Author Archives: Justin McKee

THE ULTIMATE TANK COATING SYSTEMS FOR LIQUID STORAGE

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LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ (interior coating system)

EXT Fusion 5000 FBE™ (exterior coating system)

EXT Fusion SDP™ (exterior topcoat system)

 
LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ is the ultimate fusion coating system ever developed for bolted storage tanks storing liquids.  This coating system was developed by Akzo Nobel, the largest powder coat supplier worldwide.  It is offered exclusively through Tank Connection, a global leader in bolted storage systems.  LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ performance exceeds all powder coatings, liquid coatings and glass/vitreous enamel coatings offered today in bolted tank construction.

Tank Connection’s fusion powder coating systems are formulated from thermosetting resins, binder, pigments and additives to meet today’s storage requirements of durability, chemical resistance, chip resistance, flexibility, heat resistance and UV protection.  Tank Connection’s fusion powder coating formulations are created by blending the various components and processing them through an extruder into a continuous mass with a completely uniform composition.  This homogenous mass is then cooled and broken down into small chips, which are then ground into a fine powder.  Each particle of powder contains within it the necessary components for reforming into the finished coating after fusion application and oven baking.

LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™, EXT Fusion 5000 FBE™ and EXT Fusion SDP™ powder coating systems are electrostatic applied from an automated state-of-the-art, fusion powder coating line.  (Reference TC flowchart document detailing over 20 step fusion coating process.)  Tank Connection maintains the only fusion powder coat line “certified” to apply these coating systems to bolted steel panels for liquid storage applications.

The pre-stages of LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE application are critical to provide the best substrate surface and anchor profile.  All bolted steel panels are chemically washed and blasted to an SSPC-SP10 near white finish. LIQ fusion powder is fed pneumatically from a reservoir into automated spray guns where a low amperage, high voltage charge is imparted to the particles.  The bolted panels to be coated are grounded, so that the charged particles will seek the opposite charged metal surfaces.  By utilizing the latest in today’s technology, this coating process can produce a uniform, monolithic, fusion-bonded surface with superior edge and bolt-hole coverage.  (In comparison, this coating system is a stronger system than vitreous enamel/glass in liquid storage applications. It addresses all deficiencies in glass coated bolted panels. Additionally, a bolted storage tank coated with LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE can be recoated in the future, increasing the expected service life by up to 1.5 to 2 times over glass coated tanks. LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ is today’s premier coating technology.)

The proprietary fusion powder coating systems offered by Tank Connection are thermoset powders that utilize low-molecular-weight solids that go through a fusion and chemical reaction to form higher-molecular-weight polymers. Once the powder is applied, the bolted steel panels enter an oven where the resins, pigments and other reactive agents crosslink to produce a high molecular weight binder system, resulting with a tough, durable coating system designed for high chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, flexibility, chip resistance, weatherability and UV protection.

The BEST Interior Coating System – For water and wastewater storage applications, LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ is the best internal coating system available worldwide. It is exclusively offered for bolted storage tanks through one company, Tank Connection LLC.

The BEST Exterior Coating System – EXT Fusion 5000 FBE™ + EXT Fusion SDP™ (super durable polyester hybrid powder that demonstrates an excellent mixture of flexibility with impact, chemical and UV resistance). The advanced chemistry of this system has proven to be the best bolted steel tank exterior coating system available worldwide.

Tank Connection’s thermoset processes are irreversible. Once curing and crosslink takes place, the powder coating cannot be returned to its original form by any means. Testing data by Akzo Nobel clearly shows that LIQ Fusion performance is unmatched in liquid storage applications.

Get the Facts & Get Connected with the Industry Leader in Liquid Storage, Tank Connection!

Related Definitions:

Electrostatic spray:  A deposition method of spraying and charging a coating so that it is deposited on a grounded substrate surface. A spray application process in which the coating and part to be coated are oppositely charged; process provides excellent “wrap” of coating around the part, even on sides opposite the spray guns.  
 
