|
Sealing tank bases doesn’t typically get much thought but the consequences of a thinned or leaking floor can be devastating. The typically used caulking between a tank shell and the concrete ring it rests on is notoriously unreliable. One major oil and gas company has stopped specifying this caulking since it only lasts three months before disbonding from either the tank or the concrete ring wall or both. Once compromised, this joint allows snow melt and wind driven rain access to the underside of the tank floor where corrosion can proceed undetected. Asset owners are betting that the corrosion will not perforate the plate prior to the next API 653 inspection but this is not always the case. Even if a failure does not occur, the cost of installing a new floor in an above ground storage tank is $100-$150/ft². Belzona® 3111 (Flexible Membrane) can be used in place of caulk to form a flexible breathable seal from the tank shell to the concrete pad. Unlike caulk which has very little bond area, Belzona® 3111 (Flexible Membrane) is applied several inches up onto the shell, over the chine, and several inches down onto the concrete ring. This large bond area coupled with Flexible Membrane’s significant ability to expand and contract ensures a water tight seal for many years if not longer. Better, because Flexible Membrane is microporous, any trapped water beneath the floor can exit as water vapor even while liquid water from outside is prevented from entering. This is very important in areas where the water table is high.
 Typical unprotected state of tank bases
A simple and inexpensive Belzona repair will last many years Please do not hesitate to contact us regarding these or other repairs to storage tanks; we look forward to helping your facility reduce operating costs.
 Chris Lucas
clucas@rumfordgroup.com
937-435-4650
RumfordGroup.com
 Time sure does fly, 35 years have gone by On January 11, 1980 Rumford Industrial Group was incorporated, becoming the Great Lakes Region distributor for Belzona® polymeric repair compounds and industrial protective coatings. We are honored to know that you rely on us to repair, protect and improve your machinery, equipment, buildings and structures when things stop working. We trust that you’ll allow us to continue to be a trusted business partner for the next 35 years and beyond. On behalf of our employees and associates, thank you so very much for the opportunity to be of service. Jim Rumford
 Newsletter Subscription and Archives
In keeping with our mission of “aggressive growth through education of clients and associates on solutions to Repair, Protect and Improve their physical assets”, we offer industry specific newsletters that target cost saving applications specific to your particular needs. Please take a moment to subscribe to any of the sixteen newsletters by clicking on the “Subscribe” button or check out our archives by clicking on the “View Archives” button. We also welcome any comments, thoughts or ideas you may have.
 In-Plant Seminars
Hit the "FREE In Plant Seminar" button above and we’ll swing by your site to discuss Belzona® polymer repair and protective coating solutions that can extend the service life of your equipment and infrastructure. We’ll even bring you lunch!
|
