Tank Roof Rehabilitation

The tank roof was in an advanced state of corrosion, with visible damage including holes that compromised its integrity. 

To complicate matters, the tank couldn’t be emptied or degassed due to a lack of storage capacity. This ruled out conventional corrosion protection methods, such as sandblasting and painting, requiring an alternative approach that could be executed while the tank stayed in service. 

After thorough assessment and consultation with the client, a customised repair strategy was developed. This included reinforcing the roof with cold repair techniques, such as specialised adhesives and steel plates, to cover the holes and strengthen weakened areas.

Given the porous condition of the steel, STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH was selected as the ideal solution. Its ability to conform to irregular surfaces and provide robust protection made it the perfect choice for this challenging application.

The repair began with the removal of oil contaminants using a water-based degreaser, followed by a high-pressure ATEX-compliant jet to clean the roof and eliminate loose materials. After allowing the substrate to dry overnight, the application process commenced. As with field joint coatings, STOPAQ Wrappingband EZH was applied in strips over the welds to ensure additional thickness and durability. 

Special attention was paid to critical areas, such as air and gas vents, where extra layers of protection were added to shield the material from fumes. 

Finally, the roof was coated with an approved flexible, water-based acrylic paint. This finishing touch not only enhanced the aesthetics but also provided mechanical protection for light foot traffic. 

The result was a resounding success. The client expressed satisfaction with the rapid and straightforward application process, highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the STOPAQ solution. What began as a severely corroded and compromised structure is now a rehabilitated, durable tank roof, extending the asset’s lifespan and providing peace of mind for the customer.