Podcasts

In this exclusive series, Materials Performance (MP) Editor Rebecca A. Bickham and News Editor Ben DuBose interview a wide range of corrosion experts to bring you the latest news and information on key technologies and industry trends. Episodes on this page are from July 2021 and newer. Archived episodes from earlier dates are available here.

Utilizing Machine Learning for External Corrosion Management

Image courtesy of Tom Hayden, EDI.In a collaborative discussion, Joe Mazzella and Tom Hayden of Engineering Director, Inc. (EDI) join Enbridge’s Keith Parker to discuss the group’s engineered, integrated approach to external corrosion management (IECM).

Topics explored on the IECM-themed podcast include the roles of machine learning, data governance, and the importance of building an observable system. More information on their work is available in August and September 2022 technical articles of Materials Performance (MP) Magazine, and the panelists are delivering a symposium on the topic on March 22, 2023 at the AMPP Annual Conference + Expo in Denver, Colorado, USA.

Sources: Enbridge, www.enbridge.com; EDI, www.engineeringdirector.com.

Protective Coatings for Industrial Infrastructure

Traditional high-performance coatings provide a strong cohesive film. But at times, this can unintentionally contribute to the undercutting effects of corrosion, leading to failures that could lead to a full rehabilitation or replacement.

In response, Induron Protective Coatings has developed a unique line of ceramic epoxies that are formulated to provide strong corrosion protection through high film build, low permeability, and self-healing properties. These coatings are used on potable water tanks; water and wastewater treatment plants; power transmission towers; and as a lining for ductile iron sewer pipes.

Davies Hood, president of Induron, joins our Materials Performance (MP) Interview Series to explain more about the company’s technologies and its keys to success.

Source: Induron, www.induron.com.

Internal Monitoring Solutions for Integrity Management

Roland Anderson, business development director at monitoring solutions company Axess Corrosion, explains how the group’s patented Janus range works to reduce risk.

With integrated alarm systems available to measure process corrosion, erosion, wall thickness, and more, Anderson elaborates on feedback from the field; trends in the marketplace; unique needs for oil and gas clients; and much more.

Source: Axess Corrosion, www.axess-corrosion.com.

Bob Chalker on His Retirement and AMPP’s Path Forward

Bob Chalker, CEO of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), discusses his decision to retire in July 2023 and what the path forward looks like for the corrosion and coatings organization. 

Topics include motivations for the decision; the process of naming a replacement; highlights from Chalker’s 13-year tenure at AMPP and NACE International; and the legacy he leaves behind.

Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.

AMPP Member Roundtable: CIP Program Updates

In our latest member roundtable, longtime member Stephanie Decker discusses recent updates to AMPP’s Coating Inspection Program (CIP) with Alicia Yust, senior manager of learning and development, and Pam Nicoletti, senior director of global operations. For more information, visit AMPP’s Education Resources web page.

Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.

Interview: Ed Kruft, CEO of American Innovations

Ed Kruft, CEO of American Innovations (AI), shares his insight on trends in the compliance solutions market. 

Topics discussed on the podcast include feedback from the field and evolving needs by AI’s customers; advances in remote monitoring technologies for cathodic protection; how private companies and industry associations, like AMPP, can work together to accomplish shared goals; and what the future of the industry may look like, both from technological and regulatory perspectives.

Source: American Innovations, www.aiworldwide.com.

Kim Ray on AMPP’s EMERG Program

Kim Ray, Director of Pre-Professional and Young Professional Programs at AMPP, explains how the association’s EMERG program aims to bring more people into the materials protection industry.

Topics include the EMERG mission and its available programs and resources; ways in which AMPP members can be of assistance; how EMERG relates to current industry dynamics, such as the projected craftworker shortage; and upcoming events and opportunities.

Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.

Digital Transformation of the Global Corrosion, Coatings Industries

Jim Kunkle, Manager of Engineering Specifications for North America at AkzoNobel’s International Protective Coatings, joins our “member profile” series.

