Commercial tank and beam coatings do more than just keep the steel material covered against the elements. Prevailing laws emphasize the type and quality of the tank and beam coatings to guarantee compliance with existing requirements.
Tank and Beams Under Regulation
Currently, underground and aboveground tanks and beams are subjected to national, state, and local regulations. It’s interesting to note that the definition of these tanks is also open to legal identification. For example, tanks don’t have to be completely buried to be classified as Underground Storage Tanks and vice versa. Under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), an underground storage tank is any tank with piping that has at least 10% of its total volume buried underground.
Tank regulations may also vary depending on what’s inside. Permanently sealed tanks may be exempt from requirements while crude oil tanks undergo more stringent policies. They may need to meet installation and design requirements as well as have an SPCC or Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure Plan requirements.
General Requirements as Per Regulation
The SPCC is perhaps the most prevalent requirement when it comes to underground and aboveground storage tanks. The whole point of SPCC is to prevent or prepare for oil spills that could possibly reach bodies of water. It covers facilities with an aboveground tank capable of carrying up to 1,320 gallons of liquid. For underground tanks, the SPCC applies to ones with a capacity of at least 32,000 gallons. Once these tanks meet the threshold, it becomes critical to have an SPCC plan to prevent possible damage to a water source or the surrounding environment.
Some of the requirements include:
- Having a double-walled tank with an internal leak monitoring system.
- Piping should also be double-walled
- Setup should be made with a spill prevention system
- There should also be spill prevention equipment installed with the system
- All tank systems must undergo routine maintenance and scheduled walkthroughs to determine their integrity
- All tanks must also be protected against corrosion. This is something that needs to be constantly verified through inspections and the application of tank and beam coatings designed specifically for the job.
- All operators of tanks must undergo training to guarantee the proper use and preservation of the equipment.
Added Value of Tank and Beam Coatings
Steel tanks and beams by themselves are already effective ways to keep crude oil and other liquids safe inside the tank. However, steel tanks and beams are prone to corrosion – causing them to deteriorate over time. It’s therefore not surprising that tank and beam coatings should undergo routine maintenance with the application of a fresh coating. This helps minimize corrosion and guarantees that the liquid remains secure.
Proper application of tank and beam coatings can go a long way in guaranteeing long-term benefits like:
Protection against water
With proper application, tank and beam coatings can prevent water from lingering on the steel surface. Consistent exposure to moisture can encourage the growth of bacteria, resulting in faster corrosion.
Cleans the surface of existing rust
Applying coating on the surface of steel starts with a thorough clean of the area. This is something we make sure to do as a reputable company in the area. By thoroughly cleaning the surface, we can ensure that there are no lingering bacteria that can initiate corrosion. Coatings by themselves are also powerful and can hinder the further spread of bacteria.
Helps with heat resistance
Heat can initiate chemical reactions which can become problematic for liquids trapped inside a container. Coatings offer additional resistance to the heat, allowing the liquid inside to enjoy a cooler temperature. When it comes to chemical reactions and the emergence of bacteria, a few degrees of temperature can spell the difference between corrosion and a stable tank surface.
Eco-friendly benefits
Of course, there’s also the fact that tank and beam coatings are the most eco-friendly option for keeping tank materials intact. By consistently painting a layer of protective material on the steel, the inner layer remains untouched by harsh weather and corrosion. This prevents the need to replace the tank completely or to transfer the content from one tank to another.
Cost-effective option
Tank and beam coatings can go a long way in helping facilities save up on costs in the long run. This is because the coating helps sustain the integrity of the steel tank, effectively extending its life and eliminating the need to replace the container. Prepped correctly, above-ground tanks can last up to 20 years while underground storage tanks have a life expectancy of 15 years.
Extreme Epoxy Coatings is the number one resource of tank and beam coatings in the area. Facilities hoping to meet stringent regulations on tanks can call on us for a consult and find out what they need to update their systems.
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