Environmental Science & Engineering - www.esemag.com - May 2005
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Inexpensive lining system extends life of leaking tank
In 2001, during a routine tank inspection, the staff at the
Aylmer, Ontario, wastewater treatment plant noticed
some fine leaking cracks in the exterior of the FRP tank
used to contain liquid alum. An inspection of the tank
was completed and the conclusion was that the tank was
still structurally sound.
Replacement was considered but, in addition to the cost
of a new tank, the Township had to allow for opening a section
of the building to remove the existing tank and move
the new one in. Another option considered was removing
the existing tank and constructing a new tank inside the
building. This also proved to be quite costly. A decision was
made to have Kentain Products Ltd. supply a closed top,
heavy gauge flexible PVC liner. Kentain provided specialized
technicians to take exact inside dimensions of the tank.
The liner was designed and pre-fabricated in one piece at
their facility in Kitchener, Ontario.
Working in conjunction with the Ontario Clean Water
Agency, Kentain provided an installation supervisor and
two helpers to assist with the installation. With no need to
sand blast and minimal down time, the installation was completed in just two days. The entire inside surface of the
tank, fittings and manway were lined so that the FRP tank
would no longer come in contact with liquid or fumes. The
PVC lining was not adhered to the tank surface and wasn’t
affected by the expansion and contraction or small cracks
left in the walls. Because of the closed top, one piece construction
and excellent chemical resistance, the liner is virtually
maintenance free.
The liner has now become the main containment while
the tank is providing extra security, by becoming the secondary
containment. A leak detection system assures early
awareness should a problem ever occur.
Contact email: scott@kentain.com.
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