Full Moon Rising Next to the Watertower in Georgetown, IN

A pic I took this evening as the full moon rises next to the elevated tank just outside our home.

National Rural Water Association Conference

The National Rural Water Association Annual Conference was held in Louisville, KY this past week (H2O Expo). INDURON was there along with several other tank companies. Caldwell, Utility Service Company, Landmark (pics of their booths herein) were there along with Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors and Fisher Tank.

It was a good opportunity to interact with others in the industry. There were a couple of companies there that provided either inspections for tanks and/or pressure washing. As always, don't hesitate to let me know if you have any questions about your tanks.

POWELL COUNTY, KENTUCKY

Powell County Water District gets their tank repainted. This 100,000 Gallon Standpipe tank near Clay City, KY is getting a full sandblast on the exterior (SSPC-SP6). Huffman Tank & Tower just completed a "drop" on the tank and they are about to apply the prime coat of Induron Induraguard. Another successful Induron project in the books. The contractor, owner and engineer were all happy with the products, the technical support and performance. Our revolutionary Two Coat Ceramic Epoxy was applied on the interior and our high performing Indurethane 6600 System was used on the exterior.

HARTFORD CITY, IN

Before and After of the 300,000 Gallon Leg Tank in Hartford City, IN. We used our revolutionary ceramic epoxy on the interior and our Aquanaut II Acrylic tank overcoat system on the exterior. The Induron Aquanaut product has been amazingly successful. The product continues to be one of the best in the industry. The product has been around for years and every time a contractor or customer uses it, we receive rave reveiws on its user-friendliness and performance.

Finished product-1000M CET Martinsville, IN

Here is picture of the finished tank in Martinsville, IN. The finish product and color on this tank is Indurethane 6600 Easy Green Dark. The lettering color ("MARTINSVILLE") is Induron Forest Green. I think it looks very nice. It also fits in quite nicely with the surrounding trees and environment.

Dissimilar Metal Contact Causes Accelerated Corrosion

Here is a classic example of something you don't want to do. This is a picture of a stainless steel bolt & nut going through and coming into direct contact with carbon steel. This is a handrail section of an elevated water tank balcony. The S.S. bolt was installed on the handrail to connect a chain that crosses the balcony handrail opening.

The carbon steel is more readily corrodible (less noble) than the stainless steel (i.e.-carbon steel rusts faster than stainless steel). And when you put the two metals in direct contact with one another, the less noble metal becomes the anode and therefore corrodes (rusts) at a much more assertive rate. This can obviously detrimentally affect the integrity of the structure if nothing is done to rectify this incongruence. It probably won't affect the integrity of the entire tank, but it can considerably affect the localized area of the handrail.

This is a phenomenon that is explained in most NACE (National Association of Corrosion Engineers) or SSPC (Society for Protective Coatings) courses. This occurence is explained by what is referred to as the "Galvanic Series." The galvanic series ranks metals in accordance to their respective rates of corrosion (or their "Nobility"). If a metal is more noble, then it has a greater resistance to corrosion; and vice versa. Subsequently, if you put two metals in contact with one another that have a considerable difference in their respective nobility, the less noble metal will always corrode an an accelerated rate. And that is what is exemplified in this picture.

This is a common occurrence with water tanks. And considering the myriad of things water tanks get attached to them (cell phone antennas, satellite dishes, cables, wires, telemetry, 911 transmitter devices, etc...) it is important to have a professional inspection or corrosion consultant look at and inside your tanks on a regular basis. Protect that asset and "Long Live the Tank."

The Green Spaceship

Just kidding, but as short as this tank is, it does kind of look like a green spaceship. The finish INDURON color on this tank is called Easy Green Dark. Again, it is a 1,000,000 Gallon Composite Elevated Tank (CET). Pictures of the intermediate coat being applied are shown below. This tank is yet another testament to INDURON's success and efficacy as the leader of protective coating systems for water tanks.

Martinsville, IN 1,000,000 Composite Tank

This is one of the shortest Composite Tanks that I've ever seen. It is a rare, interesting tank so I'm glad to be a part of it. This tank is located in Martinsville, IN and was shop primed with Indurazinc MC67. You can see here in these three pictures the intermediate coat of INDURON RC-70 Epoxy being applied by conscientious crew members from Neumann Company. Neumann Company is a very reputable tank painting contractor based out of Romeoville, IL (south of Chicago). The tank will get two more coats of Indurethane 6600 on the exterior and will be painted green to help it

blend in with the surrounding trees. The interior will be protected with 3 coats of INDURON RC-70 Epoxy.

