OVERVIEW: When you’re storing harsh chemicals like sulphonic acid, unfortunately deterioration, staining, and corrosion are inevitable. That’s why relining storage tanks with high-performance anti-corrosion products is so important.
INDUSTRY
ENVIRONMENT
Sulphonic Acid Storage at 50°C
SUBSTRATE
Chemical Storage Tank – Mild Steel, with external Cladding
CHALLENGE
The existing epoxy lining in the chemical storage tank which housed sulphonic acid at 50oC was in poor condition. Large sections had suffered extensive deterioration alongside staining and corrosion of the tank wall. This had subsequently stained the finished product, which prevented its use until a long-term solution was found.
SOLUTION
Scaffolding was set up inside the tank, and efficient surface preparation techniques were utilised in order to minimise mobilisation of blasting costs, while still achieving an ideal surface for effective coating adhesion.
The team started with abrasive blasting of the steel tank in accordance with AS 1627.4 – 2005 to class Sa 2.5 60μm surface profile.
One coat of Epo-chem™ RS 500P was applied to a nominal thickness of 100μm, followed by a single coat of Epo-chem™ RA 500M to a nominal DFT of 350μm. The flanges were then sanded and internals finished off , before carrying out an internal QA and DFT check.
SCOPE
Mobilise to site and set up extraction
Abrasive blast to AS 1627.4 2005 Class 2.5, 60μm profile
Application of 1 coat of Epo-Chem RS 500P to a nominal thickness of 100μm
Application of 1 coat of Epo-Chem RA 500M to a nominal DFT of 350μm
Sand flanges and finish off internals
Carry out internal QA, DFT check
PRODUCTS
Epo-chem™ RA 500M moisture tolerant glass flake filled epoxy topcoat, designed for immersed applications
OUTCOME
By leveraging the advanced Epo-Chem™ coating system in such a corrosive environment, Chemcote were able to restore the chemical storage tank back to service, with long-term peace of mind for the customer knowing their equipment was now protected
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