Tankline recently completed the internal refurbishment and relining of a potable water pressure vessel at a clean water treatment site in Norfolk. The project involved the installation of a WRAS/DWI approved Acothane DW lining system, designed to protect the steel substrate while maintaining water quality within the vessel.
Confined Space Working
Due to the configuration of the pressure vessel, all works were carried out under strict confined space procedures. The vessel was particularly long with restricted headroom, making access and movement challenging for operatives throughout the preparation and coating process.
A confined space team consisting of two operatives working inside the vessel and one trained operative remaining outside as a dedicated top man was utilised throughout the project, ensuring safe working practices were maintained at all times.
Mechanical Surface Preparation
Correct surface preparation is essential to the performance of any tank lining system. The existing internal surfaces were thoroughly mechanically abraded to remove contaminants and provide a suitable key for the new coating.
Following preparation, all dust and debris generated during the sanding process was carefully vacuumed from the vessel, leaving a clean, dry substrate ready for coating application. This stage is particularly important when installing coatings intended for contact with potable water, where both surface cleanliness and coating integrity are critical.
Tankline provides a range of specialist mechanical surface preparation services for tanks, vessels and other industrial structures prior to the installation of protective coatings and linings.
Acothane DW Potable Water Lining System
Once preparation was complete, a full coat of Acothane DW Cream was applied to all internal surfaces of the pressure vessel. This first coat provides excellent adhesion and forms the foundation of the protective lining system.
Following the appropriate curing period, a second coat of Acothane DW Blue was applied to achieve the specified dry film thickness and create a durable, seamless protective barrier suitable for long-term contact with drinking water.
Acothane DW is specifically designed for potable water applications and is widely used throughout the water industry due to its flexibility, excellent adhesion properties and resistance to long-term immersion. The contrasting cream and blue coats also assist with quality control, allowing clear visual confirmation of coating coverage throughout the application process.
Completed Potable Water Tank Lining
The completed lining provides the client with a fully protected pressure vessel suitable for continued use within the clean water treatment facility. The new internal coating protects the underlying steel substrate while providing a seamless lining suitable for long-term contact with potable water.
This project complements Tankline’s wider experience in potable water infrastructure, including our Flex-Line drinking water tank lining project. You can also learn more about our potable water lining solutions for tanks and other water-retaining structures.
Scope of Works
- Confined space entry procedures implemented
- Internal mechanical surface preparation
- Thorough vacuum cleaning of prepared surfaces
- Application of Acothane DW Cream first coat
- Application of Acothane DW Blue finish coat
- Quality checks throughout application
- Installation of a potable water-approved lining system
Tankline specialises in the refurbishment and relining of potable water tanks, pressure vessels and clean water infrastructure throughout the UK. We work with water utility companies, contractors and industrial clients to provide specialist surface preparation and high-performance protective lining systems.
Explore our recent case studies to see more tank lining, protective coating and surface preparation projects completed by Tankline.
