Rubber lining large storage tanks

Though for a number of years the application of rubber lining was limited to small fabricated tanks, vessels and pipes (which could be dealt with in a factory setting) the necessity arose to rubber line large storage tanks, ducts and vessels at clients sites and other outdoor installations due to the rapid growth, upgrading and modernisation of the chemical process industries. 

Two fairly large dished head low-pressure 32-percent hydrochloric acid tanks supplied a periodic flow of acid to a chemical process in an open-air plant in the sunny southern United States. (See Figure 6—15.) The two rubber-lined, horizontal storage tanks were 12 ft. (3.7 m) in diameter and about 40 ft. (12.2 m) in length. A small vent scrubber that used water absorption for any fumes during the filling operation, served both acid tanks. 

For zinc oxide at, for example, levels of 15 to 45 phr, good filler dispersion is essential for better dimensional stability in calendered sheets. Butyl sheets are used in storage tanks, digesters and other large equipment handling phosphoric acid, hydrochloric acid and sulfuric acid very effectively in fertiliser and chlor-alkali plants. When high temperatures are encountered, carbon bricks or acid resistant bricks are lined over the rubber lining. 

Materials of Construction for Bulk Transport Because of the more severe service, construction materials for transportation usually are more restricted than for storage. Most large pipe lines are constructed of steel conforming to API Specification 5L or 5LX. Most tanks (cars, etc.) are built or pressure-vessel steels or AAR specification steels, with a few of aluminum or stainless steel. Carbon steel tanks may be hned with rubber, plastic, nickel, glass, or other materials. In many cases this is practic and cheaper than using a stainless-steel tank. Other materials for tank construction may be proposed and used if approved by the appropriate authorities (AAR and DOT). 

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