For those in charge of water treatment and storage tank maintenance, chances are the biggest concerns you face are how to keep the equipment maintained and running.
Yet a critical detail that you might not be thinking about is the protective paint coating and its condition on all those tanks and equipment, a detail that water tank inspection companies find ignored many times to the detriment of the equipment and water stored inside it all.
Preventing corrosion on water tanks and all associated equipment requires regular inspection that includes the protective coating used with these vessels per the advice of today’s tank design companies.
Understanding Paint and Corrosion Concerns
Because the paint used to coat both the inside and outside of water storage tanks and treatment system equipment is applied as a separate coating onto the metal, it’s not uncommon after some time to see paint blistering and bubbling off the surface at weld points and other areas on or within the equipment.
This can be caused by interactions between the water and the metal, especially with equipment made from refined or smelted iron or steel.
Due to energy imbalances on the surface of stored water within the tank, these metals can react as an attempt to correct those imbalances, releasing electrons that cause corrosion under the paint that worsens over time.
Corrosion may also be found due to inconsistencies in paint thickness around welds and other higher-stress areas.
Detecting issues involves frequent and thorough inspections of the entire system with a focus on these areas.
Incorrect choice of paint coating based on the chemicals and water additives coming in contact with the water being held is yet another cause of widespread paint deterioration that can lead to corrosion and costly repairs.
Repairing Corrosion and Paint Problems the Right Way
Another key part of treatment system maintenance is providing a correct repair when paint issues are detected and areas of corrosion are found.
Corrosion must be ground away to slow its progression, then properly recoated.
Since the process may involve shutting down certain equipment or making more significant repairs at welds, it’s critical to be certain that new equipment is painted using the right products and techniques.
Ensuring Equipment Is Correctly Prepared
When putting new equipment into service, the recommendation of tank design companies is to have it prepped for painting at a fabrication shop, then painted onsite.
Done in this manner, the equipment can be blasted, surfaces prepped for primer and paint, areas involved primed, and then the equipment transported to the site for final application of paint to ensure all seams and welds are covered and the integrity of the paint is maintained.
Prior to painting, tanks should be inspected onsite to ensure the primer coat has not been damaged and if chipped or scratched during transport, these areas should be repaired prior to applying the final paint coatings.
Inspecting Paint Is Part of Facility Maintenance
The paint coatings on water storage tanks and treatment system equipment are the main defense against corrosion that can require costly repairs.
As it plays such an important role in the condition of this equipment, regular inspection of the paint should be an integral part of the routine inspection and maintenance process.
Working with an experienced water tank inspection service, you can develop an appropriate inspection process and schedule for your facility.
Make plans to take care of needed repairs to the paint on your equipment sooner rather than later to prevent issues that will undoubtedly lead to corrosion!
