The Proof Is in the Lining: The Evolution and Innovation Behind Sherwin-Williams UHS Tank Linings

Sherwin-Williams has been an industry leader in the development of ultra-high solids (UHS) linings for protective and marine markets for more than two decades. Starting in the late 1990s, the coating supplier worked with the U.S. Navy to qualify one of the first MIL-Spec UHS tank linings. Leveraging its innovation capabilities, and deep subject matter and industry expertise, Sherwin-Williams continued to develop UHS tank linings, such as Fast-Clad® ER, to meet evolving specifications of the 21st century.

An offshore oil rig

BEFORE UHS LININGS, THERE WERE SOLVENT-BASED POLYAMIDE EPOXIES
Prior to the development of UHS tank linings, solvent-based polyamide epoxies were used to meet military specifications such as MIL-DTL-24441 or the original MIL-PRF-23236. Despite their common use in the 1990s, solvent-based polyamide epoxies were inadequate at providing long-term corrosion protection and holiday-free integrity. Although life expectancy for these linings was estimated to be roughly eight years, coating breakdown was frequently reported within just two years of service. These systems also required several application layers and stripe coats – which led to timeintensive application processes with high associated labor costs.

During the mid-90s, the U.S. Navy pinpointed tank and void corrosion repair as its top maintenance expense – spending a reported $250 million per year1. To analyze the expenditure, the Navy launched an investigative program to uncover the main causes of tank corrosion and concluded the following:

  • Poor application procedures limited the coating system’s life cycle
  • Solvent-based coatings were unable to provide adequate protection
  • Coating breakdown at edges (welds, stiffeners) caused premature failure

This program led to the innovative development of ultra-high solids (<150 g/liter) that could meet the following increased performance criteria:

  • Environmental demands for low volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and toxic components
  • Extended dry-dock cycles
  • Life expectancy up to 20 years

To sustain these new requirements, UHS linings needed to provide exceptional protection against coating degradation in the field and high-film build "with edge retention" to effectively prevent premature edge and weld failure.

THE DEVELOPMENT OF UHS LININGS
As one of the first coatings suppliers to formulate a UHS lining, Sherwin-Williams developed Dura-Plate® UHS in 1997. This ultra-high-solids, edge-retentive epoxy lining meets MIL-PRF-23236 standard requirements, and in some cases, exceeds them. Dura-Plate UHS is suitable for bulk storage tanks, ballast tanks, pipe internals and secondary containment – in new construction and maintenance applications. This Grade-C material lining cures above 50°F (10°C) and allows a long recoat window (14+ days), which enables thorough inspection time and touch-ups.

The Dura-Plate UHS lining system includes a UHS primer that uses the same chemistry and is 100-percent topcoat compatible. The primer provides consistent chemical and temperature resistance, and delivers excellent pit-filling in maintenance applications.

Unlike previously applied solvent-based polyamide epoxies, this UHS lining system demonstrates a high level of durability in extreme environments such as oil & gas and water/wastewater facilities noted in Figure 1.

Although the first UHS lining systems were applied to ships in the mid-90s, an update to the MIL-PRF-23236 specification triggered their widespread use. The new MIL-PRF-23236 set stringent coating testing standards designed to prove durability. The specification also outlined key compositional requirements, like VOCs and toxic chemical composition, for a Type VII UHS lining. To comply with the specification, the lining had to meet the following application and test requirements noted in Figure 2 (there is also a requirement for UV fluorescence for Type VII primers to help identify holidays).

FIGURE 1: SOLVENT-FREE EPOXY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

FIGURE 2: KEY PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR MIL-PRF-23236

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS FAST-CLAD® ER
Although Dura-Plate UHS was considered a field success after its release, the team at Sherwin-Williams knew what features were needed for the next generation of UHS tank linings – fast return to service combined with low-temperature cure.

In 2004, utilizing state-of-the-art facilities and technology, Sherwin-Williams launched Fast-Clad ER – a polymer resin system optimized for a fast cure without compromising chemical resistance or flexibility, a key requirement for long lining life. Fast-Clad ER is an edge-retentive, ultra-high solids epoxy amine coating engineered for immersion service in fuel/seawater ballast tanks and petroleum storage tanks that can be applied in a single coat. This UHS lining is suitable for low-temperature applications and cures at 25°F (-3°C).

Fast-Clad ER’s formulation is balanced to maintain required application properties over a range of film thicknesses and edge retention (>70%).

Plural application equipment is required to apply Fast-Clad ER due to the product’s material characteristics. In lining applications, the use of plural equipment has the following benefits:

  • No risk of losing equipment due to high reactivity
  • Reduced waste – only mix what is needed
  • Health and safety – no manual mixing of individual components required
  • Faster productivity – continuous application without the need to stop and “mix”

Opti-Check OAP technology is built into the Fast-Clad ER system to optimize application and to reduce the reliance on high voltage spark testing. This technology is especially beneficial in maintenance applications where pitting is common. Sherwin-Williams was the first supplier to use eye safe deep purple inspection light technology. This technology, when used by experienced technical service representatives, enables a 50-75% faster inspection rate with a higher rate (>25%) of defect detection compared to other visual methods.

The superior performance and cure characteristics of Fast-Clad ER have made it a popular protective lining for the following reasons:

  • Excellent barrier properties
  • High chemical resistance
  • Pit-filling capabilities (many tanks in need of maintenance) of both Fast-Clad ER primer and build coat
  • High flexibility to withstand the stresses of frequent loading and unloading
  • Enhanced inspection using Opti-Check OAP technology

See Appendix A for further testing information.

FAST-CLAD ER IN THE FIELD
Although it is critical to meet key laboratory test requirements such as those demanded in MIL-PRF-23236, it is equally important for a coating to perform in the field. A case study conducted in 2006 on the USS Carter Hall demonstrated the benefits of single-coat linings over traditional systems, showing a reduction in overall application and inspection time from 216 hours (standard coating) to 35 hours (single-layer rapid-cure lining with fluorescent additive).

In 2019, Sherwin-WIlliam was part of a team that received "The Military Coatings Project Award of Excellence" by SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings for the USS George Washington super carrier. The award recognizes exceptional coatings work performed on U.S. military ships, structures or facilities. More than 100 tanks designed to hold ballast, chemicals, fuel, water and waste within the ship were coated with Fast Clad ER.

See below collection of photos for more Fast-Clad ER marine application images.

OVER TWENTY YEARS OF PROVEN PERFORMANCE
Superior test data alone does not convey how a lining will perform. An extensive, proven track record with authenticated results is critical and the primary indication of field success. Sherwin-Williams Dura-Plate UHS and Fast-Clad ER have demonstrated consistent performance in protective and marine markets since their respective innovations in 1997 and 2004.

With the development of cutting-edge solvent-free coatings and linings, Sherwin-Williams has been able to provide exceptional corrosion protection, improve inspection processes, reduce downtime and labor costs, and increase asset service life.

 

Lining not formulated for edge retention before UHS technology
 

Superior edge retention of
Fast-Clad ER
 

Identification of pinholes using Opti-Check OAP Technology in
critical weld areas
 

APPENDIX A: TESTING AND APPROVAL SUMMARY – SHERWIN-WILLIAMS FAST-CLAD ER



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