MATERIALS HANDLING
T
torage tanks are capital- intensive installations in industries such as energy, chemicals, water
treatment, and food and beverage production. However, because of their contents and environmental exposure to humidity, salt-laden air, and/or extreme weather, deterioration occurs, maintenance costs rise, and the ecological environment or local communities may be at risk. Protective measures are required in order to extend tank service life and ensure operational reliability. Recent developments in coating
and wrap technologies can mitigate these risks and reduce maintenance expenditure. From internal linings to external coatings, thermal insulation, and cathodic protection, modern innovations have restructured the ways industries protect their valuable assets.
INTERNAL LINERS: PROTECTION AGAINST CORROSION Internal corrosion remains one of the most important risks to storage tanks, especially to those used for products with corrosive or reactive natures. An example could be number 6 fuel oil, a very dense and viscous liquid that can slowly deteriorate tank walls without proper protection. Advanced internal lining technologies, such as US Coatings GripLine 6700, offer
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robust chemical resistance, protect the interior from corrosive agents, and dramatically reduce maintenance costs. These modern linings are
formulated to resist aggressive environments, while optional enhancements like glass flake can provide added strength. These high- performance solutions minimise operational downtime and extend the service life of tanks. In certain cases, advanced linings can increase inspection intervals by five years or more, reducing costs while improving long-term asset integrity.
EXTERNAL COATINGS: PROTECTION AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS External tank surfaces are very sensitive to the environmental effects caused by temperature changes, high humidity, and exposure to corrosive elements like salt. If not treated, such conditions can bring about a loss of structural integrity, increase in maintenance, and safety concerns. Coatings present a formidable
barrier to these elements. High- adhesion primers and advanced anti- corrosion coatings together protect storage tanks against moisture, contaminants, and UV exposure, even at elevated temperatures. Formulated for the most extreme environments, these coatings serve dual purposes:
Extending asset life: Exploring advanced solutions for storage tanks
they protect the storage tanks while maintaining their appearance over time, minimising the need for frequent recoating and expensive repairs.
THERMAL INSULATING COATINGS: MAINTAINING PROCESS STABILITY Temperature-sensitive materials are commonly stored in storage tanks that need to maintain consistent internal temperatures. Traditional methods of insulation, such as cladding and wraps, are usually heavy, prone to moisture intrusion, and require periodic maintenance. New solutions, like Mascoat
Industrial coatings, have proven much more effective and long-lasting. These coatings, applied directly to the surface of a tank, provide a continuous insulation layer that greatly reduces thermal loss or heat gain. The thickness can be adjusted for a wide range of applications, including personnel protection, condensation prevention, energy retention, prevention of flash cooling, or solar load reduction.
LINEAR ANODES FOR CATHODIC PROTECTION Above-ground storage tanks are susceptible to floor corrosion owing to the contact of the tank floors with soil or concrete foundations. Over time,
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