For More Information:
Gregg Walker
Propane Education & Research Council
202-452-8975
gregg.walker@propanecouncil.org
New Study Helps Marketers and Retailers Compare Performance of Underground Tank Coatings
Provides visual, scannable summary of results from extensive testing of seven tank coatings
Attachment: New Study Helps Marketers and Retailers Compare Performance of Underground Tank Coatings (pdf)
WASHINGTON (July 14, 2009) — A new study released by the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) measures the performance of various coatings on underground propane tanks.
In clear, easy-to-understand, color-coded charts, the report summarizes a research study conducted by KTA-Tator Inc. to evaluate the performance of several coating types when exposed to the varied environmental conditions that may occur during normal operation. The layout of the report will enable marketers to quickly and easily understand and compare the performance of the seven tank coatings that were tested.
PERC contracted KTA-Tator Inc. to conduct Testing and Evaluation of Underground Propane Tank Coatings (Docket 12469) to determine the level of protection different coating systems provide, the tank areas that are least protected, and the potential degree of coating deterioration. This information is essential to help propane marketers and retailers with their buying decisions.
“With the results of this study, marketers can educate themselves about the types of coating systems for different service environments,” explains Kirk Saunders, chairman of PERC’s Research and Development Advisory Committee and vice president of White Mountain Oil & Propane Inc. “This is a great example of how PERC invests its resources in ways that help the propane industry.”
Conducted as part of PERC’s equipment comparison testing program, the study tested seven propane tank coatings from five U.S. propane tank manufacturers: American Welding & Tank, Liberty Tank & Vessels, Quality Steel Corporation, Thompson Tanks, and Trinity Industries. Each coating was evaluated through mechanical testing and environmental exposure testing to determine whether any conditions had weakening effects on the coatings.
The testing results are presented in a one-page, graphical summary for each tank. Each summary uses a simple visual key to rate the coating’s mechanical durability and performance in response to environmental exposure for tank side, weld seam, and leg attachment samples. To allow marketers to quickly compare results from the various coatings tested, each summary provides an overall performance score for each coating, as determined by KTA-Tator. The report includes an executive summary, a full report, and a technology fact sheet.
Overall, results showed that powder coatings performed better than liquid coatings and that coatings on weld seam areas often performed worse than coatings on tank side or leg attachment areas.
Steel underground tanks store safe, clean, reliable propane for a wide range of residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural needs. Mastic or thermoplastic outer coatings protect the tank from the potentially damaging effects of exposure to moisture, bacteria, and minerals in the soil. They are growing in popularity because they have a long service life and can support a wide range of applications in homes and businesses.
The primary objective of PERC's research and development mission is to invest in new technologies and foster industry practices that bring innovative products and services to customers, improve the economic vitality of the industry, and provide greater value to propane consumers.
Fact Sheet
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