Legs of an Elevated Tank Painted with Induron PE-70

I know this might look boring, but for some folks out there, they might not know the specific procedure of how a tank gets painted. Before a tank gets erected, many times the steel parts and pieces of the tank get blasted in the shop and then get a prime coat applied. That's what we're looking at in this picture. What you see here is a prime coat of Induron PE-70 that has been applied to the legs of the tank in the shop. This prime coat of PE-70 has been applied to about 4 to 6 Mils DFT (DFT=Dry Film Thickness).

Notice the shop primer does not cover all the way to the end, and is not on the weld seams/joints. This is so the tank can be welded together in the field without the paint interfering with the integrity of the future weld procedures. These weld seam/joint areas will be touched-up in the field by the field painting contractor, after the tank has been fully erected.

Also, notice the color of the Induron PE-70 Primer is tan. The respective color of each coat of paint should always be a shade or two different than the one before or after.

Taylorsville, KY--New 500M TB Induron Paint System

Here is the new 500,000 Gallon Elevated Leg Tank that has just been completed by Caldwell Tanks in Taylorsville, KY. It is being protected by a brand new INDURON Protective Coating System. The job just finished up in mid March and everyone is very pleased.

Induron Coating System Utilized:

EXTERIOR SYSTEM:
Prime Coat: Induron Indurazinc MC67
Intermediate Coat: Induron Armorguard Epoxy
Finish Coat: Induron Indurethane 5500 PLUS

INTERIOR SYSTEM:
Prime Coat: Induron RC-70
Intermediate Coat: Induron RC-70
Finish Coat: Induron RC-70

INDURON Tank Wins Tank of the Year Award

INDURON was the paint system of choice for the 2008 Tank of Year (Standpipe Division) Award Winning Tank built by Fisher Tank.

The tank was built at the Biloxi/Gulfport International Airport. The tank has a unique 45 degree angle sloped roof design.

Happy New Year to Everyone

I hope everyone had a nice holiday. Welcome back to the normal routine of getting some work done. I'm happy to assist anyone with watertank and painting information. Most of the jobs around here are shut down until Spring, but I will try and find some interesting information to post in the next week or two.

MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE

Here is the picture of my family that we used for for our Christmas Card this year. That's me on the left; my wife Leila, Tyson (on my lap); Ethan (with glasses); Maggie; Kaden & Cassie (on my wife's lap. Merry Christmas from our family to yours.

Painting Tip for water tanks this time of year (late fall and early spring):

When painting a tank during the cold weather that Mother Nature has been providing us lately 3 things are important:

1: Ambient Temperature
2: Substrate Temperature
3: Temperature of the actual paint, itself

All 3 of these variables need to be considered and monitored closely to determine if conditions are acceptable for successful coating application and performance. But the one variable that often times doesn’t get prioritized enough is number 3—Temperature of the actual paint, itself.

Most of the epoxies we use in the tank industry have a cold-weather (rapid cure) version that is appropriate for late fall and early spring time weather conditions. Often times the minimum ambient and substrate temperature for these cold-weather versions is 35 degrees Fahrenheit. But the issue that is just important, but sometimes doesn’t get the attention it deserves, is the recommended minimum temperature of the paint itself. Most manufacturers’ data sheets state that for optimal application and performance properties, paint material should be a minimum of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. In the real world, a tank field site is where the paint is stored. And if someone doesn’t ask the question of raise the issue, the paint is either stored outside underneath a tarp or inside of a trailer that is not heated.

So if the ambient high temperature for the day is 47 degrees, and it is partly sunny, then it is probably acceptable painting weather. But if the night before, the temperature got down to 27 degrees (and the paint wasn’t stored in a heated area), then the temperature of the paint itself is probably no more than 35 degrees (because the paint inside of a 5 gallon container takes longer to warm up) and that is not good. Often times, the paint is more difficult to work with and as a result and it creates an unfortunate side effect that is induced by the field personnel: Adding a lot more thinner (probably exceeding the manufacturer’s recommended percentage). Cold paint doesn’t mix as well, it doesn’t pour as well, it doesn’t spray as well and it doesn’t cure out as well. So, while painting during these cooler times is quite acceptable and even recommended, always remember what the product data sheet says for its recommended temperature of the paint itself for optimal application and performance properties. Everyone will better served if the paint temperature is being paid attention to.

Some thoughts as to how to help provide solutions:

Storing material on-site in heated trailers; storing it at the water office or city/municipally owned facilities that are climate controlled; taking smaller quantities home or hotel room (20 or 30 gallons) the night before and storing it there and bringing them back to use for the day. Having a forced air heater on-site and setting paint cans a safe, yet close enough distance away to heat up the material. Infrared thermometers are helpful in measuring the temperature of the paint.

