Low VOC Barrier Coating for Industrial Maintenance

A demonstration project was initiated to assess a newly developed coating system for steel above ground storage tanks AST. The new system requires only two coats instead of the three coats of currently available systems. In addition, the new system greatly reduces volatile organic compounds VOCs thus meeting new California air quality requirements. Specifically, it is a 99 solids, sprayable, high build, low VOC, two-component, proprietary blend of Bis F epoxy and liquid polysulfide. The system was successfully applied on two AST in San Pedro, CA at a cost of 97,385. For comparison, the estimated cost of a standard 3-coat system applied over the same area is 125,000. The new system met all application requirements and field test performance requirements after one year of service. Cost analyses show that if the new system lasts 6 years it will be equal in life cycle cost with 3-coat systems which typically last 8 years. If the new system lasts eight years then there would be significant savings. Additional field tests are required after four and eight years of service to assure the new coating system meets long term performance requirements. At that point, a new Unified Facilities Guide Specification UFGS for maintenance painting of AST exterior surfaces will be established.