Rotational lining of steel tanks Francis Ward has considerable experience in the lining of steel chemical containers, which is now being used to provide a service to manufacturers and suppliers of large chemical tanks. Chairman and Technical Director John Kliene explains the history of the IBC and Francis Ward's role in their continued development. "Steel PCM IBCs manufactured by Francis Ward have been available as rotationally lined (rotolined) containers for more than 30 years. The containers, which are cylindrical pressure discharge IBCs, are produced in 600 litre and 1000 litre capacities. They are used to transport a variety of hazardous chemical products which are incompatible with steel.

To provide long term chemically resistant linings we rotationally line the IBCs with a bondable linear polyethylene. This is a specialised material that chemically bonds to the inside surface of the steel IBC, creating a uniform chemically resistant long lasting coating. Recently we have begun using this rotolining process to line the inside of large steel chemical tanks used for offshore chemical transport and storage. Our POD rotational moulding machine has the capability to line tanks with capacities up to 30,000 litres.

Outlet and inlet flanges are coated during the process and subsequently machined to give a uniform coating thickness to which pipe work and fittings can be sealed and secured. To produce a high quality lining with long service life capability involves careful consideration of tank design and assembly. Due to our extensive knowledge and expertise in this area, we are able to offer advice on the suitability of tank designs for lining, and on design optimisation where required." A wide range of chemicals can be used in steel containers rotolined with bondable polyethylene. Francis Ward can provide chemical compatibility information to tank users on request. Francis Ward http://contractmoulding.francisward.com + 44 (0) 1274 707030