Tank lining

Abstract

An underground storage tank is lined in situ by first clearing the inner surface of the tank using water jetting. The surface is then inspected and grit blasted. A corrosion barrier coating in the form of glass flakeepoxy resin is applied to a minimum dry film thickness of 1000 microns. An adhesive is applied to the barrier coating and sheets of an HDPE interstitial grid are bonded to the adhesive forming an air gap of about 5 mm. A pliable glass reinforced plastic layer is laid upon the grid. The GRP material is exposed to UV lamps to form an impermeable shell within the tank. A surface coating layer may be applied. A leak detector is installed in the interstitial space defined by the grid.

Description

INTRODUCTION [0001] The invention relates to a method for lining a storage tank, especially underground storage tanks for petroleum products and chemicals generally. [0002] Storage tanks are widely installed underground for a range of different uses. One of the most widely used tanks of this type are underground storage tanks installed at petroleum products facilities such as filling stations. Generally, such tanks are of steel and degrade over time leading to leakages. Valuable product is lost through such leakages however, more importantly serious environmental problems result with leakages into the water table and the like. Damaged tanks therefore cause serious environmental problems. In addition, the replacement of such tanks is extremely expensive as major excavation work is required to remove and replace the tank. In the case of a filling station there are also major costs involved in closure of the station while lengthy works are carried out. In addition, in the event of clos...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] exposing the glass reinforced plastics material to ultra violet ray

Problems solved by technology

Generally, such tanks are of steel and degrade over time leading to leakages.

Valuable product is lost through such leakages however, more importantly serious environmental problems result with leakages into the water table and the like.

Damaged tanks therefore cause serious environmental problems.

In addition, the replacement of such tanks is extremely expensive as major excavation work is required to remove and replace the tank.

In the case of a filling station there are also major costs involved in closure of the station while lengthy works are carried out.

In addition, in the event of closure it is often the case that an even more expensive station reconstruction is carried out to attract back customers who have moved to other stations while the work is being carried out.

This leads to yet further costs.

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