Recoating a 192-foot high torosphere for the City of Avon, Ohio, was a tall order that called for an experienced contractor and the proven performance of fluoropolymer technology from Tnemec. “The tank’s proximity to Lake Erie and the nature of the site near a busy intersection made this a difficult project for the contractor,” reported Tnemec coating consultant Sean Carlin. “It was challenging because of the winds from the lake and the tank’s location in a section of town that’s exploding with growth.”

Adding even more complexity was the need for full containment required for exterior lead abatement of the elevated tank. Following surface preparation in accordance with SSPC-SP10/NACE No. 2 Near-White Metal Blast Cleaning, the tank’s exterior received a spray-applied prime coat of Series 91-H2 O Hydro-Zinc, a moisture-cured, zinc-rich aromatic urethane. Certified in accordance with ANSI/NSF Std. 61 for use in potable water, Hydro-Zinc cures quickly, can be topcoated the same day and provides outstanding long-term corrosion resistance when used in conjunction with other Tnemec coatings.

Next, an intermediate coat of Series 73 Endura-Shield, an acrylic polyurethane, was roller-applied. Endura-Shield is highly resistant to abrasion, wet conditions, corrosive fumes, chemical contact and exterior weathering.

Completing the three-coat system was a topcoat of Series 700 HydroFlon, a fluoropolymer polyurethane, which was also roller-applied. The project required 72 gallons of HydroFlon, which was chosen for its outstanding resistance to ultraviolet light degradation, unprecedented long-term gloss and color retention and excellent resistance to abrasion and chalking.

The 750,000-gallon torosphere was the second water tank in the City of Avon to use the HydroFlon coating system. “The first tank was a 400,000-gallon ground storage tank completed in 2002,” Carlin noted. ”They both look great.”