Whether storage tanks are vertical, horizontal, insulated or dual containment, at some stage they always require service and maintenance.

This could be something as simple as a repair to the external wall, or as complex as changing the lining to assure compatibility with different chemicals.

It’s also important for chemical storage tanks to undergo regular testing to comply with health and safety requirements. Regular testing is necessary to assure the integrity of the tank, so that people can safely operate it and clean it. This also applies to pressure vessels, bulk silos and other types of fabrication.

Here’s a rundown of the common types of service and maintenance:

Monitoring equipment

An important aspect of service and maintenance is monitoring equipment. This can be equipped to storage tanks and silos to detect leaks.

Leak detection equipment can make use of over and under pressure leak detection technology and is suitable for single and dual containment applications. Tanks can be monitored from a central location on-site of off-site. When a leak is detected, the tank can be closed off, shut down and inspected quickly.

GRP/ plastic repairs

GRP and plastic storage tanks can sustain external damage like cracks and piercings, which are certain to compromise the tank’s structural integrity.

Repairs are desirable because the cost of tank replacement is often uneconomical. Also, it’s better for the environment to repair rather than replace.

We have significant experience repairing GRP and plastic storage tanks. This includes plugging holes and repairing cracks. Many repairs are imperceptible. Tanks are fully tested following repair to assure the quality of the repair.

Lining repairs

Storage tanks can be too impractical and expensive to replace, and the truth is that most tank liners can be repaired, making replacement unnecessary.

It is quite common for tank liners to fail after a significant period in service or following recommission after a period of downtime. One issue is the movement in sectional fibreglass tanks which can cause problems with inflexible liners.

Comprehensive tests should be performed to determine the true condition of the liner so that a repair can be specified. Spray-applied linings, including epoxy, polyurethane and GRP laminates, can often be repaired to a high standard.

Lining replacement

A lining replacement can be brought about by a change of use (for example, from storing water to storing chemicals) or it can be forced because of irreparable damage (for example, if a tank fails and leaks harmful chemicals).

The most important aspects to lining replacement include ensuring compatibility with different chemicals, and lifespan. The internal liner has to be fit for purpose. Modern liners are often made from the following materials:

  • GRP
  • HDPE
  • Epoxies
  • Zinc
  • Mild steel
  • Stainless steel

Some materials can serve as substitutions for others. For example, HDPE can be used for chemical storage the same as GRP. However, these materials have different compatibilities, so it’s important to get expert advice before choosing.

If you need a new lining, we will select the most appropriate lining from our wide range of coating products ranging from GRP laminates to chemical resistant epoxies. For a chat about your needs, call us on +44 (0)1922 418005 or email sales@pdfl.uk.