Challenge

The client requested to preserve the internals of two Tanks while they are empty, each tank is 3,800m³ in volume and 21.3m Dia & 14.7m in Height. Both tanks are located in Petrochemical Plant in KSA.

Application

Sandblasting was applied to all internal surfaces of the two tanks to ensure that all tank surfaces are clean of any grease, corrosion, and foreign matters such as dirt, dust& mill scale. Then air blowing is used to remove all dust and debris.

After cleaning the surfaces VpCI®-705 was applied by using a spry machine with a gun on all surfaces starting from the shell (top to bottom) to the floating roof, bottom & columns. VpCI®-705 has an average non-volatile content of 22% and cures to an oily finish, since the DFT is difficult to apply, then we used the wet film thickness method to ensure the application. The wet film thickness required is 50-75 microns. The minimum fluid atomization pressure required is 1500 psi (103 bar), which gives 2-4 mils (50-100 microns) WFT/pass, by using WET FILM GAUGE we checked if WFT is matching the requirement, and then, reapply again whenever necessary.

Cortec certifies the quality of the application through measurement of wet film thickness and registers all environmental conditions, such as surface temperature, ambient air temperature, relative humidity and dew point temperature during application.

Cortec VpCI®- 705 would ensure that the storage tank would be protected for a specific period of up to 12 months and could be put straight back into use without the need for any cleaning or adverse effect.

Conclusion

The client was happy with Cortec suggestion and application since this solution has resulted in a low cost, is easy to apply and needs a short time to complete the application compared with other solutions.

Location KSA

Date March 2016

Distributor Yusuf Bin Ahmed Kanoo

Products VpCI®-705