SECTION 1 GENERAL

1.1 Scope
This recommended practice describes the procedures and practices for achieving effective corrosion control in
aboveground storage tanks by application of tank bottom linings to existing and to new storage tanks.
This recommended practice also provides information and specific guidance for tanks in hydrocarbon
service. Some of the practices may also be applicable for other services.
NOTE:
1. This does not designate specific bottom linings for all situations because of the wide variety of
service environments.
2. this recommended practice is a guide only.
3. etailed lining specifications are not included.
SECTION 4 CORROSION MECHANISMS
4.1 General
The common mechanisms of internal storage tank bottom corrosion include.
a. !hemical corrosion
b. !oncentration cell corrosion
c. "alvanic cell corrosion
d. !orrosion caused by sulfate#reducing bacteria
e. $rosion corrosion.
Example: %ater collection on tank bottoms may contain salt and sediment that &settles out' on bottom plates. The
chlorides and other soluble salts may provide a strong electrolyte which can promote corrosion.
4. C!em"cal Corros"on
a. (ormally seen in environmental and product clean#up tanks. !oncentrated acids) added
to water *with heat+ to break emulsion of oil and water) becomes deluded) iluted acid is
much more corrosive that stronger acids.
b. !hemical attack also occurs in caustic) sulfuric acid) ballast water and water
neutrali,ation services.
4.# Concentrat"on Cell Corros"on
-ccurs in lower oxygen concentration areas *i.e.) surface deposit) mill scale or crevice+.
NOTE$ .ecogni,ed as pitting or in a significant locali,ed metal loss area.
4.4 Gal%an"c Cell Corros"on
/ormation of a bi#metallic corrosion couple due to the presence of an electrolyte *i.e.) dissolved
oxygen+. The common locations for occurrence are:
a. 0reaks in mill scale.
b. 123 ad4acent to welds
NOTE: 2lso noted by significant locali,ed metal loss.
4.& Corros"on Ca'sed () S'l*ate+Red'c"n, -acter"a
a. 5henomenon recogni,ed but not understood.
b. 6sually negligible) occasionally service.
c. Thought to be associated with concentrated cell corrosion) due to deposits forming a barrier
to the diffusion of dissolved oxygen.
4.. Eros"on Corros"on
(ormally occurs in mixing tanks where soil particles or small aggregate are present and movement
occurs *i.e.) waste water treating or mixing) ad4acent to mixers in crude tanks+. The movement of
aggregate causes abrasive attack. (ormally seen as &well defined' loss pattern.
SECTION &+ /ETERMINATION O0 NEE/ *or TAN1 -OTTOM LININGS
7.1 General
Tank bottoms normally fabricated from carbon steel plate sections typically 8' *9 ::+ thick.
2nnular floor plate rings may be thicker *up to ;' *12 mm+. sketch plates *under shell+ of 7<19' plate
may often be found in older tanks. The need for an internal tank bottom lignin is generally based upon
one or more of the following:
a. !orrosion prevention
b. Tank design
c. Tank history
d. $nvironmental considerations
e. /lexibility for service change
f. 6pset condition
g. /ederal) State or local regulations
7.2 L"n"n,s *or Corros"on 2re%ent"on
5roper selection and application of bottom longings can prevent internal bottom corrosion.
NOTE$ =f the tank bottom measurements indicate that a &t' of :.1::' exists) or will be
present prior to the next schedule turnaround) then a recommendation for applying
a lining should be strongly considered.
7.3 /es",n Cons"derat"ons and Tan3 Internals
esign or fabrication details that would 4eopardi,e the integrity) or limit the life expectancy or
effectiveness) may exist.
Example$ Steam coils limit accessibility for surface preparation. The resulting thermal
effects effect may cause locali,ed failure by blistering or cracking.
7.> Tan3 H"stor)
a. !onsider corrosion history when determining need for lining.
b. !onsider history of other tanks in similar service.
c. Some important considerations are:
i. %here is corrosion problem occurring *product side) soil side) outer periphery) etc.+
ii.1ow fast is corrosion proceeding?
iii.1as there been a significant change in corrosion rate?
iv.%hat type of corrosion is occurring?
v. 1as through#bottom penetration occurred?
&.4.1 Tan3 0o'ndat"on
=nade@uate foundation can cause tank settlement) bottom flexing may occur) causing the internal lining
to fail by cracking.
&.4. Met!ods o* Constr'ct"on
a. =rregular surfaces *i.e.) rivets) butt straps and skip welding + are difficult to cover and
protect with a lining.
b. older tank lining application may be complicated by chemical contaminates.
c. !olumn bases and roof leg support pads may present application problems.
7.>.2.1 =f a prior liner is present) and a portion is to be salvaged and reused) the new liner application
and material must be compatible.
7.>.2.2 5revious .epairs: 5rior mechanical repair < additions must be considered. Such as) are there
odd#shaped patches to cover) support#angles to seal) no back#welded or hot#taps that will re@uire
special crevice sealing solutions?
7.>.2.3 5rior Storage: Special cleaning techni@ues) or degree of cleaning re@uired must be
considered when evaluating which type of coating is most effective.
