When Archer Daniels Midland Co. (ADM) expanded its ethanol manufacturing facilities in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the project included new additions to the plant’s fire protection system that was protected by corrosion-resistant coatings from Tnemec. “The project involved two steel tanks that were 60 feet in diameter and 40 feet high,” according to Tnemec coating consultant Keith Kennett. “The tanks are used to store water for the plant’s fire protection system.”
For protection from corrosion, the exterior of the tanks was prepared in accordance with SSPC-SP6/NACE No. 3 Commercial Blast Cleaning and primed with Series 90-97 Tneme-Zinc, an advanced technology, zinc-rich urethane primer with exceptional rust-inhibitive advantages. “Even if there’s some sort of physical impact with the tank, the primer will sacrifice itself and not allow any corrosion to undercut the coating system,” Kennett observed.
The tanks received two finish coats of Series 1074 Endura-Shield II, an aliphatic acrylic polyurethane, which were spray- and roller-applied at 2.5 mils dry film thickness (DFT). Series 1074 is highly resistant to abrasion, wet conditions, corrosive fumes and exterior weathering. “Series 1074 provides a nice, gloss finish that will retain its aesthetic appearance for many years,” Kennett shared. “ADM has always taken pride in its facilities and likes to maintain an attractive appearance.”
The interior of the tanks was prepared in accordance with SSPC-SP10/NACE No. 2 Near-White Blast Cleaning and lined with two coats of Series N69 Hi-Build Epoxoline II, an advanced generation polyamidoamine epoxy with superior resistance to abrasion and chemical exposure. “N69 was specified for its proven performance in water immersion service,” Kennett noted.