Linings are often utilized on hydrocarbon aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) to provide protection against internal corrosion caused by exposure to hydrocarbon products and contaminants (e.g., water, sediment). Typically, ASTs’ out of service cycles range from 10 – 20 years depending on the integrity management program and the applicable regulatory requirements. During maintenance intervals, the tank bottom and vapor space lining may require repairs or complete replacement dependent on the next forecasted maintenance cycle. During colder weather, < 10°C (50°F), application of the tank bottom and vapor space lining requires heating and hoarding of ASTs to ensure the substrate temperature is maintained above the lowest rated application temperature (LRAT). Many of the lining technologies are based on chemistries (e.g., polyamides, phenolics, etc.) that limit the feasible LRAT to about 10 °C (50 °F). Dependent on the size of the AST, hording and heating may be relatively ineffective at the interface of the floating roof and the tank shell during colder winter.
This paper presents the laboratory qualification program utilized to compare four lining systems for application down to −10°C (14°F). The lining systems were applied and cured at −10 °C (14 °F). Cure of the lining systems was monitored using differential scanning calorimetry and adhesion testing, while the performance of the linings was evaluated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and autoclave and standard atlas cell testing. One of the four lining systems, Product C, a 71% volume solids epoxy that contained zinc phosphate, exhibited the most potential for low temperature field implementation.
Linings are often utilized on hydrocarbon aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) to extend the out-of-service (OOS) life of the asset by providing a physical barrier against internal corrosion caused by exposure to hydrocarbon products and contaminants (e.g., water, sediment). ASTs’ OOS cycles will range from 10 – 20 years depending on the integrity management that takes into consideration the commodity type, corrosivity, and the age of the asset along with the applicable regulatory requirements. During OOS maintenance of external floating roof, ASTs may require repairs or complete replacements of the tank bottom and vapor space lining.
