TANK LININGS

Although many have learned the hard way, a growing number of transporters are recognizing that successful maintenance of lined trailers actually begins during the manufacturing process -- not after the equipment has been put into use. In fact, an incorrect choice of liner before installation even begins can make it virtually impossible for any maintenance program to work effectively.

Many transporters still believe one liner fits all products, and that's a big mistake.

One liner does not fit all; There are different types of liners that can be used depending on the type of product that will be transported. Depending on the product, you might use an epoxy liner that may be a phenolic or novolac epoxy. A lot of what we do is to educate customers about the type of liner they need. The truth is, a lot of people do not do enough research. They don't know, for instance, that rubber often is the best liner for concentrated sulfuric acid.

Many transporters also do not understand how liners can be damaged. External welding can cause damage to trailer liners and so can improper cleaning. Dropping heavy tools, including wrenches, on the liners also can damage them

Key to the long-term success of a lined trailer, and one of the biggest challenges for those who install them, is the surface preparation. Any trailer that has had previous exposure must be completely free of all residue and hydrocarbons before a liner can be installed. Part of the process is abrasive blasting. The correct surface cleanliness and profile depth is critical to the success of the lining.

Once the surface has been prepared, the liner coating can be applied. Upon completion of the installed lining Tank Services has the ability to force cure the lining, if required. The goal is to raise the temperature of the metal 60 degrees per hour until the desired cure temperature is achieved and held for the specified time duration.

There are a lot of misconceptions relating to the coating process. Thicker is not better, although that's what a lot of users were told for many years. In fact, if there's too much coating, you're going to have a lot of cracking caused by normal heat and stress. It's important you give close consideration to the product you are hauling and the manufacturer's specifications on the coating.'

Unfortunately, many transporters haul a different product every day -- often in the same trailers. Even with regular cleaning, no liner can accommodate a wide assortment of products. Fortunately, transporters are becoming much more knowledgeable in terms of both installation and use of liners.

Coating Solutions Article

Tank Linings/Coatings: EPOXIES EPOXY-PHENOLIC NOVALAC EPOXY THIN FILM POLYESTER VINYL ESTER PHENOLIC THICK FILM MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATES: NTTC, SSPC, PDCA U.S. D.O.T. IDENTIFICATION NO. CT-7649 More Pictures