If left untreated tank base corrosion is a serious risk that will compromise the integrity of water storage systems, resulting in leaks, contamination and structure failure. Here, Denso Australia discusses the importance of implementing long-term corrosion prevention solutions, and answers some questions about its innovative visco-elastic coating system.
Since the beginning of 2024, the team at Denso Australia have been hard at work training applicators nationwide on the ins and outs of its latest innovation – the Viscotaq Tank Chime Sealing System.
Here, the team have compiled the questions most commonly raised at these training sessions and shared some insights into what the system offers, how it can be applied and how long users can expect the corrosion protection to last.
Why is tank base/chime corrosion protection an important consideration?
Water industry decision-makers understand that the repercussions of neglecting tank base corrosion are far-reaching. Compromised tank integrity can lead to issues including contamination, leaks, and eventual structural failures – all of these outcomes are usually both costly and hazardous.
As such, long-term corrosion prevention solutions are not merely beneficial, they’re essential for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of water storage systems as well as for safeguarding the environment from potential contamination.
Denso’s Viscotaq Tank Chime Sealing System has been designed to combat the issues listed above by preventing water infiltration at the concrete ring wall interface of a tank; the area of a tank where corrosion is most likely to occur.
What is Viscotaq?
Viscotaq are Denso Australia’s next generation of truly surface tolerant, visco-elastic coating systems which can be applied to pipelines (straight run pipe, t-sections, field joints, soil to air transitions), structural steel and tank bases/chimes.
What are the components of this next generation system?
The Viscotaq Tank Chime Sealing System consists of a suitable concrete coating, the use of a sealant, a mastic, a visco-elastic coating system and a UV topcoat. We’ve summarised each component below:
1. Concrete Coating
A Denso-approved coating such as ProtalTM ST Epoxy or SeaShieldTM 550 Epoxy to ensure a sound substrate for the other system components to adhere to.
2. Sealant
In cases where an annulus or void between the annular ring and the tank base exceeds 0.5 inches, Viscotaq ViscoSealant is used to fill these gaps, ensuring a uniform and secure base for the sealing system.
3. Mastic
Viscotaq ViscoMastic is used both in instances where the sealant is required and also when it is not required. ViscoMastic is used to seal all voids, gaps, and cracks between the base of the tank and the ring wall.
4. Visco-elastic coating system
Viscotaq EZ Wrap is applied over the mastic. This wrap is designed with a paintable backing to assist with the application of the topcoat.
5. UV Topcoat
A Denso approved topcoat is used to paint over the ViscotaqTM EZ Wrap (which has a paintable backing) to add strength to the system and prevent any breakdown due to possible UV rays.
What about surface preparation?
The minimal surface preparation required for the system is St2/SP2. Applicators are required to remove all oil, grease and other contaminants from the surface of the substrate using an approved solvent. Following this, the use of a wire brush is required. It is essential for the surface of the substrate to be dry and free from rust, scale and other foreign matter. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of your surface preparation, you’ll need to conduct a ‘peel test’, a process that the Denso team covers in its training sessions.
What is the expected service life of this system?
As is the case with all applications, a system’s service life is reliant on the quality of the materials applied and the way in which they have been applied. For this reason, Denso ensures that its applicators are highly trained and have an intimate understanding of the system before going on site. If applied correctly, Viscotaq systems should have a service life exceeding 20 years. This figure is based on many Viscotaq applications from around the world that have been applied more than 20 years ago and are still in excellent condition.
How can I book training and learn more?
To request a training session, please contact National ViscotaqTM Manager, Adam Matthews at adam@densoaustralia.com.au or call +61 458 837 300.
This sponsored editorial is brought to you by Denso. To view and download all current literature on the Viscotaq Tank Chime Sealing System, please visit: densoaustralia.com.au/products/viscotaq-tank-chime-sealing-system/
Featured image/Denso
