The Elcometer 999 Surface Weld Comparator, part number H99921527, is a reference gauge for assessing and specifying the surface finish quality of welds before a tank or vessel is lined or coated. Weld profiles that are too sharp, porous or undercut create stress points and pinholes that protective coatings cannot bridge, leading to premature lining failure, so agreeing an acceptable weld finish at the inspection stage avoids costly remediation later.

The Elcometer 999 Surface Weld Comparator is made from durable T Grade ABS plastic and carries 14 different examples of actual welds. By placing the Elcometer 999 Surface Weld Comparator alongside a real weld, an inspector can compare the workpiece against the cast examples and complete a thorough, consistent evaluation rather than relying on subjective judgement. The set of physical references gives fabricators, coating inspectors and asset owners a common visual language for what is and is not acceptable.

Each Elcometer 999 Surface Weld Comparator is supplied with a copy of the NACE SP0178-2007 standard, which provides detailed recommendations on design, fabrication and surface finish requirements for welds in immersion service, including generic and graphic descriptions of the various degrees of weld surface finishing. The Elcometer 999 Surface Weld Comparator is used across coatings inspection, fabrication and tank lining work, and is supplied by BAMR, South Africa's authorised distributor of Elcometer instruments.