 Edge coverage:  A coating’s ability to flow over, build and adhere to sharp corners, angles and edges. Gel Time:  The interval required at a given temperature for a powder to be transformed from a dry solid to a gel.  

 Crosslinking:  Quality of thermosetting plastic resins in which polymer chains combine during the curing process. In general, the greater the crosslinking, the tougher and more chemically resistant the coating.  
 Powder coatings:  Finely divided particles of organic polymers, pigments and additives alloyed to form a coating.

Thermoset resin:  A resin designed to undergo an irreversible chemical and physical change during a heat-cure schedule.

Fusion:  The melting and flowing of heated polymer particles to form a continuous film.  

Tank Connection RTP Design vs. API-12B vs. Vertical Flat Panel

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Tank Connection’s RTP (rolled tapered panel) design approach to bolted tank construction combines the best qualities of field-weld and bolted tank construction into the highest quality modular design ever developed in the bolted storage tank industry.  RTP tanks have no internal ledges, can be manufactured with up to 1/2″ plate thicknesses and are constructed with synchronized screw jacks from grade.

API-12B flanged panel designs utilize an exterior chime (flange) connection which has a long history of leaks and rust issues.  This approach to bolted tank construction was originally developed by an archaic oil field specification and has been adapted for use with other products such as potable water, wastewater and dry bulk products.  API-12B tanks are manufactured with up to 5/16″ plate thicknesses and are constructed with scaffolding from the bottom up, creating a very unsafe working environment for installation crews.

VFP (vertical flat panel) designs were developed to remove the problematic chime associated with API-12B construction.  These tanks have similar sized panels as that of API-12B and are typically constructed with scaffolding.  Their lack of ridgity makes them difficult to construct in the field due to their unstable profile and lack of rigidity.

In short, TC’s RTP tank design is superior in every way to both the API-12B and VFP designs.  For a side by side comparison please click on the link below.

RTP vs API vs VFP

Unmatched Performance in Anaerobic Digester Tanks

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In anaerobic digester tank applications, Tank Connection’s RTP (rolled, tapered panel) bolted tank design coated with LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ is unmatched in performance compared to other bolted tank designs. If field-weld tank construction is preferred, Tank Connection and our affiliate company ATEC Steel lead the industry in API 650 tank construction.

Tank Connection Affiliate Group are the only storage tank manufacturers worldwide that design, manufacture and install all types of steel storage tanks used in anaerobic digester applications, including bolted RTP (rolled, tapered panel), field-weld, shop-weld and hybrid tank construction.

At Tank Connection, we manufacturer the #1 bolted liquid storage tank available in the world! And we support this claim with customer testimonies and facts, not rhetoric.

You can rely on us to address the factors that should be addressed in digester applications including vapor zone considerations, operating temperature, applicable design configurations, corrosion considerations, pH/acidic levels, operating environment, materials of construction, applicable codes, thermal expansion, chemical resistance and appropriate design standards.

In anaerobic applications, the important area inside the storage tank is the vapor zone area. This is the area where competitor tank designs fail. Tank Connection is recognized in the marketplace as experts in specialized storage tank designs and field construction services. In review, there are numerous digester designs offered in the marketplace today. Tank Connection has developed the ultimate digester designs that provide superior performance in the field with low maintenance requirements.

Anaerobic Digester Tank Applications:

  • Bolted RTP Construction
    • #1 bolted tank design available worldwide
    • LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ is the best fusion bond powder coating system available worldwide. It is applied at 8-10 mils DFT in digester applications.
    • LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ is the most cost efficient approach for anaerobic digester applications.
    • For select applications, Tank Connection can provide stainless steel construction in the vapor zone area.
    • Special vapor zone design with external rafter system
    • Special membrane tank cover designs
  • Field-Weld Construction
    • Per API 650 or AWWA D100 specifications.
    • Special vapor zone design with external rafter system
    • Special membrane tank cover designs
    • Special field applied coating systems
  • Anaerobic Digester Tank Sizes Available
    • Bolted RTP Designs – Up to 2 million gallons (7570 cubic meters) with external rafter, pressure deck designs.
    • Field-weld Designs – Up to 10 million gallons (37,850 cubic meters) with special deck designs.
  • RTP construction is easily containerized and shipped worldwide.
  • TC’s field construction processes are rated “the best” in the industry. At Tank Connection we utilize a synchronized jacking process that allows wastewater storage tanks to be built from grade level. This process receives the highest ratings for point quality control and safety in the field. (Reference customer testimonials on anaerobic digesters.)

