Fiberglass and Concrete Tank Repair Using Composites

Storage tanks are extensively used for the storage of fluids in many industries. These industries include mining and metals, chemical, energy, food and beverage, water, and wastewater. No matter the composition of the tank itself, tanks can deteriorate over time. They may also experience the problems of rusting, cracks, cold weather, temperature cycling, and corrosive chemicals in the tank.

Tanks can be made of concrete, Polyethylene, FRP, or steel. Tanks are expensive, so it is wise to seek professional maintenance and expert tank leak repairs services to protect this important investment. Today, repairs can be effectively made using fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP.)

What is FRP?

Fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) is a composite material made of a polymer reinforced with fibers. The polymer can be an epoxy, vinyl ester, or polyester thermosetting plastic. The fibers used can be glass, carbon, aramid, or basalt. The resulting bonded combination is both strong and durable. FRP is an excellent choice for storage tanks and FRP tank repairs are therefore strong and durable.

Signs That May Need FRP Tank Repairs

To avoid expensive replacement, economic, and environmental impacts, regular inspection can use these signs to determine if storage tank repairs need to be made:

• Visible cracks or stress marks in the tank exterior.
• Signs of leakage around the tank.
• Abnormal changes in the volume of liquid or gas stored in the tank.
• Evidence of rust, weeps, wet spots, or damage to the tank’s surface.

Given these signs, storage tank repairs, including water tank repairs are called for to repair and prevent further damage.

Why FRP is a Good Choice for Repairs

Expertly performed FRP tank repairs offer these advantages versus other repair methods:

• Lightweight and high strength.
• Good corrosion resistance to the atmosphere, concentrations of acids, alkalies, salts, oils, and solvents.
• Excellent thermal insulating properties.
• Materials can be selected to meet the specific performance requirements of the products being stored.
• FRP linings cost less than replacing existing steel tank bottoms.
• FRP installations in many instances have shown a 35-plus history of service.
• Tank leak repair can be accomplished quickly so that storage tank downtime can be minimized.

How FRP Repair is Accomplished

Installing an FRP lining system or accomplishing a tank repair involves:

• Ensuring that the surface is dry.
• Removing all dirt, old coatings, rust and contaminates by abrasive blasting
• Cleaning and degreasing the surface.
• Roughening the surface.
• Repairing identified leaks and cracks and applying the FRP material. Multiple layers may be required to meet the overall strength requirements of the tank.

Get Expert Assistance for FRP Tank Repairs

Contact Picon FRP, Inc, based in San Pablo, CA, and serving the San Francisco Bay Area. Picon FRP Inc. is a full-service manufacturer and field service provider of industrial fiber reinforced plastic and anti-corrosion products, tank repairs, and custom fabrication. Our products provide corrosion resistance, chemical resistance, heat resistance, abrasion resistance, and more.