1. Above Ground Storage Tanks &
Tank Base Sealing

2. Tank Base Sealing Types of Tank
Fixed Roof Tanks
- Least Expensive to construct
For storing “Low Vapour Pressure”
Products ( below 2 psi. )

3. Tank Base Sealing Types of Tank
Fixed Roof Tanks
Least Expensive to construct
For storing “Low Vapour Pressure”
Products ( below 2 psi. )
Floating Roof Tanks
- To prevent evaporation loss
More expensive to build and maintain

4. Tank Base Sealing Types of Tank
Fixed Roof Tanks
Least Expensive to construct
For storing “Low Vapour Pressure”
Products ( below 2 psi. )
Floating Roof Tanks
To prevent evaporation loss
More expensive to build and maintain
Silos
- Ash (Fly ash)
- Used for Storing “dry” products
Variety of construction materials

5. Tank Base Sealing Tank Base Construction

6. Tank Base Sealing Tank Base Construction
Large Tanks
1. Trench preparation for perimeter wall
2. Reinforced concrete containment wall 1
3. First sections of tank wall positioned
Large Storage Tanks – Typical Construction 2 2 3 3

7. Tank Base Sealing Tank Base Construction4
Large Tanks
4. Liner installed when required
5. Sand – bitumen foundation laid
6. Tank base installed 5 6

8. Tank Base Sealing Tank Base Construction
Large Tanks
7. Walls constructed
8. Roof welded in place 7
9. Tank completion 9 8 8 9

9. Tank Base Sealing Tank Base Construction
Small Tanks
1. Foundations prepared
2. Base and plinths constructed 1
3. Tanks installed 3 2

10. Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Corrosion of tank wall and chine angle
Determination seal
Corrosion of tank base

11. Conventional methods to seal tank base
Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Conventional methods to seal tank base

12. Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Mastics
Asphalt & Bitumen

13. Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Bonded Rubber

14. Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Steel Skirts

15. Failure of Bitumen Seal
Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Corrosion at the Chine Angle
Failure of Bitumen Seal
- Corrosion of wall / base / metal thinning
- Contents to be emptied
Tank requires to be gas free – man entry
Sludge needs to be removed / disposed of
- Tank needs to be lifted up
Chine Angle

16. Tank Base Sealing Problem Areas – Tank Base
Corrosion at the Chine Angle
Tank needs to be cut open for plate entry
New base needs to be built
Base welded into position
Hydro Test needs to be conducted
Approx. Costs ( 90 foot tank )
$40,000 for cutting and entry / base removal
$8,000 for sand-bit floor screed replacement
$10,000 for flexible liner
$40,000 for new bottom plates
$100,000 for inspection and Hydro Test
$198,000
Cost calculated using current exchange rate
Plus :
Tank cleaning / waste disposal costs
Tank out of service for 3 months

17. Tank Base Sealing Storage Tank Base Associated Problems
No grout or sealing measures
Failed grout

18. Storage Tank Base Associated Problems
Tank Base Sealing
Storage Tank Base Associated Problems
Failed grout
Cracked Concrete Base

19. Tank Base Sealing Conventional wisdom states:
Replace failed system with more of the same sealants
Replace failed system with similar sealants
Switch sealing system to other conventional sealing methods

20. PROVEN ^ LONG TERM, COST EFFECTIVE
Tank Base Sealing
unconventional
PROVEN ^ LONG TERM, COST EFFECTIVE
SOLUTIONS ARE AVAILABLE

21. Tank Base Sealing
Membrane systems for long term sealing of chine angle
Epoxy grouts for concrete ring repair and grout sealing
Urethane coatings for tank exterior

22. Tank Base Sealing Key Features and Benefits
Weatherproof & Waterproof - Prevents ingress of water and provides long term corrosion protection
Seamless Encapsulant – Seals around irregular contours and is easily repaired if accidentally damaged

23. Tank Base Sealing Key Features and Benefits
Maintains High Adhesion – Ensuring long service life
Fire Resistant Systems Available
Flexible & UV Resistant – Long lasting and tolerant of movement through climatic variations unlike conventional sealants

24. Tank Base Sealing Key Features and Benefits
Durable & Tough – Long lasting and tolerant of industrial environments
Microporous – Allows trapped moisture to escape
Cold Applied – No hot work required ensuring safety in use where fire is a concern

25. Tank Inspection Requirements
API 653 ( American Petroleum Institute )
BS 2654 ( British Standard )
EEMUA 159 ( Engineering an Equipment
Materials Users Association )
PA DEP 245 (Department of Environmental Protection)
Requirement for all Tank users to
Inspect and ensure integrity of
their Structures
Frequency :
1 Year visual / 5 Year integral

26. Tank Base Sealing Additional Problem Areas
No Caulk or sealing measures at all
Spalled/cracked concrete around tank base
Failed grout
Rebuilding and protection of containment area
Repair of tank base using cold plate bonding

27. Storage Tank Containment Issues
Before repair/coating
After repair/coating

28. Tank Base Sealing Maintain environmental compliance
Maintain asset integrity
Minimize headaches with preventative maintenance

29. Questions?

30. Thank You
for your time.