Fiberglass Maintenance 101
Fiberglass tanks are usually made from fiberglass-reinforced plastic which is a composite material used for chemical plant equipment. FRP tanks are used in numerous industrial and commercial applications including food and beverage, water and wastewater, chemical, power, energy, high-purity applications, and mining and metals.
The range of applications and benefits provided by these tanks makes them ideal for storage purposes. According to a press release published on Market Watch, the fiber-reinforced plastics market is set to exceed $38.2 billion by 2024.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at a few repair and maintenance steps you can take to keep your FRP tanks remain in top shape.
The Importance of Maintenance
Owing to the increasing demand for FRP tanks, the need for professional tank maintenance and repair services has increased drastically over the past twenty-five years. Environmental factors coupled with a lack of interior tank inspection leads to deterioration and damages. Additional factors such as the age and poor installation methods also play a part in reducing the operating life of FRP tanks.
Routine inspection represents an integral part of a facility’s PMP or Preventive Maintenance Program. Major repair issues are kept at bay by implementing programs designed to keep corrosion layers of the storage vessels intact.
Quality tank inspection services provide detailed reports that not only highlight the existing structural and surface conditions but also offer recommendations. Preventive services are key to eliminating untimely and unexpected tank failures.
An important consideration to keep in mind is to contact inspection experts that are backed by years of experience, have multiple projects under their belt, and adhere to the Fiberglass Tank and Pipe Institutes standard FTPI 2007-1.
FRP Tank Relining
Corrosive products—even in mild concentrations—can negatively affect the interior corrosion barriers. With time, the vessels begin to lose their containment integrity. To prevent this from happening, FRP linings are applied to a tank’s interior before the corrosive product is stored.
The lining acts as a strong barrier and prevents containment failure. Even if the corrosion barriers have depleted, a new corrosion layer can be applied which helps add more years to the tank’s service life.
Scheduled FRP tank and vessel maintenance helps maintain functionality and prolongs the life of your equipment. Hudson Fiberglass provides tank and pipe repair as well as field welding services. With more than 40 years of experience in the industry, they possess the tools and experience required to deliver premium industrial FRP services. Contact us today for more information about field welding for tank.
