RomânăChemical-Resistant Linings for Storage Tanks & Containment
Industrial chemical storage tanks and containment basins are subject to continuous or intermittent contact with aggressive chemicals - acids, alkalis, solvents, hydrocarbons, and oxidising agents - that rapidly attack unprotected concrete substrates. A lining failure in a chemical storage tank results in structural damage, contamination of the surrounding ground and groundwater, regulatory non-compliance, and potentially significant environmental and safety consequences. Correct lining specification begins with a complete chemical exposure analysis.
Chemical Storage Lining Requirements
Acid & Alkali Storage
Tanks storing sulphuric, hydrochloric, nitric, or organic acids require linings with confirmed resistance at the stored concentration and temperature. Similarly, alkaline solutions (caustic soda, ammonia, calcium hydroxide) attack standard cementitious materials but are resisted by specialist geopolymer and polymer-modified linings.
Secondary Containment & Bunds
Secondary containment bunds around chemical storage tanks must withstand the full chemical exposure of the primary tank in the event of a spill - often including the worst-case scenario of hot concentrated acid. Gemite's chemical-resistant linings for bund areas are specified for the most aggressive chemical in the containment zone.
Key Performance Characteristics
Substance-Specific Chemical Resistance
Gemite provides a chemical resistance table for each lining product - confirming resistance at the specific concentration and temperature of the substance stored. Generic 'chemical resistant' claims are not acceptable for tank lining specification.
Holiday-Free Application
Tank linings are tested for pinholes and holidays by spark testing (holiday detector) after application - confirming that no unprotected substrate remains exposed to the stored chemical.
Thermal Resistance
For tanks storing heated chemicals or subject to steam cleaning, Gemite specifies lining systems with confirmed thermal resistance - preventing softening, blistering, or adhesion failure at the maximum process temperature.
Secondary Containment Compliance
Lining systems for secondary containment are specified to comply with applicable regulations - including the Directive 2010/75/EU on industrial emissions and national secondary containment regulations.
Storage Tank Lining - Technical Questions
How is the correct lining product selected for a chemical storage tank?
Product selection requires: (1) complete list of chemicals to be stored, with concentrations and temperatures; (2) existing substrate condition (concrete grade, surface preparation achievable, existing contamination); (3) tank geometry (internal access available?); (4) application temperature and humidity during installation; (5) regulatory requirements for secondary containment. Gemite's technical team reviews this information and prepares a written lining specification with the confirmed chemical resistance data for all stored substances. Do not specify a tank lining system without confirming chemical resistance for your specific chemical list.
What surface preparation is required for tank lining?
Concrete tank surfaces must be mechanically prepared - typically by shot blasting to SA 2.5 (ISO 8501-1) or equivalent - to remove all contamination, weak surface layers, and previous coating. The profile must be sufficient for the specified lining adhesion (typically CSP 3-5 per ICRI 310.2). All cracks, voids, and construction joints must be repaired before lining. Active chemical contamination (oil, acid residue) must be neutralised and removed. Gemite's technical team specifies the surface preparation protocol for your substrate condition.
How long does it take to reline a storage tank?
Relining duration depends on tank size, chemical history, substrate condition, and the lining system. For a typical 100 m³ concrete storage tank: surface preparation 2-3 days, repairs 1-2 days, lining application 2-4 days (2 coats), curing 7-14 days before chemical contact. Total minimum downtime: 3-4 weeks. Our technical team prepares a project programme for your specific tank and can advise on minimising downtime through work sequence optimisation.
Specifying Lining for a Chemical Storage Tank?
Our technical specialists prepare a complete lining specification including product selection, chemical resistance confirmation, surface preparation requirements, and application method statement.
- Written chemical resistance data for your stored substances
- Surface preparation protocol specific to your substrate
- Holiday detection and QA procedure
- Secondary containment compliance documentation
Or contact us: office@gemite.tech · +40 232 273 031