Return to site

Is FRP lining really making storage tanks stronger?

broken image

FRP is no doubt a stronger material as compared to metals and FRP storage tank manufacturers know the worth of the material. Chemicals can be severely corrosive, especially to above-ground metal storage tanks and bring leakage trouble. Repairing leaks require huge costs and possible environmental penalties.

Corrosion issue sometimes increases when a layer of water containing soluble salts and chlorides settles beneath the tank. These compounds are extremely corrosive in nature and can generate a strong electrolyte that further initiates corrosion from within the tank. The bottoms of above-ground storage tanks are prone to corrosion, and the risk turns higher when the tanks are near to salt water or subject to stray electrical currents in the soil.

What to do if above ground tank bottom is corroding?

You have two options to deal with corroding tank bottom-

  1. Replacement
  2. Coating with FRP lining

Replacement seems more expensive option as compared to FRP lining coating.

FRP lining installation

The latest trend has municipalities moving on from replacement of tank bottom to FRP lining systems. FRP lining installation means application of a primer, catalysed resin, putty with a glass mat along with a sealcoat. Make sure that the tank is dry and has a well-prepared surface. The whole process is faster and less expensive when compared with replacement of whole tank bottom.

How material selection is interlinked with the performance?

Material selection affects the performance of the equipment. Due to the problem of both internal and external corrosion, the resin applied by experts as a tank lining has to demonstrate sufficient corrosion resistance for extended lifespan assurance and least leakage risk.

Factors to consider for selecting material

However, corrosion resistance is not the only thing to consider while picking the resin choice. The resin system selected has to be cured at room temperature and reveal good adhesion to the steel tank floor. Moreover, it should have low viscosity to allow for convenient wet-out of the glass fibers and ejection of entrapped air.

Lastly, resin system has to be economically reasonable. Resin should be tested for adequate corrosion resistance prior to field use.

  • Resin should be cured at room temperature
  • Resin should have low viscosity
  • Resin should be economically reasonable
  • Resin should be tested for corrosion resistance

FRP is the best choice made by FRP storage Tank manufacturers till now. The material is super sturdy and has corrosion resistance against chemicals and harsh weather conditions. If you want to explore more about FRP material, you can take help of internet and read online free articles on the subject.