Belzona System Protects Ebonite Tanks
Industry: Other (OTHER)
Application: TCC-Tanks and Chemical Containment Areas (TCC)
Substrate: Other
Customer Location: France
Application Date:
Products: Belzona 1111 (Super Metal), Belzona 1392 (Ceramic HT2), Belzona 1981 (SuperWrap II)
Problem: A global aluminium manufacturing company has been experiencing degradation to their Ebonite-coated steel tanks which were subject to chemical attack in the form of sulphuric acid. The acid had caused the ebonite to break down and then create holes in the tank.
Ebonite tank suffering from degradation
Surface prepared and area taped off, ready for application
Application Situation
The client was considering replacement, but this would mean huge costs for the new tank (approximately 50.000 €) and 15 days of downtime.
After trying out Belzona, they have been using Belzona solutions for their 3 tanks regularly since 2011 (1-2 times per year with different areas requiring repairs). Repairs made to tanks back in 2011 are still in good condition and the client is therefore happy to continue with this Belzona solution.
Application Method
A combination of different Belzona products has been recommended to offer the best solution for the repair. Belzona 1111 for resurfacing the substrate back to original profile where it has been damaged by corrosion and chemical attack, Belzona 1981 and Belzona 9371 for reinforcing the substrate with fibreglass where the wall was too thin or had holes, and Belzona 1392 for protection from further damage of the same kind. This combination was chosen because it is resistant to 30% concentrated sulphuric acid, but also because Belzona 1392 can resist higher temperatures in case of spikes and can be applied in a thicker coat. Important key points for the client were also the speed of the repair (they could only afford limited downtime and the Belzona solution could be applied in only 3 or 4 days), the durability of the repair and low cost.
To apply the products, the damaged existing coating had to be removed and the surface grinded to Swedish Standard Sa 2½ and minimum profile of 75µ.
Belzona Facts
The client was considering replacement, but this would mean huge costs for the new tank (approximately 50.000 €) and 15 days of downtime. Repairs made to tanks back in 2011 are still in good condition and the client is therefore happy to continue with this Belzona solution. Key points for the customer were the high chemical resistance and speed of application.
