All Glass Armor epoxy linings for aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are being renamed Tank Armor following the purchase of the 100 percent solids thick-film technology from Bridgeport Chemical by Tnemec earlier this year. “Under the agreement, Tnemec is the sole owner of this technology, which will be marketed under the new Tank Armor brand name,” according to Gary Zinn, sales director, Industrial Markets for Tnemec. “The lining technology is exactly the same and we will continue to use the same Tnemec product series.”

Tnemec has manufactured and distributed Glass Armor epoxy linings for aboveground storage applications under an exclusive licensing agreement with Bridgeport Chemical. “The acquisition of these linings allows us to continue to provide superior resistance to chemicals and physical abuse for the interior of storage tanks in more aggressive operating conditions,” Zinn explained.

The Tank Armor product line offers long-term corrosion protection and chemical resistance with features such as 100 percent solids formulations, rapid cure, volatile organic compound (VOC) compliance, abrasion- and impact-resistance, a high-build (20-150 mils DFT) monolithic application process, excellent bond strength and rapid return to service. Specific linings include:

• Series 330 Tank Armor – A high-performance epoxy lining which reduces coating stresses caused by mechanical, thermal or physical forces on tank bottoms or walls.

• Series 345 Tank Armor – A cold-cure epoxy lining that is designed to cure at 35 degrees F.

• Series 350 Tank Armor – A high-performance epoxy lining that is highly chemical resistant.

• Series 351 Tank Armor – A specialized polysulfide/novolac epoxy repair and base coat putty for seams, rivets and chime areas.

• Series 365 Tank Armor – A novolac epoxy lining for steel storage tanks containing acid solutions, alkalis and other containment areas requiring severe chemical resistance including 98 percent sulfuric acid resistance.

• Series 390 Tank Armor –Internal epoxy lining for higher-temperature applications in tanks and other chemical immersion vessels.

• Series 396 Tank Armor – High-performance internal epoxy lining designed for corrosion control and abrasion for the pipes and tanks in milling and process environments.

The specialized lining and coating systems are especially critical in the petroleum industry which accounts for more than 700,000 ASTs in North America, according to the American Petroleum Institute (API). Typically, corrosive-resistant linings are applied to interior flooring and shells, floating roofs on open tank designs and secondary containment areas. They are also used to protect the interiors of mobile fractionation tanks and over-the-road transports used to haul acids and solvents such as xylene and toluene.

“When properly selected and applied, high-build linings can protect the interior and exterior of ASTs from corrosion caused by a wide range of aggressive acids and petrochemical solutions including sweet and sour crude oil, gasoline, diesel and bio-diesel fuels, solvents and oxygenation additives like ethanol, to name a few,” Zinn noted. “With fast-curing epoxy liners, it’s possible to conduct high-voltage holiday testing within hours of application, then repair any holidays and return the ASTs and trailers to service, usually within 24 to 36 hours.”

In addition to its internal tank liners, Tnemec provides external protection for concrete and metal substrates in nearly any industrial environment. From zinc-rich urethane primers and durable epoxies to a complete offering of acrylic, polyurethane and fluoropolymer topcoats, Tnemec products protect assets by preventing corrosion and ensuring long-term aesthetic appeal. Chemical-resistant products suitable for primary and secondary containment are also available.

“Exterior coatings are specially formulated to protect the outer shell of tanks, piping and exposed structural steel against ultraviolet (UV) light degradation, abrasion, corrosive fumes and weathering,” Zinn added. “Advanced technology primers and topcoats used on the exterior of floating roofs are helping major refineries realize up to 20 years of service life from the high-performance coating system."