industrial coatings

industrial coatings SERVICES

Benefits of Industrial Coating Applications

Industrial coating application in tank lining services is essential for protecting tanks from corrosion, chemical damage, and other forms of degradation. By carefully preparing surfaces, selecting appropriate coatings, applying them correctly, and ensuring thorough quality control, these services maintain the safety, efficiency, and longevity of industrial tanks across various industries.

Key Aspects of Industrial Coating Application in Tank Lining Services

Surface Preparation

  • Cleaning: Removing all contaminants such as rust, scale, old coatings, oil, grease, and dirt. This can be achieved through methods like power washing, solvent cleaning, or chemical cleaning.

  • Abrasive Blasting: Using abrasive materials to blast the surface, creating a profile that helps the coating adhere better. Common abrasives include sand, steel grit, and aluminum oxide.

  • Inspection: Conducting thorough inspections to ensure the surface meets the required standards of cleanliness and profile. Tools like surface profile gauges and visual inspection methods are used.

Coating Selection

  • Material Compatibility: Choosing coatings compatible with the tank’s contents. For instance, epoxy coatings are common for chemical resistance, while polyurethane coatings are chosen for their abrasion resistance.

  • Environmental Considerations: Selecting coatings that can withstand the operating conditions of the tank, such as temperature variations, humidity, and exposure to UV light.

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring the selected coatings meet industry standards and regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Workers using elevated platforms to paint or inspect the exterior of a large beige or yellow industrial building or tank against a blue sky with clouds.

Application Methods

  • Spraying: Using airless or conventional spray equipment to apply coatings evenly and efficiently.

  • Brushing and Rolling: Employed for smaller areas or touch-ups where spraying is impractical.

  • Plural Component Application: Using specialized equipment to mix and apply two-component coatings, which are often used for their superior performance in harsh environments.

Curing and Drying

  • Ambient Curing: Allowing coatings to cure at room temperature, suitable for many epoxy and polyurethane systems.

  • Accelerated Curing: Using heat or UV light to speed up the curing process, often used in industrial settings to reduce downtime.

  • Monitoring: Ensuring the coatings cure properly by monitoring temperature, humidity, and time, following the manufacturer’s specifications.

Quality Control and Inspection

  • Adhesion Testing: Using pull-off tests to ensure the coating adheres well to the substrate.

  • Thickness Measurement: Using devices like magnetic gauges or ultrasonic thickness gauges to verify the coating meets the specified thickness.

  • Holiday Testing: Detecting pinholes or defects in the coating using a holiday detector, ensuring a continuous protective barrier.

Maintenance and Touch-ups

  • Routine Inspections: Conducting periodic inspections to identify any signs of coating failure or wear.

  • Repairing Damaged Areas: Promptly addressing any coating defects or damage to prevent corrosion from spreading.

  • Reapplication: Recoating surfaces as needed based on the wear and degradation observed during inspections.