Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1302781
56 / November 2020 powderbulk.com Equipment suppliers are a valuable source of information about equipment and processes. In light of this, each month we ask suppliers a question of concern to our readers. Answers reflect the suppliers' general expertise and don't promote the suppliers' equipment. If you have a question you'd like suppliers to answer, send it to Kayla Carrigan, Associate Editor, Powder and Bulk Engineering, 1155 Northland Drive, St. Paul, MN 55120; fax 651-287-5650 (kcarrigan@cscpub.com). PBE SUPPLIERS' TIPS What kinds of linings or coatings are available for storage silos? T here are many options for protective silo coatings and linings in the industry today, including factory-applied powders and liquids, field- applied liquid coatings, and 100 percent solid pro- tective coatings. These can include epoxies, urethanes, inorganic and organic zincs, and other materials. With all the different performance claims and information circulating around the world of protective coatings and linings, one of the main items to consider when speci- fying a coating is the storage application. Here are a few things to ask yourself when looking at coatings and linings: • How will the lining or coating product selected react in the material zone? • Will this coating need to be FDA-compliant? • Will this coating need any specific requirements? • Will the material stored be at an ambient tem- perature? • Will the material stored be in constant motion or static? • Will the material be stored or processed in this storage vessel? • Does the material have high acidic or alkaline values? The list above covers a few basic items you should question when considering a coating or lining for your storage silo application. If you aren't sure or don't feel comfortable making a coating selection, then this infor- mation should be communicated to a storage coating expert, tank manufacturer, coating supplier, or an engi- neering firm. Based on this information, the experts in this field will have the best understanding of what you (the customer) need for your protective coating system to provide to ensure the performance and longevity of your storage tank. In the world of protective coatings and linings, there are many options and performance data available for a wide range of applications. But if the correct infor- mation isn't available or specified up front during the coating or lining selection process, it could end up being a costly mistake to overlook the performance and longevity requirements of a project. Matt Kuhel, technology and operations engineer, CST Industries, 844-448-2657 T his is an excellent question. With the advances in coatings technology, there are literally thou- sands of options and combinations available. The key is to choose a lining or coating that is suitable for your application and that the silo manufacturer has the capability and equipment to apply correctly. Coat- ing manufacturer representatives have the experience and knowledge to help you select a lining or coating that will work for both the substrate you wish to coat and ensuring compatibility with the material your silo will hold. It's then up to the silo manufacturer to pre- pare for and apply the lining or coating in accordance with the coating manufacturer's recommendations. Mandy Landwehr, QC/QA manager, NACE Coating Inspector, Level I Certified, Imperial Industries, 800-558-2945 If you aren't sure or don't feel comfortable making a coating selection, then this information should be communicated to a storage coating expert, tank manufacturer, coating supplier, or an engineering firm. – Matt Kuhel, CST Industries