 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
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.
Founded in the early 1970s, privately owned Tank Services operates four divisions focusing on oil and gas, shop services and industrial services. Within the industrial division, the company installs and repairs lined trailers for a variety of companies in the Midwest, including Manfredi Motor Transit Co.
Although Tank Services lines trailers of all sizes, most are 6,000 to 7,000-gallon bulk trailers with multiple compartments. It normally takes about five days to install a liner. The DOT-certified company, located on a seven-acre tract, employs about 80 workers at its 30,000-square-foot inspection, installation and repair facility.
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. To eliminate contamination, Tank Services uses a "white-metal abrasive blast cleaning'' process to reach the proper anchor profile. During the pre-bake process, a high-velocity heating system blows 300-degree air into the trailer.
Once the trailer is free of contaminants, the liner coating can be applied. Upon completion of the installed lining Tank Services has the ability to force cure the lining. 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.
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Tank Linings/Coatings: EPOXIES MEMBERSHIP AFFILIATES: |
|
