion tests) and follow documented procedures approved by the client.

How do you document and report coating jobs?

We provide full QA/QC documentation, including surface prep records, coating parameters, and inspection results.

Execution & Commercial

Can SPARK coatings be applied on-site without dismantling equipment?

Yes — we specialize in on-site application, reducing downtime and saving dismantling and transport costs.

How quickly can you mobilize a crew for on-site work?

We can often mobilize within days, depending on location and project scope.

Do you provide turnkey service (surface prep + coating + inspection)?

Yes — we manage the full process from surface preparation to final inspection, reducing complexity for the client.

Can you work during plant shutdowns or planned maintenance windows?

Yes — we frequently support outage work and align our schedule to critical path requirements.

What is the typical cost of SPARK coatings compared to other solutions?

While the initial cost may be higher than paint, our coatings deliver far longer service life and significantly lower life-cycle cost.

Do you provide ROI calculations or life cycle cost analysis?

Yes — we can prepare a cost-benefit analysis to justify investment based on your asset and operating conditions.

Can you support long-term maintenance contracts or framework agreements?

Yes — we partner with customers to provide ongoing service agreements, ensuring consistent quality and predictable costs.

Environment & Safety

Are SPARK coatings environmentally friendly?

Yes — they are solvent-free, VOC-free, and produce no harmful curing byproducts.

Do your processes produce hazardous waste or fumes?

Overspray is collected and disposed of per environmental regulations. No hazardous curing fumes are emitted.

What safety measures do you take on-site?

We comply with client HSE requirements, conduct risk assessments, and use certified PPE and containment systems to protect workers and the environment