7.7 En%"ronmental Cons"derat"ons
5roperly applied internal linings reduce the chance of external environmental contamination.
!athodic protection also usually reduces underside bottom loss.
7.7.1 Aocation
%hen considering the need for an internal lining) always considerer:
a. potential for ground water contamination in hydro geologically sensitive areas.
b. 5roximity to populated areas or public roads.
c. 5roximity to rivers) lakes) parks or scenic areas.
d. 5resence < location of containment dikes.
7.9 0lex"("l"t) *or Ser%"ce C!an,e
a. !hanges in service may drastically affect the performance of existing liners.
b. =f &swing#service' is expected of the tank involved) then all potential services and their
compatibility with internal lining being considered must be carefully and fully evaluated.
c. Remem(er: Tank linings do not offer universal resistance. 5roduct make#up varies.
Therefore) properties of the lining must vary. 2gain) technical assistance from the liner
supplier can be of great value.
7.B 4pset Cond"t"ons
onCt forget the impact involved. !onsult customer as to potential for occurrence.
SECTION .+ TAN1 -OTTOM LINING SELECTION
..1 General
Tank bottom linings can generally be divided into two *2+ classes:
a. Thin films *2: mils or less+.
b. Thick films *greater than 2: mils+.
NOTE: 1. Aining are installed at tank erection or after some period of service.
2. "enerally) thin#film is applied when some minimal corrosion has occurred
3. -ther liner discussion includes:
.. T!"n *"lm t)pes
/re@uently based on epoxy or epoxy#copolymer resins. See Table 1 *lining Systems+ for generic types
and their suitability for various services.
NOTE$ All linings that are employed to protect tank bottoms must be res"stant to 5ater.
9.2.1 2dvantages# isadvantages * Thin /ilm Type+
a. 2dvantages:
i. (ew plate provides a smooth surface that can easily be made ready for
coating application.
ii. Aower cost *due to ease of application+.
b. isadvantage:
!orrosion creates a rough < pitted surface that is difficult to completely coat and
protect.
..# T!"c3 *"lm t)pes
!ommonly reinforced with glass flake) chopped glass fibers) glass mat glass cloth or organic fibers.
a. "eneric types and where used. *See Table 2+
NOTE: 2dditional data available in (2!$ 5ublication 921DB.
b. Specific notes relative to thick#film types:
i. 2ll applied over a white or near#white abrasive blast.
ii. 5rimer fre@uently re@uired.
iii. ependent upon thickness re@uired E multiple coats needed.
iv. .esin#rich topcoat re@uired.
v. 5olyesters re@uire wax addition to ensure timely cure.
vi. !heck with manufacturer for specifics *chemical immersion) elevated temperature
tolerance) limitations in specific products) etc.+.
9.3.1 2dvantages *thick#film types+:
a. Aess susceptible to mechanical damage.
b. 5rovides additional strength to bridge over small bottom perforations.
c. (ot as sensitive to pitting and other surface irregularities during
installation.
d. Aess need for removal of sharp corners) edges) offsets and weld spatter.
9.3.2 isadvantages *thick#film types+:
a. .e@uire more time and effort to apply.
b. Fore expensive.
c. Fakes future inspections more difficult.
..4 /es",n o* Stora,e Tan3 -ottom L"n"n,s
a. (ormal data or knowledge re@uired:
i. Ainings should extend 1D#23 inches up the shell.
ii. Transition area *from bottom hori,. to shell vert.+) is a common failure area.
5roper support) especially with thick#films are critical in this area.
iii. %ith thin#film types) desired film thickness normally re@uires 2#3 coats.
iv. Thick#films range from 1#> coats.
v. (ew tanks) or where onl) internal loss has occurred may re@uire 37#77 mils.
vi. -lder bottoms) corroded on (ot! sides may re@uire D:#12: mils
*usually reinforced+.
b. Fore specific data:
ii. 2nchor pattern * surface roughness + re@uired is generally between 1.7 and > mils)
depending on lining selection.
..& Except"onal C"rc'mstances A**ect"n, Select"on
0e sure to take into consideration:
a. !orrosion history or corrosion potential
b. $levated temperatures. A(o%e 1.6 0 is critical.
c. 5roduct purity. Thin#films may be sufficient.
d. Ainer may contaminate product.
SECTION 7+ S4R0ACE 2RE2ARATION
NOTE: S57 G1 *white metal finish+ or S51: G2 *near Ewhite+ is often specified as the m"n"m'm degree of surface
cleanliness.
B.1 -ottom Repa"r 8eld 2reparat"on
a. Fost common repair of perforations is welded steel patches. 2nother repair method is to
epoxy a 12 gouge steel plate over the bottom perforation prior to thick#film *reinforced+
linings being installed.
B.2 S'r*ace 2ro*"le or Anc!or 2attern
a. Fatch profile to accommodate selected liner.
b. .efer to material manufactureCs recommendation.
c. Typical anchor pattern is 1.7 to > mils. This generally increases with liner thickness.