Long Live the Tank!

Intermediate Coat--Induron Armorguard

The 500,000 Gallon Tank in Taylorsville, KY is now getting the intermediate coat applied. Induron Armorguard with E-60 Accelerator added to it (for cold weather temperatures) is the product of performance here. Mother Nature is still not providing us with many breaks here at this site, but progress still continues to be made.

New 500,000 Gallon Elevated Leg Tank--Taylorsville, KY

This new 500M TB Tank in Taylorsville, KY is receiving its Induron Coating System in cold temperatures. That's just another example of the Induron advantage. Induron's Indurazinc MC67 (the exterior primer) is the grayish green product you see here on the tank. The tank is being spot blasted and spot primed in the field with Indurazinc MC67. This product is enabling the field crew to stay productive even when Mother Nature doesn't provide the most favorable conditions. Indurazinc MC67 can be applied when ambient and steel temperatures are as low as 35 degrees Fahrenheit. This type of flexibility is very beneficial to Owners, Engineers and Contractors when getting a tank painted and on-line during the colder months. Tight schedules and getting systems up and on-line are always important. Induron has the products and field support to assist in getting paint projects done right, and on time.

Silver Creek Water Tank Just About Complete

The job in Sellersburg, IN for Silver Creek Water is just about complete. You can see here they are rolling on the finishing touches of the Indurethane 5500 Plus Blue Diamond. The paint has gone on smoothly without any problems. This coating system will provide many years of service for Silver Creek Water.

Induron Armorguard Intermediate Coat Being Applied

The intermediate coat of paint is now being applied to the tank in Sellersburg, IN for Silver Creek Water. The intermediate coat is a high performance polyamide epoxy called ARMORGUARD. The field painters have been very complimentary of the application properties of the Induron products. The finish color of the tank will be Induron's own, "Blue Diamond." I'll post photos of the finish color in a couple of days.

The tank painting is being inspected by team members from HORIZON INSPECTION.

Silver Creek Water, Sellersburg, IN

The guys from Caldwell Tanks are hard at work blasting all the old paint off of the tank so a new, fresh Induron Coating System can protect the tank for many years to come. These guys have my respect, that's for sure.

Another New Tank with an Induron Coating System in Daviess County

Across town from the Masonville, KY tank (see previous post a couple pictures down), another contractor is finishing up another new 500,000 tank in Daviess County, KY. This tank is located further west in an area known as "West Louisville." This tank is incorporating the same Induron Coating System as the one in the Masonville area. The engineer is Jim Riney with HRG Engineers, Owensboro, KY.

The inspector is Jay Hoffman with Wet or Dry Inspection.

The contractor is Phoenix Fabricators & Erectors, Avon, IN.

This tank has the shop primer applied and was just getting the field intermediate coat applied to the exterior (Induron Armorguard Epoxy).

Silver Creek Water--Sellersburg, IN--Blasting is now in full effect

The containment shroud is fully elevated and blasting is taking place on the one of the columns, as you can see here from the photos which were taken on Tuesday August 19th.

New 500,000 Gallon Elevated Tank near Masonville, KY

This new 500,000 Gallon Elevated Leg Tank was just completed in Masonville, KY for Daviess County Water. The system consisted of three full coats of Induron PE-54 polyamide epoxy on the interior of the tank. The exterior consisted of a prime coat of PE-54; followed by an intermediate coat of Induron Armorguard; finished up with a final coat of Indurethane 5500.

Silver Creek Water--Containment is up and in working order

Today I stopped by the jobsite and found the crew from Caldwell Tank busily working. The containment system has been completely installed and the shroud was hanging from the tank (as you can see from the photo taken today). The crew was sandblasting the exterior to an SSPC-SP6. The containment system is fully operational and can move all the way up to completely enshroud the tank; or can be lowered all the way down to the ground from the power of the onsite compressor. Stay tuned for more updates on this project in the next coming days and weeks.

Silver Creek Water in Sellersburg, IN

This 500,000 Gallon Elevated Tank in Sellersburg, IN is getting ready to be blasted down so that it can receive a brand new Induron Coating System. The containment rigging (the steel arms you see around the roof area) has just been welded on; and the rest of the containment system is getting installed. Once the containment system is installed, the crew will begin sandblasting the tank. You can see a picture here (below) of Caldwell Tanks' crew (the contractor who is painting the tank). I took a picture of them so you all could see the faces of men who actually get up there and put forth the hard labor to get these tanks painted. These guys deserve a lot of respect, as many of them you see here are responsible for painting many, many tanks over the years--all over the country. Bravo to these guys. From left: Darren, Doug, Billy, Angel, and in front is Scott. One of these guys is actually studying to be a full time minister. Each one of these guys brings something interesting to each tank site. Long Live the Tank and stay safe!

