What Makes Polyurea The Ultimate Tank Lining Solution?

Polyurea provides a unique combination of strength and flexibility that sets it apart from traditional coatings like epoxy or fiberglass. Polyurea is durable, watertight, chemically inert, adaptable, easy to apply, quick to cure, and more sustainable. Whether polyurea is used for hazardous waste or potable water, polyurea tank linings are the ultimate tank lining solution.

What Types Of Tanks Need Tank Linings?

Nearly every type of storage tank needs a tank lining. Whether it’s for storing drinking water or transporting industrial chemicals, tanks are susceptible to chemical corrosion, physical abrasion, photodegradation, and many other risks and hazards. Industrial coatings like polyurea can be used to protect tanks from corrosion, strong physical impacts, harsh abrasion, UV radiation, and much more. They’re the best of the best when it comes to high-performance tank linings!

What Are The Disadvantages To Polyurea Tank Linings?

Polyurea is widely considered the ultimate tank lining solution, which means its disadvantages are few and far between. The biggest concerns are in terms of UV resistance and margin for error during application. Aliphatic polyurea, or combined aromatic-top coat systems, are needed for robust UV resistance, and its rapid application and curing mean that there’s less time to identify and rectify installation errors or inadequacies compared to traditional coatings.

TANK LINING:
WHAT YOU NEED
TO KNOW

Tank linings are an industrial-strength form of protective coating specifically designed to shield storage tanks from physical and chemical damage or degradation. They’re used with tanks made of many different materials, including steel/stainless steel and concrete, which are the two most common tank materials across industrial and commercial settings. However, there are many different types and qualities of tank linings on the market, and choosing the right one is just as important as choosing whether or not to use them at all. For most tank lining, the choice is between polyurea, epoxy, and rubber – but which one should you choose for your tank lining project? The answer, is polyurea coatings, and we’ll explain why they’re the best choice for the majority of storage tanks, regardless of where they are, what they’re made of, or what’s inside them.

WHY IS TANK LINING SO IMPORTANT?

Tanks store everything from potable water to hazardous chemicals and petroleum products. Unprotected tank walls can rust or degrade from constant exposure to their contents and environmental factors like heat or moisture. Storage tank linings create a barrier that prevents corrosive substances and moisture from reaching the tank shell, thereby preserving the tank’s structure, preventing leaks and further corrosion, and keeping the stored product pure. That’s why, for operators, choosing a suitable tank lining solution is critical to meet safety regulations and protect their investment.

A good lining provides strong corrosion resistance and often additional chemical protection. Even strong acids like sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid can be safely contained with the right liner without damaging the tank. Quality linings also withstand freezing low-temperature conditions and high heat without cracking or failing. In the long run, using a lining significantly extends a tank’s usable life and is far more economical than frequent repairs or tank replacements.  

COMMON TANK LINING MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES

COMMON TANK LINING
MATERIALS & TECHNOLOGIES

EPOXY &
POLYURETHANE COATINGS

Epoxy coatings (epoxy lining systems) cure into a hard, chemically resistant barrier that adheres well to steel or concrete and are widely used for water, wastewater, and chemical storage tanks. Polyurethane linings are more flexible, bonding well to concrete tanks and performing better across varying temperature ranges. Both materials work reliably, but they are more rigid than polyurea and can crack if the substrate moves or under extreme temperature changes. Basic cement linings are also sometimes used in concrete tanks, but polymer coatings offer superior protection.  

RUBBER LINING

Rubber lining (often using butyl rubber) is a long-standing method for chemical tank protection. Butyl rubber excels against aggressive acids and offers heat resistance up to ~210°F (99°C). These linings are applied as sheets bonded to the tank interior. Rubber provides excellent chemical resistance but can be labor-intensive to install, and it’s not suitable for very high temperatures or potable water uses.  

POLYUREA LINING

Polyurea is a comparatively newer tank lining technology favored for its rapid cure and exceptional performance. This spray-applied elastomer sets within seconds to form a seamless, flexible yet extremely durable membrane. Polyurea also resists a wide range of chemicals and remains stable in extreme temperatures; it’s widely considered one of the most reliable and high-performing lining options available today.

WHAT ARE THE
ADVANTAGES OF
POLYUREA TANK
LINING?

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF
POLYUREA TANK LINING?

RAPID CURE, MINIMAL DOWNTIME

Polyurea sets and begins curing within minutes of application and finishes curing far faster than traditional systems like epoxy. This rapid curing means tanks can return to service quickly, resulting in minimal downtime. Fast turnaround is a huge advantage for facilities that cannot afford extended outages.    