SECTION 9+ LINING A22LICATION
D.1 General
a. 2void disbanding or de#lamination by following manufacturerCs recommendations.
b. Stick to t"me "nter%al *between coats+ recommended by ownerCs specifications or manufacturer.
c. SS5!#521 is a dependable procedure to follow.
d. $stablish and adhere to recommended drying *curing+ period. !ustomers often get impatient.
D.2 Appl"cat"on G'"del"nes
a. "ood painting practice.
b. $stablish and adhere to proper mixing practices.
c. =f conflicts arise *between owner < userH liner applicator or material manufacturer+ over any
aspect of the 4ob) resol%e t!em pr"or to beginning the pro4ect.
d. !onsider restraints imposed by steel temperature and relative humidity.
D.3 L"n"n, T!"c3ness
a. =nsufficient film thickness will not provide ade@uate coverage of protection.
b. $xcessive thickness can compromise adhesion and integrity. Thicker is not always better.
9.4 L"n"n, C'r"n,
a. Aining failure is attributed to:
i. =mproper preparation.
ii. =mproper application.
iii. =nade@uate curing.
b. 5roper curing condition may aided by force#curing *i.e.) circulating warmed) dehumidified air+.
:Re"n*orced Glass+epox) Internal L"n"n, .& M"lls T!"c3;
!lean and repair the tank bottom *install lap weld steel plate patches 3<19' or 8' and weld build#up+.
1and trowel epoxy in the corner area and radius all transitions) and around patch plates.
The following conditions are correct:
5roper blast profile
5roper material mixture
2pplication e@uipment properly functioning
Faterial specifications correct
5roper thickness applied
5roper curing procedure followed
%eather restraints are observed
T!e l"n"n, 5"ll (e sat"s*actor) and last 16 6 )ears.
SECTION <+ INS2ECTION
<. Recommended Inspect"on 2arameters
I.3.1.2 iscontinuities
a. Ainings exceeding 2: mils &t' shall be holiday tested with a high voltage detector
b. Ainings less than 2: mils should be tested with a low voltage wet sponge detector.
SECTION 16+ RE2AIR O0 TAN1 -OTTOM LININGS
16.1 General
a. 5roperly selected < applied liners should provide a service life of 1:#2: years.
b. 2ny bottom mechanical repair should be complete prior to any liner installation or repair.
1:.2 /eterm"ne Ca'se o* 0a"l're
0efore deciding !o5 to make a lining failure repair) ca'se or extent should be established by visual
inspection and review of operating history. 2ttempt to determine if:
a. /ailure was due to mechanical damage.
b. $nvironmental attack was responsible.
c. =mproperly installed.
16.# T)pes o* Repa"r
a. Spot repairs for locali,ed failure *blisters) pinholes or mechanical damage+
b. Top coating for more extensive failure but where adhesion and integrity is still good.
Ma3e s're topcoat is compatible with existing liner.
c. !omplete replacement when existing liner is beyond repair.
A2I+.& :LINING TAN1 -OTTOMS;
=>4I?@
1. %hich of the following pertains to or establishes the &de5 po"nt'?
a. ifference *in /+ between the relative humidity value and the internal tank air
temperature.
b. ifference *in /+ between the internal tank air temperature and the substrate *steel+
temperature
c. The temperature at which moisture condenses from the atmosphere.
d. The moisture content value at which adhesion between the liner and the substrate cannot
be achieved.
2. =ndicate the most correct definition for &a !ol"da)'?
a. 2 lamination that develops between coating layers.
b. 2 discontinuity in a coating film that exposes the metal surface to the environment.
c. 2ny thin liner area where an additional film Jt' layer is re@uired.
3. 0en,ene) Toluene and Kylene are common examples of aromatic solvents.
>. 2 File scale is an oxide layer formed on steel during hot forming operations.
7. There are five *7+ common mechanisms normally associated with internal tank bottom
corrosion. Aist any three *3+ of the five *7+ cause below.
a. LLLLLLLL b. LLLLL c.LLLL..d. LLLLLL..
9. Fatch the following SS5! surface preparation to the metal finish specification) as specified in
Section 7. raw 2rrow to !onnect.
%hite Fetal finish : SS5!#S57 (2!$G1
(ear#%hite Fetal /inish : SS5!#S51: (2!$G2
B. Select the ,eneral r'le normally followed relative to liner application vs. temperature
and humidity restrictions.
a. 7 / *3 !+ above dew point) with relative humidity below D:M
b. 1: / *7.7 !+ above dew point) with relative humidity below D:M
c. Stop application when visually) adhesion and bonding is not being achieved.
d. 2ny substrate temperature when moisture is visible.
D. %hat is the t)p"cal range re@uired on anchor pattern *i.e.) depth profile+ prior to liner
installation.
Ans5er: 1.7 : > Fils
I. .esin is a natural or synthetic substance that may be used as a ("nder in coatings.
1:. %hen considering the need for an internal lining) make selections from below as some of the
more important.
2. a. %here is corrosion occurring?
b. 1ow fast is it proceeding?
c. 1ave there been significant corrosion rates changes.
d. %hat type of corrosion is occurring?
e. have bottom perforations occurred.
0. Sub#items &b')'c' and &d' only.
!. 2ll of the above.
. 5rimarily cost and out#of service time frame involved.