BFI Tank Lining Works Completed To Inspection Standard – Case Study
The Challenge
Two BFI tanks needed to be brought back to a standard that would stand up to service, not just look tidy on day one. The brief was clear: restore the internal lining on both tanks and replace the swing arms, with surface prep and coating performance done properly so the tanks are protected for the long term.
Before we started, the tanks had already been isolated, washed, drained and dried, with pipework and fittings either isolated or removed.
What we did:
On arrival, we set up the work area and positioned plant and equipment so the job could run safely and efficiently.
We then:
- Marked up repairs to tank walls above 2m and all roof areas requiring attention, protecting adjacent components and keeping the surrounding structure intact.
- Prepared upper wall and roof areas using a Monte Bristle blaster to Sa 2.5, then applied two coats of Interline 984 to achieve a nominal DFT of 500 microns.
- Grit blasted the lower 2 metres, plus the floor and support surfaces, to Swedish Standard Sa 2.5, targeting a minimum 75-micron surface profile for coating adhesion.
- Removed dust and debris and managed disposal responsibly as part of our scope.
To maximise intercoat adhesion and long-term performance, we used a multi-layer system within the same generic coating family.
Coating application included:
- Interline 982 holding primer applied to 30–40 microns DFT as a base layer.
- Stripe coating/detail work on welds, support legs and internal details using Interline 984.
- Interline 984 on walls applied by airless spray:
- First coat to 300 microns DFT
- Second coat after cure to reach 600 microns DFT total
- Interline 984 on the floor applied in a single coat to 600 microns DFT.
Once coatings had cured, the refurbished swing arms were carefully lowered back into place and refitted.
To close out, an independent NACE inspector carried out a full film thickness check and a spark test to confirm coating continuity and integrity.
Outcomes:
Both tanks were returned with a durable, chemically resistant internal lining, applied over correctly prepared surfaces and verified through independent inspection. The tanks are back in service-ready condition, with the protection system in place to perform in the environment they’re designed for.
Testimonial:
“I wanted to take a moment to highlight the fantastic work recently completed by the LCM Environmental team on the Bulk Fuel Installation tank relining project. The quality of the execution, the attention to detail, and the professionalism demonstrated throughout were exceptional, and the team’s commitment was evident from start to finish.
The project was delivered on time and within budget, reflecting strong project planning, efficient coordination, and effective teamwork across all parties involved, with all agreed milestones met without compromise.”