Interior reservoir coating?

[lmm600]

On a 300,000 gal. steel 100ft tall tank with the inside coating actually coming loose is there any way of repairing this without draining the tank? Thanks in advance....

 

[JedClampett]

I doubt it. And why would you want to? You need to get rid of the old coating and you don't want that in your water.
Also, when you drain it, you're going to find a lot of the coating you think is good is delaminating.
If you don't have a redundant method to supply water, now would be a good time to provide one.

 

[bimr]

There are methods for repairing tanks without draining the tank.

There are methods for maintaining the water system pressure while the tank is out of service.

There is no method for repairing a coating failure with the tank remaining in service.

 

[lmm600]

Thanks JedClampett and bimr.
bimr; what would be the methods for maintaining system pressure while the tank is drained? This is a very small system and its only reservoir.

 

[bimr]

Basically, you install pressure control valves on fire hydrants in the system and run the service pumps.

 

[waterpipe]

Hi bimr,
To make this post complete, would you please mention the methods for repairing tanks without draining the tank. What kind of a repair you meant? Thank you.

 

[bimr]

Many methods are availabe depending on how the tank is constructed and the repair that is needed. You can weld a metal section onto the tank exterior. You can also use hydraulic cement on the exterior if it is a concrete tank. Mechanical bolts and clamps may also be used depending on the repair needed.

 

[waterpipe]

Thank you bimr. I was thinking of divers and mini submarines!
Have a nice weekend.

 

[bimr]

That might work too but you will have to call in the cousteau's.

 

[rconner]

For many years I have heard of underwater applications of coatings, most memorably due to the advertising catch phrase “Aquatapoxy” (that I think used to be advertised with something like a caricature of a diver in flippers with a paint brush!) While I have no experience with same, for tanks or any other application, apparently same is still around (e.g. per

http://cohesantmaterials.com/Products/AquataPoxy30thAnniversary.aspx

!) I would agree however that, even if this is good stuff for touch-up repairs, this may well not be way to go if existing coating problems are extensive.