Zaklady Azotawe: Pulawy, Poland: Acid Tank Lining

Zaklady Azotawe in Poland had a bulk storage tank for the containment of sulphuric acid at various concentrations. The carbon steel tank was of standard vertical cylindrical design, 5m high and 4.5cm diameter. The tank had been previously lined with a traditional vulcanised rubber system, which needed to be replaced in the lower half of the vessel. The company had installed a new rubber lining but it immediately failed so we were called to upon to identify the cause and make suitable recommendations. We found that although the tank had been thoroughly washed prior to the start of the work, small amounts of H2SO4 in crystalline form had remained on the upper areas of the existing tank lining. The rubber lining had begun to disintegrate before it had become resistant to the acid.