Securing water tanks should be done correctly, with great precision and care. Each incorrectly performed application step or inappropriately selected product may lead to a leaky coating. As a result, there may be problems with water "escaping" through the tank walls.  

When selecting the appropriate materials, we should also take into account the properties and application: whether the paint will protect a tank for drinking water or technical water , what temperatures the coating should be resistant to, whether the coating will withstand water pressure, what substrate the paint will be applied to, etc. .

We distinguish several product groups: 

a) paints to protect drinking water tanks

b) paints for protecting technical water tanks

c) paints to protect sewage/chemical tanks. 

Securing the drinking water tank

When it comes to protecting the surface of drinking water tanks, you should select appropriate products with appropriate documents. The basic document that allows paint coatings to be used in tanks is the National Institute of Hygiene certificate for direct contact of the paint coating with drinking water. There are two products that have such a document: Epimal 200 and RO 5500 . Below is a brief description of the systems.

Epimal 200

Epimal 200 is a two-component water-based epoxy paint. Epimal 200 paint can be applied to many types of surfaces: steel, wood, concrete surfaces, tiles. Of course, the substrate must be properly prepared and primed beforehand. Epimal 200 paint should be applied in three layers to obtain good protection of the tank (thickness of all layers ~ 150 microns when dry).

Epimal 200 is an epoxy, which is also a big advantage in the case of tanks in which water will be heated.

Temperature resistance: 

permanent contact – dry environment 100°C, humid environment or immersion 40°C; temporary contact – dry environment 150°C, humid or immersed environment 80°C.) 

This paint provides a durable coating that is largely resistant to chemical agents (diluted acids, alkalis, salts, oils, greases, fuels, solvents, detergents, etc.). 

Sanitary recommendations – food products: 

Before putting into operation, the surfaces of tanks intended for direct contact with food and feed products should be left (seasoned) for 7 days at 20°C. In case of lower surface and air temperatures, this time should be extended. After this time, the surface should be washed three times with water at +70°C, preferably under low pressure. Once dry, the surfaces are ready for use. Tanks can be flooded with water 14 days after paint application.  

Sample lands:

  • When painting concrete surfaces, recommended primer: Epimal G20 . Epimal 200 is an epoxy (hard) paint - therefore it requires an epoxy primer. Applying a soft acrylic primer will result in the coating peeling and falling off.
  • Super Binder 3333 adhesive primer . spray primer can be used for small surfaces . 
  • Prime steel surfaces with Epimal Stal .
  • Previously painted surfaces - if the old paint adheres well, you can paint directly; For high-gloss paints, we recommend mattifying the surface.

RO 5500 

RO 5500 is a two-component, epoxy, solvent-free paint. Perfect as a coating protecting against chlorine, it is certified by the National Institute of Hygiene for direct contact with drinking water. Resistant to oils, solvents and many chemicals. Creates easily washable surfaces. This is a high-build epoxy - in tanks we recommend applying two layers with a total thickness of 200 microns dry. The tank protected with RO 5500 is tight and the coating is resistant to water pressure. RO 5500 is an epoxy, which is also a big advantage in the case of tanks in which water will be heated (coating resistance to constant contact with water at a temperature of ~ max. 50'C).

Sanitary recommendations – food products: 

Before putting into operation, surfaces intended for direct contact with food products should be left (seasoned) for ~ 10 days at 20°C. In case of lower surface and air temperatures, this time should be extended. Once dry, the surfaces are ready for use. The tanks can be flooded with water 14 days after the paint application (at +20℃).

Sample lands: 

  • Tiles and very smooth, non-porous concrete - RO3333
  • Epimal G20 or RO5401 epoxy primer
  • Neopox Primer WS epoxy primer
  • Epimal Stal epoxy primer
  • Non-ferrous metals – use Galvinoleum RO3202
  • Previously painted surfaces - if the old paint adheres well, you can paint directly; For high-gloss paints, we recommend mattifying the surface.  

Protection of the technical water tank 

Technical water tanks, unlike the tanks mentioned above, do not require documents. Epodux IM 209  epoxy paint

Epodux IM 209

Epodux IM 209 paint is a solvent-based epoxy paint. Why is this paint used in tanks? This product tolerates moisture very well. Thanks to the hardening process that takes place under water, the element can be immersed in water just 30 minutes after painting. The hardened coating is tight, so it can be applied to leaking tanks. The coating can be permanently immersed in fresh and salt water at a temperature of up to +120°C (apply in two layers of 250 microns each dry).

securing water tanks
protection of epodux water tanks

When applying, take into account the permissible times and temperatures. The minimum air temperature during application is ~ 10'C . The coating achieves full hardness 24 hours after application at a temperature of 10'C . Of course, the higher the temperature during application, the shorter the hardening time of the coating. The overcoating time at 10'C is min. 15 hours

Sewage/chemical tank protection

Another type of product is a resin intended for protecting tanks whose surfaces must be highly chemically resistant . One such product is Neopox CR .

Neopox CR creates a low-odor, highly chemically resistant . It works best in places such as: tanks and other surfaces exposed to chemicals, including: for sodium hypochlorite or even 50% sulfuric acid (VI). The full chemical resistance table is available in the product data sheet. It can be used in shafts, sewage tanks, water treatment plants and water supply companies.

Its extended use also results from the possibility of application on various substrates using systemic primers. Can be applied to concrete and steel substrates. To obtain a fully tight and resistant coating, Neopox CR be applied in two layers: depending on whether it is a vertical or horizontal surface to be protected, prepare the correct amount of product. For horizontal surfaces, the product consumption is higher than for vertical surfaces: level: 0.33-0.4 kg/m2; vertical: 0.28-0.33 kg/m2.

Summary

Securing the tank does not have to be a problem or a nuisance. Just contact us and we will surely find solutions. As mentioned above, we have products certified for direct contact with drinking water , solutions for demanding surfaces and those that must be resistant to chemicals .

Do you have a problem to apply a concrete tank and do you need to renew it? Check our article " How to quickly renovate a damp concrete tank ?"