API 650 Firewater Storage Tank Surface Preparation & Protective Coatings

Premier Coating Solutions provided complete field surface preparation and protective coating services for this API 650 firewater storage tank as part of a new tank construction project. Our scope included abrasive blasting, surface decontamination, environmental controls, quality assurance, and application of a high-performance Carboline coating system designed to provide long-term corrosion protection in a demanding industrial environment.

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Before coating operations began, all steel surfaces were thoroughly cleaned to remove oil, grease, dirt, and soluble salts. Newly fabricated plate was shop blasted to an SSPC-SP 10 Near-White Metal Blast standard, while all field welds, repaired areas, and erection damage were abrasive blasted after tank assembly. Salt contamination was removed using Corr-Ze 100 to ensure proper coating adhesion and maximize the service life of the coating system.

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Surface preparation was completed using medium crushed glass abrasive to produce the specified anchor profile required by the coating manufacturer. Interior blasting was performed using dust collection and abrasive recovery equipment to maintain visibility and control airborne contaminants. Exterior surfaces were prepared using wet slurry abrasive blasting with HoldTight 102 to minimize dust emissions while preventing flash rust during the blasting process.

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Following surface preparation, our coatings team installed a multi-coat Carboline protective coating system using airless spray equipment to achieve the specified dry film thickness. Stripe coats were applied by brush to welds, edges, corners, and other critical areas prior to full spray application to ensure complete coverage of corrosion-prone details.

The exterior system consisted of Carboline 859 Zinc Primer followed by two coats of Carboguard 890 epoxy for long-term atmospheric corrosion protection. The tank interior received Carboline 859 Zinc Primer followed by two coats of Hydraplate 1080, an NSF-certified lining designed for firewater storage applications.

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Throughout the project, Premier Coating Solutions maintained strict quality control procedures, including environmental monitoring, surface profile verification, coating thickness testing, holiday testing where required, and detailed inspection documentation. Our QA personnel worked alongside independent NACE-certified inspectors to verify compliance with project specifications and manufacturer requirements.

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The completed tank was delivered on schedule with a durable, high-performance coating system engineered to maximize service life, reduce maintenance costs, and provide reliable corrosion protection for years to come.