Case Studies - Zaklady Azotowe Pulawy S.A., Pulawy
 

Failed Rubber lining, bulk H2SO4 Storage Tank

A chemical factory had an interesting problem for us. They had a bulk storage tank for the containment of sulphuric acid at various concentrations and storage temperatures ranging from 25 to 85% and 35 to 50oC.

The carbon steel tank was of standard vertical cylindrical design, 5 m high and 4.5 m diameter. The tank had previously been lined with a traditional vulcanised rubber system. After some years of use it was necessary to replace the lining in the lower 50% of the vessel. The new rubber lining was applied and almost immediately failed. We were called in to identify the problem and make recommendations. We found that although the tank had been thoroughly washed prior to the start of the work, small amounts of H2SO4 in crystalline form had remained on the upper areas of the existing tank lining. During vulcanisation of the new rubber lining, diluted H2SO4 trickled down the internal walls of the vessel in the form of condensation and came into contact with the new rubber lining before it had become resistant to the acid. Our recommendation was to remove all the rubber and apply a liquid resin lining system.

From our database we found we had a suitable material for this project. It was a high tech modified acid resistant epoxy resin system from a company in America. Although the cost of our service for this project was quite expensive, it was found when making a cost and time comparison, between applying a new rubber lining or changing technology completely, our technology proved to be cheaper by some 45%. The lining was applied in the beginning of 1997 and I understand that the tank has been in constant use and the lining is still in working order.
 
 
 
 
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Copyright © 2001 Peter Lambert-Gorwyn. All rights reserved.

   
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