Polyurea Lining for Long-Term Waterproofing of an Enamel Tank

Introduction

A fusion-bonded enamel tank required a waterproof lining system to prevent water ingress and deterioration. The client needed a durable, seamless solution for both the concrete floor and steel wall plates, with thorough surface preparation essential to remove contamination and ensure proper adhesion of the coating system.

Our Solution

UCL Ltd proposed a 2mm thick polyurea lining system to the tank base, including a return up onto the tank shell. UCL took sole possession of the work area to prevent contamination, high-pressure jet-washing and treating the floor and shell with sodium hypochlorite to eliminate bacteria. The concrete floor was mechanically ground to remove embedded contaminants in accordance with BS 8204-6, while the steel shell was abrasive blasted and re-sealed with a PU jointing compound. Both surfaces were then primed — an enamel-specific epoxy primer to the shell and a damp-proof membrane epoxy primer to the floor — before the polyurea lining was applied, with the full process completed within seven days.

Key Benefits

• No harmful VOCs, safe for use in confined spaces
• High-build thickness for enhanced wear resistance and load displacement
• Exceptional flexibility and impact resistance
• Proven performance in similar applications worldwide
• Floor ready for light traffic within 24 hours of application

Conclusion

This solution provided a highly durable, seamless waterproof lining, significantly extending the service life of the tank while ensuring long-term protection against water ingress and structural degradation.