Inspection of Rubber Lined Vessels

An inspection of a rubber lined vessel should be conducted once per year and never delayed. A close check should be maintained on operating procedures and conditions at all times. If a problem is going to occur with a rubber lining, generally it will happen within the first 3 months of service, which is why it is important to check a lined vessel after the first 3 months of service.
This is likely to be true whether the problem is caused by workmanship or by misapplication of material choice.
In some cases, the solution for which the tanks were originally lined for will have little detrimental effects on the rubber while the increase of a few percentage points in the service condition (added heat, less of more concentration, introduction of new chemical) may have a definite deteriorating effect of the rubber.
The tank must be clean, degassed, and dried before a proper inspection can be made.

A full visual inspection should be conducted, being aware of:
– Any loose seams
– Blisters
– Cracks
– Cuts
– De-lamination of the sheet surface
– Discoloration or suspicious areas

Notes of the date of the inspection should be entered within a log book which is kept on each rubber lined tank and should be updated each time the tank is inspected. The areas which were described as suspicious on the previous should be identified by some means of a reference of a location and rechecked with each additional inspection.
***Note: On entering a rubber lined tank, workmen MUST wear smooth sole shoes (no contamination is acceptable) and be very cautious not to drop sharp or heavy tools onto the lining or place hot electrical lights against the rubber linings. Ladders MUST have padded feet (both top and bottom) and placed gently inside the tank.

Any questions on inspections of rubber lined vessels or repair procedures please consult

Buck Meadows / Rubber Technologist

RubberSource at 519-620-4440.