What is a Tank Lining?
Imagine a suit of armor for your storage tank. That’s what a tank lining does – it shields the tank walls from the harmful effects of chemicals stored inside.
Federal regulations require linings for smaller water tanks (under 110 gallons) to ensure they can safely hold chemicals and prevent leaks.
The oil and gas industry has learned a hard lesson about the dangers of tank corrosion. Many tank failures and spills have been traced back to corrosion inside storage tanks. That’s why oil and gas companies often use linings to protect their tanks, their investments, and the environment.
Effects of Corrosion and how to Prevent it
Corrosion is the gradual breakdown of materials caused by chemical reactions with their surroundings. Metals, plastics, and other substances can deteriorate when exposed to specific chemicals, compromising their strength, appearance, and ability to contain liquids and gases. A practical solution involves applying a high-quality, corrosion-resistant coating to surfaces.
Numerous advanced coatings offer exceptional resistance to corrosion and wear. However, coatings must be specialized to withstand challenges such as strong acids, alkalis, solvents, gases, oxidizers, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors encountered during storage and transport.
It’s critical to protect both the interior and exterior of metal tanks. Environmental conditions and stored substances can accelerate steel corrosion, potentially causing structural damage if left unaddressed. This can result in substantial repair costs, production losses, environmental harm, and other indirect expenses for tank owners.
Selecting the appropriate coating is vital for cost-effective corrosion prevention. Failure to choose the right coating can lead to product contamination and tank deterioration. Therefore, careful consideration of various factors is essential when selecting and applying a coating.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Chemical Tank Liners
- Chemical Storage Tank Types and Corrosion
Different chemicals exhibit varied reactions depending on the type and material of the storage tank. Most industrial tanks, whether aboveground or underground, are commonly made from steel or fiberglass. Consequently, numerous chemicals can react with the tank walls, leading to corrosion. Typical corrosive chemicals include hydrochloric acid and peracetic acid. To ensure safe containment of chemicals, all facilities handling chemicals should employ appropriate tank liners. It’s vital to assess the specific chemicals in use when selecting a tank liner, as different liners vary in their resistance to corrosion.
- Regulatory Compliance at State and Federal Levels
Establishing operational standards for critical industries is a regulatory process overseen by federal and local governments. Industries subject to regulation include chemical plants and water treatment facilities. The EPA has compiled a list of 140 chemicals, requiring facility owners to submit a risk management plan to federal regulators if storing significant quantities of these chemicals. Before procuring a chemical liner, it’s crucial to verify compliance with both federal and state regulations.
Given the significant risks associated with bulk storage of corrosive chemicals, regulatory oversight is essential. Many of these chemicals can produce highly flammable hydrogen gas when reacting with metals at high temperatures, posing risks to personnel and the environment. The use of high-quality industrial tank liners is pivotal in preventing corrosion and reducing the potential for catastrophic accidents.
- Tailored Tank Liners
Due to the varying sizes, heights, and shapes of tanks in your facility, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for chemical liners. Customization is essential because each liner must be specifically designed to fit the precise dimensions of the tank. Ensuring complete coverage is critical to prevent chemical corrosion on the interior surfaces of the tank. Inadequate coverage may leave certain areas exposed, potentially leading to corrosion and contamination of stored chemicals. To mitigate these risks and ensure long-term durability, it’s crucial to utilize customized chemical liners tailored for each tank within your facility.
- Professional Installation
The installation of tank liners demands precision and technical skill, necessitating the involvement of experienced professionals. Ideally, the supplier of the liner products should also offer installation services to ensure proper fitting and functionality. Given the substantial investment in chemical liners, accurate installation is essential to avoid premature wear or damage that may require frequent replacements. Improperly installed liners could allow chemicals to access the tank’s interior surfaces, accelerating deterioration and possible chemical reactions. Therefore, professional installation is indispensable.
Plant managers acknowledge the critical role of chemical liners in safeguarding both stored chemicals and the integrity of tanks. Mishandling corrosive chemicals poses risks to plant operations and the environment, emphasizing the necessity of using high-quality liners. By employing industrial tank liners, the longevity of chemical tanks is prolonged, ensuring effective protection and sustained serviceability.
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 NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.la
