Fiberglass Repairs Provide an Alternative to Costly Steel Replacement and Repairs

A revolution is coming in the world of infrastructure installation, repairs, and maintenance, according to Michael Legault of CompositesWorld. It’s being driven largely by the advent of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) and the repairs that material makes possible. FRP repairs provide a cost-effective and productive way to heal damaged infrastructure, thus avoiding the need for costly, time-consuming replacements. FRP tanks can also serve as an excellent alternative to steel and concrete in some applications. Read more »

Storage tanks are an important feature of virtually every production and manufacturing facility around the country. They are used to store such things as petroleum products, various chemicals, acids, water, and waste matter. Many storage tanks are built from metal, but some are made of fiberglass. No matter the construction, no tank will last forever. A tank may experience the natural effects of corrosion, a failure in the tank structure, or the tank coating or may need to be repurposed for some other tank contents, requiring a change of lining. When tank rehabilitation is called for, sandblasting may be required in the restoration process. Then, it is time to call in an expert sandblasting Bay Area company. Read more »

Storage tanks, both above ground and below ground, are essential components of many industries including chemical, mining and metals, food and beverage, energy, water, and wastewater. Tanks store many types of fluids for these industries and due to the natural corrosive processes of collecting and storing fluids, they are subject to leakage. That calls for quality installation and maintenance of tank linings and for tank leak repair when needed. Read more »

Commercial and Industrial Water Tanks Require Regular Inspection

Water tanks, including those used in industrial settings, require careful monitoring and ongoing maintenance to remain operational. By the end of this article, you’ll have a good grasp on how measures like tank liners and frequent inspections keep water tanks at their best. The article also covers certain changes water tanks have undergone. Read more »

Storage tanks are used in many industries including chemical processing, oil and gas refining, aquaculture, food processing, agriculture, waste-water treatment, power generation, pulp and paper, steel production, concrete production, and others. Storage tanks are expensive and any organization that uses them must be concerned about corrosion and leaks, cost of repairs, potential penalties for leaks as well as protecting the environment. Read more »

Tank Inspection and Lining Gets a Quicker with Sherwin Williams New Product

Exciting news has captured the attention of Bay Area coatings contractors and tank owners alike: Sherwin-Williams has rolled out a new tank lining that offers several advantages, including faster applications and speedy returns to service. Officially known as Nova-Plate 360 tank lining, this technology promises to also provide “unparalleled protection to the interior of steel tanks and vessels,” according to product information from Sherwin Williams.

Faster Applications

As explained in a press release put out by Sherwin-Williams, Nova-Plate 360 makes use of a single-leg application process. This makes applying it simpler, especially compared to linings that require plural-component spraying. The lining also boasts a colored Part B that allows applicators to make sure they achieve the “proper mix before spraying,” which can cut down on errors and rework.

Additionally, the coat’s fast curing time allows tanks to return to service within a 24-hour time period. Another plus is that Nova-Plate 360 has a high film build, eliminating the need for multiple coats in most cases. That alone cuts a step out of the application process. All of these features combine to mean that assets that need to remain operational as much as possible—like a commercial fire water tank—can do so. (Note that plural-component and multiple-coating setups are possible as well, if so desired.)

Tank Benefits

Nova-Plate 360 will smooth the tank inspection process. For example, its optional optically activated pigment technology allows for LED inspection that identifies small but critical problems in linings, including pinholes and holidays. (A holiday is a type of interruption in the tank lining that damages its performance.) Smoother inspections make inspectors more likely to find issues—no matter how small—and identify necessary courses of actions, such as tank leak repair.

Aside from its easy application and maintenance procedures, Nova-Plate 360 offers a high level of protection. For example, it can resist methanol at 77 degrees Fahrenheit and ethanol at 120 degrees. It also holds up in most situations that involve cathodic disbonding. According to Sherwin-Williams, the lining was developed with steel tanks, spools, pipelines, and vessels in mind. All in all, it promises to deliver a great mix of excellent performance and convenience.

Commercial Coatings Contractor Serving The Bay Area in California

Picon FRP, Inc. has served California and Nevada for over 30 years with full-service tank inspections, maintenance, coatings and linings as well as sand blasting service at our facility as well as mobile sandblasting. If you need high quality service from trained and experienced professionals we can help. Call 510-232-0065 or contact us today!

Elevated water tanks serve many needs such as the storage of drinking water and industrial uses including agricultural irrigation, fire suppression, chemical manufacturing and food preparation. Tanks can be constructed of different materials such as fiberglass, concrete, stone, steel and various plastics. Read more »

Proper tank and trailer liners are crucial to protect commercial tanks against chemical absorption. Choosing the right tank liners allows you to store and transport different loads of corrosive substances without chemical damage. Let’s look at the many types of commercial trailer liners, along with their purposes and benefits–which go well beyond potential tank corrosion. Read more »

FRP Concrete Strengthening – Strength and Corrosion Resistance

For the past 25 years or so, Fiber Reinforced Polymers (or fiber-reinforced plastics) have been gaining in usage in the U.S. for the purpose of adding considerable strength to structures made of concrete, wood, masonry, and steel. Since it was discovered that FRP concrete strengthening was at least eight times more effective than steel-reinforced structures, the process has surged into popularity in this country. In essence, high-strength fibers such as steel, glass, or carbon are combined with a polymer matrix, which protects the fibers and binds them together, thus creating a super-strong reinforcing substance. Read more »

Coatings help tanks and other structures remain in service by warding off corrosion and additional types of damage. However, before a coating can be applied, abrasive blasting—commonly in the form of sandblasting—needs to take place in order to create a surface prime for coating. This post takes a look at what goes into abrasive blasting and why this service requires a professional crew. Read more »