Material storage spills can always occur, so it’s best to be prepared when they do. Containment methods work to keep solids, liquids, chemicals, and other waste in controlled spaces. A secure facility prevents these materials from entering the environment, typically with a two-level storage system. Containment coatings act as additional barriers of protection in and around containment units. There are three containment types that coatings could be used for:
- Potable water containment is the storage of water intended for households and drinking. The coating is used as a tank liner to prevent degradation. It must be safe for use in this environment.
- Primary containment is the first level of storage, like a tank, pipe, or retention pond. The protective coating is always in direct contact with the stored material. It helps prevent structures from leaking, but it is not foolproof.
- Secondary containment is a backup plan for a primary system, such as an underlayer to a storage tank. A coating is applied to an area surrounding the primary containment tank where overflow may occur. It prevents substances from reaching the environment by incidental contact or short-term spills.
VFI specializes in secondary containment level coatings to support many types of material storage. Secondary containment is essential for the oil field industry, mining, and bulk chemical storage. We have serviced all 3 of these industries with both polyurea and polyurea hybrid coatings.
While polyureas are more expensive, they have the best balance of properties. They offer fast cure times and low moisture sensitivity. Polyurea hybrids are less expensive and work for many industrial applications when the area does not require the expensive properties of polyurea. They can also achieve high builds for extended protection.
Our lab team understands the need for flexibility in these coatings and creates the best for your specific application. These coatings also have chemical testing to support their use in different types of material storage. We work diligently with testing agencies to provide the best cost-to-benefit ratio.