New Tank in Marion County, KY--Bradfordsville

Here is a new tank that has just been erected by Caldwell Tanks that is now receiving the specified Induron Coating System. The painters are applying the last coat of paint on the exterior which is Indurethane 5500. The Induron coating system will provide years of protection. The interior was coated with 3 coats of Induron PE-54.

Updated photo of Charlestown, IN

I went by the new 500,000 tank in Charlestown, IN last week that was painted with Induron last year and it still looks brand new. The crew from Phoenix did a good job. Indurethane 5500Plus will last for years to come.......

Menifee County, KY Wastewater Package Plant

Here is a slightly different project where Induron has an application. This project is a wastewater treatment package plant located in Means, KY. It is a steel tank that is in need of repainting. We are implementing approximately 20-25 Mils of Induron Ruff Stuff 2100 (2 coats @ 10-12 mils per coat) on the interior; and utilizing a 3 coat system on the exterior. The exterior system is comprised of two coats of Induron Perma-Clean II, followed by a finish coat of Induron Indurethane 5500.

Last update on the tank repaint in Versailles, KY

FINAL UPDATE: This 500,000 Gallon Composite tank in Versailles, KY has received it's full and final coat of Induron Indurethane 5500 on the exterior and Induron Ruff Stuff 3300 on the interior. The finished product looks fantastic. Long Live the Tank! Another successful application of Induron Protective Coatings. Call me if you have any questions about the system.

Update on Versailles, KY Repaint

This tank is almost complete. The "tie" coat and finish coat on this overcoat have been applied in some areas of the tank. We are using Induron Induramastic 85 as a tie coat before applying the full Indurethane 5500 Plus coat.

Daviess Co.,KY New 500,000 Gallon Elevated Tank

Here is yet another new tank that just got erected by Caldwell Tanks of Louisville, KY. The tank is located in a high visible area on HWY 231 just south of Owensboro, KY. It is now getting the spot primer and intermediate coat of Induron applied to it. The finish color will be a light blue color (Induron "Fountain.")The system on this tank is as follows: 3 coats of Induron PE-54 Epoxy on the interior. The exterior gets one coat of PE-54 primer, followed by one coat of Induron Armorguard (intermediate coat), followed by one coat Induron Indurethane 5500 (finish coat). The engineer for this project is Jim Riney of HRG Engineers (Owensboro, KY). And the inspection company for the project is Wet or Dry Inspection (Jay Hoffman, Principal).

New Carthage, IN Tank

Here in Carthage, IN, Neumann Company is applying an Induron Coating System. The engineer for the job is Hannum, Wagle & Cline. The contractor is Caldwell Tanks, and as mentioned above, the painting subcontractor is Neumann Company of Romeoville, IL. Everyone has been very pleased with the progress and application of the coating system.

S. Woodford Co. Water Tank located in Versailles, KY

This 500,000 Gallon Composite tank in Versailles, KY is getting a new Induron paint job applied to it. The tank is located in a congested resididential area so the steel rods you see projecting from the top of the tank are containment arms. The containment shroud will be suspended from these arms. The job is being performed by Caldwell Tanks.

A new two coat, high performance Induron epoxy system will be applied to the interior and a new high performance Induron "Indurethane" system will be applied to the exterior.

AWWA Conference in full force right now

Photos of the exhibit hall at the AWWA National Conference taking place this week in downtown Altanta, GA

National American Water Works Association (AWWA) Conference

Here we all are at the National AWWA show in Atlanta, Georgia. The show has just begun and we are at our booth exhibiting at the show. From left--Ben Rowland, Davies Hood, Alex Oliver (me) & Jeff White. I'll try and get some photos of some of the tank booths while we're here.

Taylorsville, KY Repaint

Another successful Induron tank painting project. This project was just completed in Taylorsville, KY. Justin Horn and his crew of tank painters (J.R. Horn Company) painted this tank with an Induron Acrylic System (Induron Aquanaut). They implemented a nice logo on the tank as well. Pictures of the tank being painted are posted in the previous post. Call me if you have any questions about painting your tank.

Taylorsville, KY Repaint

This tank is getting yet another Induron Coating System applied to it. The painter here--Justin Horn of J. Horn Painting is applying a spot coat of Induron Induramastic 85. This product has excellent adhesion characteristics to marginally prepared surfaces. Here's a link to the Induramastic 85 Product Data Sheet: http://www.induron.com/data_sheet/45.pdf Then, two coats of Induron Aquanaut will be applied. I'll post pictures of the finished tank in the next week or two.