Tankline recently completed an internally lined above-ground steel fuel storage tank in Ledbury using our proprietary Epoxy-Line epoxy tank lining system, incorporating Interline 984, a high-performance 100% solids epoxy coating designed specifically for the long-term storage of hydrocarbon fuels.
Epoxy-Line is Tankline’s specialist steel tank lining system, developed through extensive experience lining above-ground fuel storage tanks in demanding industrial environments as experienced industrial tank lining contractors.
Specialist Steel Tank Epoxy Lining – More Than Just Spraying
Installing a steel tank epoxy lining system such as Epoxy-Line is not simply a spray application. Long-term performance depends on:
- Correct surface preparation of carbon steel substrates
- Strict environmental and climatic control
- Controlled application techniques
- Comprehensive inspection and QA documentation
Every stage of the Epoxy-Line installation is fully recorded within a detailed QA inspection report, ensuring full compliance with manufacturer specifications and industry best practice.
Surface Preparation – The Foundation of Epoxy-Line
The steel fuel storage tank was first thoroughly degreased, followed by abrasive blast cleaning to SA2.5. Surface profile readings were measured and recorded to confirm suitability for epoxy lining. The tank was then fully vacuumed to remove all residual dust and contaminants prior to coating.
Environmental conditions inside the steel tank were continuously monitored and logged, ensuring temperature, humidity, and dew point remained within the required limits for the Epoxy-Line epoxy lining system.
Application of Interline 984 – Core of the Epoxy-Line System
Interline 984, which forms the backbone of the Epoxy-Line steel tank lining system, is a 100% solids epoxy with a short pot life. Due to its formulation, spray equipment cannot be fitted with filters, making application technically demanding. Tip blockages are a known part of the process, and application requires experienced operatives and specialist airless spray equipment.
When installed correctly as part of a controlled Epoxy-Line application, Interline 984 delivers exceptional chemical resistance, durability, and long-term corrosion protection for steel fuel storage tanks.
Once climatic conditions were confirmed, the tank was spray-lined with Interline 984 Green and allowed to hard dry. Dry Film Thickness (DFT) readings were then taken and recorded as part of the Epoxy-Line QA process.
Stripe Coating – Critical for Steel Tank Protection
One of the most critical stages of any steel tank epoxy lining installation is stripe coating. Welds, brackets, edges, nozzles, and complex steel geometries cannot be reliably protected by spray application alone.
As part of the Epoxy-Line system, all critical steel features were stripe-coated by hand to ensure full film build and long-term corrosion protection.
Final Coat, Curing, and Inspection
Following a further climatic check, the final spray coat of Interline 984 Cream was applied. An indirect-fired heater was used to accelerate curing under controlled conditions. Once the coating reached a state where no surface impressions could be made, a final DFT inspection was completed to confirm the total epoxy lining thickness met the client’s specification.
Holiday Detection Testing – Ensuring a Defect-Free Steel Tank Lining
No steel tank epoxy lining system is complete without holiday detection testing. This final inspection stage is often the difference between a lining that performs for decades and one that fails prematurely.
All pinholes or discontinuities identified during testing were repaired immediately, ensuring a fully continuous, defect-free Epoxy-Line epoxy lining system.
Steel Tank Epoxy Lining Built for Long-Term Performance
By combining meticulous steel surface preparation, controlled epoxy application, experienced operatives, and comprehensive QA, Tankline’s Epoxy-Line systems are engineered for long-term performance in above-ground steel fuel storage tanks — not early failure.
If you need a technically controlled specification-led approach for fuel storage assets, speak to Tankline via our contact page.
