Underground Tank Lining
The Task
A forecourt client appointed LCM to extend the operational life of five ageing underground fuel storage tanks used for petrol and diesel. Rather than undertake full excavation and replacement, the objective was to reline the vessels to restore integrity, improve environmental protection and maintain regulatory compliance.
Over a five-week programme, four specialist LCM teams delivered a full tank relining solution across all five underground vessels.
Scope of Works:
On arrival, the tanks were confirmed to be nearly empty, allowing works to commence without delay.
Remaining fuel was safely removed and stored off-site. All lids and associated pipework were disconnected to render the tanks offline. A confined space and rescue team then completed full man-entry cleaning of each vessel, ensuring all tanks were thoroughly cleaned, dried and certified gas free prior to surface preparation.
LCM’s Coatings & Linings specialists removed the existing degraded lining from the affected tanks before shot blasting all five vessels to prepare the internal steel surfaces.
Once surfaces met the required cleanliness and adhesion standards, a double-walled lining system was installed in accordance with TÜV requirements and ISO EN 18479 adhesion criteria for epoxy-based materials. The first EPOFLEX® layer was spray applied, cured and tested for thickness, hardness and pinholes, with any defects repaired immediately.
Interstice monitoring lines were installed before knotted aluminium sheets were fixed in place, overlapped and partially laminated with woven fibreglass reinforcement. A second EPOFLEX® layer was then applied and cured, followed by repeated vacuum and pinhole testing. Tightness testing was undertaken before application of a conductive coating. A Class 1 vacuum leak detection system was installed within the interstice in line with EN 13160-2. Following successful testing and commissioning, all lids and pipework were reinstalled and the system was formally handed back to the client.
Outcomes
The relining programme provided a cost-effective and lower-disruption alternative to full tank replacement.
By installing a compliant double-walled lining system with integrated leak detection, the client significantly extended the service life of their underground assets while maintaining environmental protection and regulatory compliance.
The project demonstrates LCM’s capability in confined space working, specialist coatings application and forecourt infrastructure management within live operational environments.
