What is tank coating?

Tank coating, also known as tank surface treatment, is a process used to extend the lifespan of tanks and ensure that the fuel remains unaffected by issues such as rust. Rust, being a form of particulate matter, contaminates the fuel, acts as an abrasive against mechanical surfaces like diesel pumps, and impacts the overall fuel quality.
Before applying a surface treatment to the interior of tanks, they must first be emptied. Next, the tanks are cleaned internally with an alkaline detergent and thoroughly dried. Once the cleaning is complete, a specialized team performs degreasing procedures before the tanks are sandblasted internally to a standard known as AS2 1/2. After sandblasting, the tanks are cleaned of contaminated sand, which is classified as special waste, before the coating process begins.
Coating can be applied to just the bottom of the tank, one-third of the interior, or any other chosen level. Full coating is recommended for the longest possible lifespan. After coating, the tanks must be allowed to cure, with heaters used to dry the coating product. Coating significantly extends the lifespan of tanks. While the entire process is extensive, time-consuming, and resource-intensive, it is still cost-effective compared to dealing with damaged related components and potential tank replacements, provided the tank wall thickness meets the required standards.