The Dr. GALV Problem Solving Clinic The Question and Answer Forum i 1. Can we use zine other than prime western and still meet ASTM A 123 standards? A 123 now stipulates that you use zinc complying with the B 6 specification. 1t does Not stipulate the use of prime western. B 6 includes special high grade as'well as prime western. A 123 indicates that the galvanizing bath must be 98.0% zinc by weight. As to hhow other zines work, the AGA currently is investigating and will be reporting on thems in the near future 2. Which method is better for galvanizing, a wet or dry ket: ‘let - Remember the beer com- mercial in which the people argue “tastes great - less fill- ling". You knew that both sides Were correct. In, galvanizing ‘wet vs. dry Is the same argue ment, Both are workable processes and both have some advantages over the other. The Tight answer Is use the one that bes fits your product mix. Both ate good galvanizing methods. 3. Why do we have to deal th "Minimum Coating Thick- ess Graides”? Currently, the minimum coating thickness grade (MCTG) and the mils of zinc are somewhat redundant. How- fever, the. MCTG is designed to prepare you for the future, The Federal \ Government. has renewed it's push towards the ‘metric system. Like it or not, that’s where we are headed and the MCTG is getting you ready for it, The numbers are the same as the micron thick- esses that you will work with When the galvanizing world oes metic. have work that has thréad- ed studs welded to structural members. The work is to be galvanized to A 123, Do the ‘threaded studs have to meet A 1237 ‘The answer Is yes and no, The threads must mest A 123, section 5.2.1 Threaded Compo- nents in Assemblies. The last sentence of the section states that “coatings shall conform to the requitements of Specifica- tion A 153." So you must meet 4 123 but it states you must conform to A 153 Quality Assurance Manual - Final Form The intent of AGA’s “Qual- ity Assurance Manual” isto pro- vide the user with the basic guidelines in installing and implementing a proper quality assurance program that can lead to 180 9002 certification, The contents of the manual are classtied into two sections, Policy and Procedures, Policy sections describe the general policy statements regarding the ‘ality assurance system. Many af the sections can be adopted “as written” after review with some modifications to accom ‘modate individual company's management and operational lorganization structure, A quick teview of the policy section alone reveals that there are Orrooe 1843 Val. @ ‘more than sixty action items to install and implement the qual ty system, These action items will cover the areas of organization al requirement, supplier quali cations, process control plans, inspection of finished products, internal materials control, inter- nal and external corrective actions, broad range quality plans for continuous improve- ments and management com- itments to. taining and enforcement of commitments The procedure sections in the manual will provide exam- ples irom which individual com Paanies may develop procedures that can satisly their process and systems within the plant The final version of the manual is being prepared and will be available to AGA meme bers soon. We will have two sample copies of the “finished!” version of the manual available for review by the attendees of the Technical Forum in Denver. Information describing the table (f contents of this manual and its features will be included. The sale price of the manual for AGA members is $300 per copy ‘and $6000 for non members. For the user of the manual, AGA’s Technical Services Department will provide contin luous technical service in pro- Viding clarifications and assist in installing a quality assurance system in the plant, Si