CHEMICAL RESISTANCE

By their very nature, polyurea linings are resistant to a wide range of chemicals, from fuels and oils to harsh acids. Even highly corrosive substances like concentrated sulfuric acid will not easily penetrate or degrade a quality polyurea coating.  

DURABILITY & FLEXIBILITY

Polyurea’s high tensile strength and elasticity make it extremely durable, resisting abrasion, impact, and wear even in heavy-duty service. Its flexibility allows the coating to bridge small cracks and accommodate tank movement, while its tenacious bond forms a seamless liner with no weak points, extending the tank’s lifespan.    

COMMON TANK LINING APPLICATIONS

COMMON TANK LINING
APPLICATIONS

WATER & WASTEWATER STORAGE

Proper water tank lining prevents leaks and corrosion in municipal water tanks, potable water storage tanks, and wastewater treatment basins. Epoxy or polyurea water tank liners keep the water clean and the tank intact. They also handle temperature changes, from hot water tanks to chilled cold water storage.

CHEMICAL &
PROCESS TANKS

Tanks holding hazardous chemicals (acids, caustics, etc.) need robust linings to prevent corrosion. Secondary containment areas are also lined with polyurea for added leak protection. Polyurea and specialized epoxy or rubber coatings protect these process tanks against chemical attack and make them easier to clean.

OIL & FUEL TANKS

Petroleum tanks storing crude oil, gasoline, or other fuels benefit from an internal lining to combat corrosion – preventing rust when water settles at the tank bottom. Polyurea coatings also resist degradation by petroleum products, ensuring the fuel remains uncontaminated and the tank maintains its integrity.  

MARINE & TRANSPORTATION

Ships, barges, and tanker trucks use specialized marine coatings to guard against corrosion from saltwater and chemical cargo. High-flexibility linings like polyurea are ideal cargo tank coatings for marine vessels because they handle constant movement and vibration. These linings protect ballast tanks and chemical tanker interiors, reducing maintenance needs.

ARMORTHANE’S TANK LINING PRODUCTS,
SERVICES, & EXPERTISE

ARMORTHANE’S TANK LINING PRODUCTS, SERVICES, & EXPERTISE

With decades of experience, we provide end-to-end tank lining services – from material development to field application. As a leader in tank lining technology based in the United States and with partners around the globe, we’ve built a strong reputation for quality and innovation. Proper installation is as important as the product itself. ArmorThane assists in selecting the ideal tank lining material, and our certified applicators follow a rigorous application process with thorough surface prep and precise spraying. Our trained professionals can provide turnkey tank lining services, ensuring a safe, efficient job every time. We stand behind our work. After lining application, teams perform detailed inspections (such as spark testing for pinholes and thickness checks) to confirm a defect-free result. ArmorThane’s commitment to excellence has given us a proven track record worldwide, and we’re ready to welcome you into our elastomeric fold!  

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which Tank Lining Material Has The Best Chemical Resistance?

Epoxy linings are known for their chemical resistance and have long been used for harsh acids and solvents, and butyl rubber linings also perform well against many strong acids. However, advanced polyurea is often considered the best overall solution because it withstands a wide range of chemicals (even very aggressive acids like sulfuric) while also being flexible and fast-curing.

How Long Does An Installed Tank Lining Last?

Most tank linings will last many years if properly applied and maintained. An epoxy or rubber lining might need re-coating after about 5–10 years of service. In contrast, polyurea linings often last 10–20 years or more thanks to their durability and strong bond. Regular inspections will help determine when maintenance or re-lining is needed, but a good lining can postpone costly tank replacements.

What Is The Tank Lining Application Process For Polyurea?

Applying a polyurea tank lining involves thorough surface preparation and spray application. First, the tank is emptied, cleaned, and abrasively blasted to create a proper surface profile. Then the two-part polyurea is sprayed on with high-pressure equipment, quickly building up a seamless coating that cures within seconds. Finally, the liner is inspected before the tank is put back into service.

What Maintenance Do Polyurea Tank Linings Require?

Polyurea tank linings require minimal maintenance. Regular inspections are recommended to detect any damage early, which allows for easy spot repairs, but due to their toughness, extensive maintenance is rarely needed, keeping operational interruptions to a minimum, and saving a lot of money as a consequence.

ARMORTHANE IS YOUR TRUSTED
PARTNER AND TANK LINING EXPERT

We’re ready to assist you with your next tank lining project! You can rest assured that you’re in good hands with the world’s one-stop shop for everything polyurea and polyurethane. Our tank lining technology is time-tested to protect tanks against corrosion and chemical attack, and we offer coating solutions of the highest quality to see that your tanks last longer and perform better. Contact ArmorThane today to discuss your needs and get a customized tank lining solution that will safeguard your assets for the long term.

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