The TCAG Advantage:

  • Over the phone answers, downloaded bid specifications, prompt storage tank quotes and “golden rule” customer service.
  • We offer the best tank coating processes offered in the marketplace today.
  • We have direct factory crews offering both non-union and union field installation services.
  • Shop fabricated bolted and welded tanks minimize field installation requirements.
  • Quick field installation service provided by factory crews worldwide. Available for immediate mobilization with fully equipped self-contained shipping containers.
  • We can install anaerobic digesters in less than half the time required for concrete construction.
  • We are a competitive price leader…worldwide.

We Offer Single Source Solutions To Our Clients:

  • Complete specification development, including tank and foundation design, calculations & PE stamps provided for any location.
  • Prompt tank and equipment quotes.
  • Approval project drawings provided within a few days of order receipt.
  • On expedited projects, field construction can start within 8 weeks of order receipt.
  • We integrate auxiliary equipment for a complete turnkey system including foundations and piping.
  • In storage tanks, wastewater tanks and anaerobic digesters, we are the solution people.

Download our “quick specs” for all types of steel tank construction.

If your project involves a single tank or an integrated storage system, no one offers more services and creative solutions than Tank Connection. From the quote stage through order process, drawing approval, material fabrication and field installation, Tank Connection will provide streamlined processing and “Golden Rule” customer service.

Tank Connection’s LIQ Fusion Powder Coatings for Liquid Tanks

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If you are looking for the BEST coating available for liquid storage tanks then look no further than LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE.  LIQ Fusion has been thoroughly tested to be compatible with a wide range of liquid products such as leachate, brine water & gasoline making storage of potable water look like child’s play.  Furthermore, all of this is done without the need for costly and troublesome cathodic protection.

For more information about LIQ Fusion’s Technical Data and testing results click on the link below

LIQ FUSION 7000 FBE – PRODUCT DATA SHEET

Tank Connection Continues to Show Their Leadership in the Water / Wastewater Market

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Tank Connection has completed many lunch and learn presentations in the Municipal and Industrial Water and Wastewater market segments in recent weeks.  These presentations focus on the benefits and value added aspects that have positioned the TC Affiliate Group to be a world leader in liquid storage containment.  The responses received from these efforts have been extremely positive and have resulted in an increase in inquiries and new business.

If you or your firm would like to receive a visit from one of our experienced sales personnel please contact us at 620-423-3010.

TANK CONNECTION UNVEILS A NEW PRODUCT LINE – AluminumDomes.com

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Tank Connection now engineers, manufactures & installs aluminum geodesic domes. The dome construction is the BEST available in the marketplace today and is specifically designed to improve on the shortcomings of other dome manufacturers.  For more information please click on the link below to view the brochure or visit the AluminumDomes.com website.

ALUMINUM DOMES.COM

GLASS LIFE CYCLE COST PROVEN INVALID

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For years, glass dealers in the U.S. have been using the “Life Cycle Cost Analysis” worksheet in an attempt to justify the added costs and benefits of a glass fused to steel bolted tank.  The fundamental flaw in the worksheet is the fact that the replacement cost of the glass tank was not incorporated into the equation.  This is due to the fact that glass dealers claim that their tanks never need to be recoated when in reality the truth is that glass tanks CANNOT be recoated.  When the replacement cost of a glass tank is incorporated into the equation it is easy to see that a FUSION BOND coated tank is the BEST value.

For more information on this and other flaws associated with the “Life Cycle Cost Analysis” please click on the link below…

 

LIFE CYCLE COST ANALYSIS PROVEN INVALID