Throughout the years, we have gathered substantial knowledge and proficiency in lining and repairing storage tanks of diverse shapes and sizes. These tanks are situated in different environments – some are above ground, others are underground, and their conditions range from good to very poor.
From our extensive experience in the field, one aspect is abundantly clear: corrosion represents the most significant risk to the longevity of storage tanks.
So What is Corrosion?
Corrosion, a natural phenomenon influenced by chemistry, metallurgy, and electricity, involves the gradual deterioration of materials due to chemical reactions in their environment.
This degradation diminishes the desirable properties of materials, such as their strength, appearance, and resistance to liquid and gas penetration.
During the steel manufacturing process for storage tanks and other purposes, energy in the form of fire and heat is applied. This creates an energy imbalance in the resulting steel, which nature seeks to correct by returning the material to its natural state.
Nature attempts to discharge this excess energy by releasing electrons, thus reversing the imbalance and initiating the corrosion of the metal, converting it back into iron oxide, commonly known as rust.
The presence of water, whether in solid, liquid, or vapor form, significantly accelerates the corrosion process. Stored water acts as a potent electrolyte, facilitating ion transfer and current flow within the microstructure of the steel.
Storage tanks and piping systems provide an ideal environment for corrosion development. Besides atmospheric corrosion, these systems offer the necessary water and nutrients for microbial growth, further intensifying the corrosion process.
Lining Stops Corrosion
Efficient management and control of internal corrosion can be accomplished by properly applying protective coatings.
These linings act as a barrier between the steel tank and the stored product, effectively hindering corrosion. By interrupting the electron flow, these coatings prevent corrosion initiation.
Moreover, internal coatings discourage microbes from directly attacking the steel, thus preventing microbiologically influenced corrosion.
Surface Preparation and Coating Application for Superior Results
Ensuring the proper application of coatings is crucial to prevent discontinuities, such as breaks or gaps, in the coatings, which could lead to corrosion reoccurrence on the steel surface.
These discontinuities often result from inadequate surface preparation or incorrect coating application methods.
Thoroughly preparing the steel surface and applying the coating system correctly can help reduce the occurrence of discontinuities and extend the lifespan of the coating.
Failures in lining due to improper or insufficient application can have significant consequences for the operator, including substantial financial losses such as lost revenue, expenses for lining replacement and tank repairs, and potential fines resulting from tank leakage.
When considering lining for your storage tanks, it is essential to engage an experienced and reputable company.
Applying a protective coating or lining to the tank’s interior not only aids in corrosion control but also ensures product purity.
The smoothness of tank lining coatings can improve the flow of stored products, minimizing residue accumulation in the tank.
Given the stringent environmental regulations, tank storage facilities must prevent tank leaks and any contamination of the surrounding land or waterways.
Employing protective coatings leads to decreased operational expenses, minimized repair needs, and an extended operational lifespan for storage tanks, ultimately resulting in heightened profitability.
Corrosion protection typically involves thinner coatings or flexible lining products for above-ground applications, while epoxy composite lining systems combined with mortar are suitable for new structures. Our coatings prioritize chemical resistance on various surfaces such as concrete, steel, masonry, and more, catering to municipal, industrial, institutional, and energy/utility applications.
We highly recommend applying preventative coatings to newly installed structures before they are commissioned to ensure the longest possible service life.
We provide proven and reliable services in Crockett, Grapeland, Kennard, Latexo, Lovelady, Ratcliff, HOUSTON, TEXAS.
We also offer trusted services in Longbeach, as well as neighboring areas such as Lakewood, Rossmoor, Lincoln Village, Seal Beach, Hawaiian Gardens, Los Alamitos, Cypress, Bellflower, Carson, La Palma, Paramount, Cerritos, East Compton, West Carson, Compton, Norwalk, Stanton, Westminster, Lomita, Downey, Lynwood, Rolling Hills Estates, Cudahy, CALIFORNIA.
Our courteous and experienced customer service team is at your disposal!
Call Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@tankinspections.vegas
1305 W 11th St #4087 Houston, TX 77008 USA
3711 Long Beach blvd Suite 4057 4th Floor # 1079 Long Beach, CA 90807 USA