Topics include how the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of our industry; what changes may be temporary, and which appear to be more permanent; key technology trends to watch for over the next decade; and how industry companies and associations like AMPP can work together to meet the various challenges.

For more information, contact: James (Jim) Kunkle, james.kunkle@AkzoNobel.com, YouTubeLinkedIn

An Engineered, Integrated Approach to External Corrosion Management (IECM)

In collaboration with industry stakeholders, the external corrosion prevention team at Enbridge is developing a unification of corrosion monitoring and mitigation strategies, with a goal of minimizing and effectively managing external corrosion risks. Known as IECM, more information is available in the April, June, and August print issues of Materials Performance (MP) Magazine.

For a deeper look about what this could mean for the corrosion industry, this panel discussion features Keith Parker, external corrosion specialist at Enbridge; Trey Johnston, principal engineer at Corrpro; and Christophe Baete, manager of corrosion engineering at Elsyca.

Sources: Enbridge, Corrpro, and Elsyca.

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi Explains New Bridge Corrosion Act

U.S. Rep. John Garamendi (CA-3) recently introduced H.R. 8033, the Bridge Corrosion Prevention and Repair Act, to the U.S. House of Representatives. The legislation requires corrosion planning and the use of qualified and trained professionals on all bridge construction, repair, and maintenance projects throughout the country.

As part of our exclusive conversation, Garamendi explains the origins of the bill and the motivations for it; what the path forward could look like; and how AMPP members can get involved to help.

For more information and additional resources, visit Congressman Garamendi’s web site at garamendi.house.gov and AMPP’s at www.ampp.org.

HUVRdata Brings New Platform to Inspection Data

Bob Baughman, CEO of HUVRdata, shares how industrial market trends led to the founding of a new company with a purpose-built inspection data management platform. Created in the cloud, the mobile-connected HUVR platform is designed to enable the aggregation, analysis, and automation of visual and quantitative inspection data from any device, sensor, robot, or field technician.

Topics discussed include feedback from the company’s users and partners in the field; inspection tools the system can be integrated with; where it fits within a corrosion management plan; and what the next steps are over the coming months and years.

Source: HUVRdata, www.huvrdata.com

IPC’s Sam Navarro Targets Next Generation of Craftworkers

Sam Navarro, vice president of business development and marketing at industrial solutions provider IPC Industries (Santa Fe, Texas, USA), joins our “member profile” series. 

Topics include industry trends and feedback; strategies for the future; what associations like AMPP, NACE International, and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings have meant to Navarro’s career; and how he’s personally working with students in his local community to try and address a growing craftworker shortage in skilled trades.

Source: IPC, www.ipcindustrieslp.com.

AMPP Education Chair Addresses New CIP Updates


Tom Higginbotham, manager at PPG Industrial Coatings and chair of the AMPP Education Committee, explains the latest Coating Inspector Program (CIP) updates from the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP).

Topics include new features of the updated courses; feedback from members and others in the industry; how AMPP is addressing concerns related to the legacy NACE International and SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings programs; and how people can learn more information about the CIP updates and/or get more involved.

Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.

Intech’s Brad Wilder Works to Bridge Gaps

Based in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, Intech Contracting, LLC performs inspection support and rehabilitation work for highway bridges, as well as structural steel fabrication and erection work, for commercial and industrial clients. For over a decade, a key player in their growth has been Brad Wilder, bridge painting division manager.

In this episode, Wilder shares advice and perspective on his road to success while outlining the role of organizations like the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP)—where Wilder currently chairs multiple committees—in helping him achieve it.

Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org.

AMPP Member Roundtable: Social Media, Customer Service

Stephanie Decker, longtime member of the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP), sits down with CEO Bob Chalker for an in-depth conversation about AMPP’s social media presence and its approach to negative comments. Other topics include the role of AMPP customer service, as well as answering member questions regarding the AMPP Ethics course and professional development hours (PDHs).

Source: AMPP, www.ampp.org