By Russell Hicks
Potable water storage vessels are a necessity in our modern world. As we drive up and down our nation’s highways, potable water storage vessels of all shapes and sizes can be easily spotted. Some are big and some are small, some are short and some are tall.
But no matter the size, they all have to be maintained. The interiors and exteriors of potable water storage vessels require a tank and/or coatings specialist to perform annual inspections. There are several techniques used in performing inspections, including taking dry film thickness readings and recording them. Inspections also involve making sure vent screens are covered and protected from the elements. The entire inspection process should also be visually documented with video or camera.
There are several ways this inspection process can be performed. Tanks can be drained to visually inspect the surface to look for problem areas in the coating system. While the tank is out of service, any problem areas can be addressed on the spot, which insures that the maximum life of the coating is attained.
Another popular inspection method involves utilizing a certified diving service to perform the inspection. A diver inspects the interior of the tank while water is still present and documents any problem areas with video. Once the footage is analyzed, a plan can be made to address the issues at a later date when the tank can be taken out of service.
Either way this inspection process is completed, it gives the owner the data needed to make an educated decision on the possible maintenance of the vessel.
At Induron, we take pride in our commitment to helping the potable water industry maintain their structures. One of the ways we do this is through our revolutionary new ceramic epoxies. Every product in our ceramic epoxy line offers:
- Absolute minimal undercutting that actually self-heals pinholes and spot corrosion with A-rated cathodic disbondment.
- Unrivaled film build that minimizes the risk of holidays (skips or missed spots on a coat of paint) and improves edge protection with up to 40 mils in a single coat.
- Ultra-low permeability that keeps corrosive liquids away from substrates.
- Non-ablative surface that inhibits microbiological contamination and prevents acidothiobacillus growth.
Through annual inspections and proper coating systems, potable water storage vessels can stand the test of time.