In the U.S., ethanol is a major component of the food and fuel industries. It takes a lot of equipment and resources to keep an ethanol production facility running well. At the center of these operations are large storage tanks. Ideally, these tanks would easily store and protect ethanol with few problems. However, ethanol storage tanks undergo a lot of stress from both the external environment and the chemicals inside them. 

Rust and corrosion are the most common destructive forces when it comes to ethanol tanks. Industrial coatings are meant to mitigate these issues, but environmental damage can puncture the paint and create entry points that let moisture and other harmful materials in. This may result in mildew and mold growth on the exterior of your storage tanks. What can be done to reduce surface coating problems in ethanol production facilities?

Proper Surface Preparation

A proper coating job begins with solid preparation. When it’s time to introduce a new coating, tanks should be cleaned inside and out, abraded for the smoothest surface possible, and then sealed and primed. Failing to prepare the surface will result in poor coating adhesion.

Using the Right Product for the Job

Ethanol tanks are the most valuable assets of an ethanol facility, so using low-quality industrial paint coatings simply won’t do. If you want your tanks to hold up over time, you must use the highest quality products for the job. Painters USA uses a urethane system on ethanol tanks, which boasts an inorganic chemical structure to prevent the onset of mold, mildew, or bacteria.

Getting the Painting Part Right

Materials matter, but so does the application of said materials. Hiring experienced industrial coating services is key to reducing future surface coating problems. The right team will know what coatings to use, how to best apply them, and give you advice on how to maintain your surfaces after the job is finished.

Applying Enough Layers of Coating

When it comes to coating the surfaces of ethanol tanks, layering is an important step. By applying multiple layers of coatings, you give your tanks added protection against corrosion caused by moisture entry. A single layer of an industrial painting job may develop small holes over time. With multiple layers, however, moisture will have a harder time getting through each one and reaching the underlying tank.

Routine Maintenance

After your metal coating services have done their job and coated all of your ethanol tanks, all that’s left to do is take proper care of the new coatings. Make sure to power wash your tanks every few months or as needed to clear off dirt and debris and remove any growing mold or mildew. Regularly cleaning your tanks will also help you see areas that might need repair or touching up.

An ethanol facility is only as good as its tanks. Don’t let your ethanol storage tanks go by the wayside. Painters USA can help you reduce surface coating problems as well as give you advice on ways to take care of your tank coatings. To learn more about our company, our values, safety protocols, and all the services we offer, contact us at 1-800-999-8715.