Low VOC Barrier Coating for Industrial Maintenance

• Main Authors: Pendleton, Dave, Zarate, Daniel A, Zapata, Michael, Drozdz, Susan A
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Subjects: AST(ABOVE GROUND STORAGE TANKS); BARRIER COATINGS; Coatings, Colorants and Finishes; COST ANALYSIS; DEMONSTRATIONS; EPOXY COATINGS; INDUSTRIAL MAINTENANCE; MAINTENANCE; ORGANIC COMPOUNDS; POLYSULFIDES; SPRAYS; STORAGE TANKS; TEST AND EVALUATION; VOC(VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS)

A demonstration project was initiated to assess a newly developed coating system for steel above ground storage tanks (AST). The new system requires only two coats instead of the three coats of currently available systems. In addition, the new system greatly reduces volatile organic compounds (VOCs) thus meeting new California air quality requirements. Specifically, it is a 99% solids, sprayable, high build, low VOC, two-component, proprietary blend of Bis F epoxy and liquid polysulfide. The system was successfully applied on two AST in San Pedro, CA at a cost of $97,385. For comparison, the estimated cost of a standard 3-coat system applied over the same area is $125,000. The new system met all application requirements and field test performance requirements after one year of service. Cost analyses show that if the new system lasts 6 years it will be equal in life cycle cost with 3-coat systems which typically last 8 years. If the new system lasts eight years then there would be significant savings. Additional field tests are required after four and eight years of service to assure the new coating system meets long term performance requirements. At that point, a new Unified Facilities Guide Specification (UFGS) for maintenance painting of AST exterior surfaces will be established.