Water Proofing a Fire Water Tank in San Francisco

Project: Condo Building, Tank Linings Repair – 25,000 gal

We were called upon by a condo building manager in San Francisco to remove their old commercial water tank lining, perform tank linings repair and surface preparation, and reapply a new tank lining.

Coatings Approved at CA Regulated Agencies – Meets CA VOC Regulations

Summary:

Before repairs:

Surface preparation:

After Tank Lining Application:

Sample of EBMUD Specifications:

Painting and Coating Materials

1. Approved manufacturer’s materials shall be used to complete Paint System Specification Sheet, Appendix 1.
2. Urethane Based Zinc Rich Primer:
   1. Series 94H20, Tnemec Company, Inc.
   2. 97-699 Durethane MCZ, PPG Protective and Marine Coatings
   3. Corothane Galvapak 1K Zinc MCU, Sherwin Williams Company
   4. Or Equal
3. Epoxy
   1. Exposed Metal, Concrete, CMU (Corrosive):
      1. Series V69, Tnemec Company, Inc.
      2. Carboguard 890, Carboline Company

Picon typically uses:

1. Bar-Rust 235V, Devoe Coatings Company
2. Macropoxy 646, Sherwin Williams Company

Step 1: Water Tank Water Tests – per San Francisco Municipal Code storm water discharge requirements

San Francisco municipal code – sewer discharge chemical tests

Sample Collection

Chemicals for sample integrity

Lab Report and Chain of Custody

Step 2: Pump out 25,000 gal water to city sewer

A few hours to pump out and discharge fire water. The tie duration depends on the project site (distance, facilities, etc).

Step 3: After Pump out of water

• Fire suppression water tank contents were dumped into the city sewer per San Francisco municipal code
• Determine scope of work
  • Make adjustments as needed
  • Typically remove the loose liner that comes off with normal methods
• Existing liner has lost most of its adhesion to the concrete walls and floor.

Step 4: Remove the Old Tank Lining

Remove what is loosely adhered to the concrete substrate

Old liner removed

Step 5: Old Tank Liner Removal Before Surface Preparation

Remaining liner that is not fully adhered is removed in the next step with special diamond grinding disks that creates a bare concrete surface for strong adhesion of the new liner

Step 6: Surface Preparation After Surface Grinding

Portions of the existing liner that is well adhered to the concrete will receive surface grinding

100% of the liner is removed where there is poor adhesion. The grey dots are from the epoxy caulk applied in the next step

Step 7: Feather in to the existing liner

The existing liner portions that are well adhered to the concrete substrate will receive surface grinding for good adhesion to the new liner.

This is performed per the approved standards from the manufacturer

Step 8: Fill the holes in the concrete – use premium-grade epoxy caulk

Bug holes in concrete filled with high quality epoxy caulk (appears as dark grey).

We use premium quality products specified in the San Francisco Bay Area Water Agencies’ tank lining projects (eg. SFPUC, San Francisco Water, East Bay Municipal Utility District)

Step 9: Vacuum Cleaning

Vacuum clean all surfaces before new liner is applied

Step 10: Applied Epoxy – 3 Layers for Superior Protection

No spraying to avoid spray related issues (eg. Prevent any paint dropets escaping and ruining vehicles in the parking garage, odor)

Need Tank Linings Repair in San Francisco or Northern California?

PICON has served as full-service industrial specialists for the corrosion resistant industry since 1986. Our specialty is fiberglass (Fiber Reinforced Plastics, FRP). Being “full-service” means we have the ability to design and fabricate high quality FRP products as well as provide complete field services including installation, repair, restoration, retrofit, reline, coating, inspection and maintenance. Our experienced field technicians are OSHA and Confined Space Entry certified to provide services in standard, hazardous or confined space settings. Our prompt field service is part of the added value that many of our customers appreciate. Contact us today!