Method of preparing surfaces comprising inspecting surface
Provided are methods and compositions for assessing a surface to be ready for subsequent treatment. A photoluminescent dye is used in the rinsing stage by mixing it with water and a non-fugitive chemical/inhibitor, leaving a film on the surface. Alternatively, the surface is treated with an acidifier solution containing a photoluminescent dye to ensure complete coverage. The surface is rinsed with an alkaline solution including a fugitive chemical to indicate complete removal of the gel. The dye emits photoluminescence under UV light, indicating film thickness. In the evaluation stage, an inspector checks photoluminescence. Photoluminescence intensity to determine readiness for treatment. If the surface fails, the surface is rinsed further with water to remedy the failure. Otherwise, the surface is subject to subsequent treatment. Semi-durable coatings requiring additional application can be identified by weak or lack of photoluminescent intensity.
1 . A method of inspecting a surface, the method comprising:
applying to the surface an acidifier solution containing a photoluminescent dye,
rinsing the surface with an alkaline solution containing a fugitive chemical;
applying ultraviolet light to the surface; and
determining from photoluminescence emitted from the surface if the surface is prepared for subsequent treatment.
2 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , wherein the fugitive chemical is dimethylethanolamine (DMEA).
3 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , the method further comprising:
rinsing the surface with water or non-fugitive solution.
4 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , the method further comprising:
applying a mechanical cleaning operation, blast pressure cleaning operation, or both to the surface.
5 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , the mechanical cleaning operation or the blast pressure cleaning operation comprises an abrasive, ultra-high pressure, vapor blasting, slurry blasting, hand, mechanical, or laser blasting preparation of the surface.
6 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , wherein the subsequent treatment comprises coating or painting.
7 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , wherein the surface is a metal surface.
8 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , wherein if the photoluminescence emitted from the surface is on or above a threshold level, the surface is rinsed further with water or non-fugitive solution.
9 . The method of inspecting the surface of claim 1 , wherein if the photoluminescence emitted from the surface is below a threshold level, the surface is treated with the subsequent treatment.
10 . A surface treated and/or inspected by the method of claim 1 .