Maintaining Industrial Equipment

When utilizing an exterior tank for your wastewater treatment business, you often have to consider the different elements that come with each season. The durability of the tank is crucial for it's performance and ability to last for multiple years. During the summer, there are many elements to be aware of as you use the tank and want to defend it from issues like corrosion and abrasion. One way to help protect the condition of your tank is with coatings. There are four coating features to look for when looking for summer protection. Each coating feature can add the maximum protection during the summer and be easily applied to your tank by professionals.

High Temperature Coatings

One of the biggest concerns that comes with the use of a tank in the summer is exposure to extreme temperatures. High heat can come from both exterior summer weather and the waste liquid that is used inside the tank. Insulation and protection is added to a tank when high temperature coatings are applied inside and out of the tank design. This type of coating is usually silicone based and applied directly to the tank. The silicone is applied directly over the steel tank and can prevent erosion due to the high temperatures. Typical silicone applications can withstand heat up to 572 degrees, giving you plenty of extra protection for your tank application needs. During summer heat waves, the silicone can act as a basic insulation and prevent the tank from overheating.

Sacrificial Coatings

A steel tank is often paired with another metal that can help prevent corrosion and delay the process. Summers are known for random rain showers and thunderstorms. Water and liquid can slowly lead to corrosion on tanks due to rust and excessive moisture. This process can be prevented by using a sacrificial coating. One of the more common types of sacrificial coatings that you can apply to tanks is a zinc-based coating. This coating is applied directly over the steel and prevents the steel walls of the tank from corroding. This application usually lasts for multiple years before a new coating is needed.

Solvent-Based Coatings

When choosing coatings, you typically have two main categories to select from: solvent-based or water-based. These options apply to the type of coating you select. For example, you can select a silicone coating that has a solvent base. For summertime use, a solvent-based coating has many advantages. One of these advantages is the humidity in the air. When a water-based coating is applied during the summer, the high humidity could delay the drying process or cause an uneven coating. A solvent-based coating provides your tank with a fast drying coating that can add protection through the summer and every other season. The solvent-based coating can easily apply to the tank and prevent corrosion spots from appearing on random parts of the tank. The solvent naturally reacts with oxygen to dry and bond to the walls of your tank.

Barrier Coatings

During the summer, air moisture, humidity, and oxygen all play a role in the corrosion of a wastewater tank. This is why it's important to select a coating that can help block out a majority of these issues and supply you with extra protection for your tank. One of the more ideal options is a barrier coating. These coatings are also UV-resistant, a crucial factor for summer days. When the sun is beating down on your exterior tanks, harmful UV rays can easily lead to corrosion on unprotected tanks. The materials used in barrier coatings can prevent the UV rays from impacting your tank materials and creating issues. There are many types of barrier coatings to choose from for a wastewater tank. For example, the mullite coating includes a mixture of alumina and silica to help prevent corrosion.

Contact tank coating professionals for more info to help you choose the best coatings for your summer protection. This can go a long way in protecting your equipment for multiple years and reducing the maintenance that is needed.