What is a Tank Lining?
A tank lining is used to protect the substrate material from chemical attack in a tank. An excellent tank lining forms an impermeable barrier, adheres to the substrate completely, seals all gaps, provides the most cost-effective corrosion protection, and prevents costly hiccups.
Tanks with capacities less than 110 gallons are subject to federal regulations requiring the safe containment of chemicals and the prevention of leaks through the proper lining of water holding tanks.
For decades, the oil and gas industry has blamed discharges and tank failure on corrosion in storage structures. Owners typically include some form of corrosion control to protect their assets and extend the life of their tanks.
Effects of Corrosion and How to Prevent It
Corrosion is defined as the gradual deterioration of materials or their properties as a result of chemical reactions with their surroundings. Metals, plastics, and other materials that are incompatible with certain chemical compounds are among the affected mediums. Corrosion can degrade the useful properties of materials and structures, such as strength, appearance, and permeability to liquids and gases. One solution is to coat the structure with a high-performance, corrosion-resistant coating.
Many high-performance coatings are extremely resistant to corrosion and abrasion. However, there are few specialized coatings that provide chemical resistance for strong liquids like acids, alkalis, gases, solvents, or oxidizers, as well as extreme temperatures and other factors associated with their storage and transportation.
It is critical to protect both the interior and exterior of metal tanks. Aside from environmental factors that can cause steel corrosion, there are numerous products stored inside tanks that can hasten the breakdown of the surface. Perforations can occur if the structure is not adequately protected, resulting in interior damage. The owner will bear the cost implications both directly and indirectly as a result of lost production, environmental consequences, and required damage repair.
When choosing a coating, the right criteria must be considered to provide the most cost-effective corrosion protection. Contamination of the stored product and tank deterioration are more likely if an appropriate coating is not selected and applied.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemical Tank Liners
1. The Type of Chemicals in the Storage Tanks
Different chemicals will have different reactions in your tanks. It also depends on the type and material of tanks used in your plant. The majority of aboveground or underground tanks used for industrial purposes are made of steel or fiberglass. This means that the majority of the chemicals will react with the tank walls, resulting in corrosion. Hydrochloric acid and peracetic acid are two examples of common corrosive chemicals. To safely contain chemicals, all plants that deal with chemicals should use chemical liners for their industrial tanks. One type of chemical liner may be more corrosion-resistant than another, so consider the chemicals you work with before purchasing a tank liner.
2. Compliance with the State and Federal Regulations
Setting operational standards for critical industries is a procedure for the federal and local governments. Some of the industries that are regulated are chemical plants and water plants. The EPA established a list of 140 chemicals that require owners to submit a risk management plan to federal regulators when storing the chemicals in sufficient quantities. Before you buy a chemical liner, make sure you’re in compliance with federal and state regulations.
Because of the high risk involved in storing corrosive chemicals in bulk, it makes sense for authorities to impose regulations. Most of these chemicals produce highly flammable hydrogen gas when they react with metals at high temperatures. This endangers not only you and your employees but also the surrounding environment. High-quality industrial tank liners aid in corrosion prevention, preventing catastrophic accidents.
3. Custom Tank Liners
It is unlikely that all of the tanks in your plant are the same size, height, and shape. As a result, there is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all chemical liner. All chemical liners for your plant’s chemical tanks must be made to order. Tank liners should cover every inch of the tank to prevent chemicals from corroding the tank’s interior surface. A tank liner that does not cover the tank’s walls proportionally may leave some areas exposed, resulting in corrosion. As a result, your stored chemicals may become contaminated, and your tanks will deteriorate due to the rapid corrosion rate. To avoid these negative effects, use customized chemical liners in each of your plant’s tanks.
4. Expert Installation
Because of the high precision required, tank lining installation is quite technical. As a result, you must ensure that you have a team of experts who are experienced in tank liner installation. In most cases, the company that provides you with liner products should also be able to install your chemical liner. Given the high cost of some of these chemical liners, you must ensure that they are properly installed. You don’t want to have to replace your tank liners too frequently as a result of poor installation. If the chemicals reached the interior surface of the tank and caused a reaction, a poorly installed chemical liner would cause even more damage. This necessitates professional installation.
Every plant manager understands the importance of chemical liners. A chemical liner will protect your stored chemicals as well as your tanks. When stored corrosive chemicals are mishandled, they endanger your entire plant and the surrounding environment. The use of high-quality chemical tank liners ensures that chemicals are kept in perfect condition. Finally, when you use industrial tank liners, your chemical tanks will last longer.
The above factors will help you decide why you need a tank liner. But if you’re still unsure about your decision, it helps to talk to an expert. Our staff can help point you in the right direction. So call us today.
Our friendly and experienced customer service team is here to help you!
Call American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@amtanks.com