Solutions for Storage Tanks

Tank Base Sealing:

Solutions

Above ground industrial storage tanks and their contents are extremely valuable assets that need to be protected.

As a result of adverse weather conditions or condensation, moisture can accumulate at the chime angle or track under the base of the tank which can lead to corrosion of the tank base, leakage or ultimately tank failure.

The implications of this however, extend far wider than just the cost of the tank and its contents.

Tank base corrosion is often caused in the following ways:

• Settlement of storage tank
• Intermittently immersed in rainwater
• Localised void cavities between tank and base
• Saturated insulation creating localised and severe CUI
• Failure of mastic type sealants
• Cracking and shrinkage of hot bituminous applications
• Fire sprinkler systems creating pooling and ponding around the base
• Tank deluge systems
• Expansion and contraction of tank

Traditional Maintenance Challenges

Storage tanks can be exposed to extreme weather and operating conditions such as rain, heat and loading. Conventional sealing methods, such as mastic tapes, are subject to shrinkage and UV attack which do not allow moisture to escape. However, for a long-term solution it is essential to address the following challenges:

• Allow trapped moisture to permeate out
• Allow flexibility to adapt to thermal expansion loading
• Offer a long-term sealing solution

Solutions

What makes us different?

Long-term solution

• The Belzona solution will not only seal your tank base for 10 years but also allow the tank base to breath and dry out, offering a long-term solution and improvement, making your job easier.

Cost-Effectiveness

• The Belzona approach of sealing prevents the need for a completely new tank base, saving the replacement costs. Offering a long-term protection, it gives you ease of mind for many years.

Microporosity

• The Belzona products permit the substrate to breathe, allowing trapped moisture to evaporate, keeping the tank base dry.

Durability

• Belzona products are resistant to a wide range of chemicals and heat and in addition provide excellent corrosion protection, therefore offering long-term solutions.

Why does it work?

The supplied Belzona system is both flexible and waterproof, and totally protects and encapsulates the circumference of the tank base, whilst allowing any residual moisture under the tank to permeate through the material’s microporous structure.

Leak Sealing:

Causes

Adverse weather conditions can lead to corrosion of storage tanks which can become leaks. Other problems can occur due to mechanical damage or due to the movement/deterioration e.g. the motion of the seal for floating roofs.

Traditional maintenance challenges

Using conventional methods, such as welding, for the repair of tanks leads to a number of problems such as weld defects, warping of the substrate, damage to internal and external linings, the need to de-gas equipment for hot working and stress relieving the heat affected zones. Furthermore, it includes major health and safety hazards, in particular in sensitive areas in which there is a high fire risk. In many instances welding is out of question if the tank cannot be drained and could lead to major interruptions to business.

The same problems are faced when modifications such as bonding components to the tank are carried out. Therefore, solutions that do not require hot work would be the first choice. Furthermore, they would need to address the following points:

• Maximum adhesion
• Optimal flexibility
• Capability to hold back pressure
• Capability to seal live leaks fast and effectively
• Outstanding chemical resistance

It is essential for every solution provider to address all of those challenges.

Solutions

What makes us different?

Eliminate the dangers of hot work

• The Belzona solution eliminates the need for welding so that no hot work is required. This also ensures that no damage is caused to the existing internal lining of the tank while carrying out the exterior application.

Emergency leak sealing

• Belzona provides a solution for the fast and effective repair of cracks, leaks and fractures which ensures that active leaks can be instantly repaired, avoiding the contents contaminating land and water courses in the surrounding environment.

Long-term solution

• The Belzona solution provides outstanding corrosion protection to the bonded items, resulting in a durable and long-term repair.

Cost Effectiveness

• The Belzona solution does not require the drainage of tank, thus minimising downtime and disruption to the business.

Safety

• Belzona products are designed to be cold-applied, avoiding on-site welding as well as the expensive and time-consuming related safety measures.

Why does it work?

By utilising a cold-applied Belzona solution, bonding can be carried out through a simple injection or ‘glue’ method as an alternative to high risk repairs/upgrading repairs associated with hot work. In the case of live leak sealing Belzona’s product range involves products with fast curing variants for the instant repair of holes or worn areas.

Environmental:

Consequences

Tank leakage is clearly a major concern, especially if hazardous materials are involved. Operators have a duty of care under Environmental Legislation to prevent the contamination of land and water courses. To this end, secondary containment or bunding is designed to hold the contents of a tank in the event of catastrophic failure. A major failure of this nature, however, is both costly and potentially dangerous. Loss of the contents of the tank, disposal costs, clean-up costs and potential ultimate scrapping of the tank itself can amount to very significant losses and safety issues.

History

With over 55 years experience, Belzona’s systems and techniques have enabled us to develop repair composites and overcome the traditional difficulties related to hot work.

Companies worldwide have benefited from Belzona’s solutions in addressing problems including;

• Tank base corrosion
• Cold bonding
• Chemically resistant coatings and bund lining
• Solutions for corrosion under insulation
• Repairs to leaking pipes and flanges
• Pipe support pads

The effectiveness of Belzona solutions for storage tanks, as well as our general maintenance solutions have been proven through these applications resulting in increased storage tank life, avoiding demolition and reconstruction and minimising interruptions to the business.

To find out more about Belzona products, please contact one of our technical support Consultants or your local Distributor for information.