Specifying the right coating for the job is key to managing maintenance and costs In the oil & gas and petrochemical industries the investment in bulk storage assets is a major capital item.
Outside of processing facilities, the maintenance of storage facilities and tank farms in general requires a large portion of the maintenance engineer’s budget.  
Specifying the correct coatings systems for both the interior lining and exterior coating of petrochemical tanks is crucial in ensuring longevity of service, predictable maintenance requirements and suitability for a particular environment.
If the vessel is an insulated tank, it adds another layer of complexity demanding a comprehensive specification, particularly with the potential for corrosion under insulation (CUI) scenario developing.
Polymer Group recently undertook a contract to provide a complete solution for Shell Todd Oil Services at its Paritutu tank farm facility, providing not only such a comprehensive specification but also undertaking the project management of the rigid polyurethane foam insulation and the protective membrane coating.
To protect the tank shell from corrosion under the insulation, the external area of the tank was initially coated with a globally proven phenolic epoxy followed by 50mm of rigid polyurethane spray foam, and then 400 microns of protective membrane topcoat.  
Polymer Group is an experienced protective coatings and specialty insulation manufacturer with its own project management and contract application division.
The company services clients such as Shell Todd, Genesis Energy, Fonterra, Contact Energy and Trust Power, providing sole responsibility supply and apply contracts.

For more information contact nicholson@polymer.co.nz