The applications for spray foam go far beyond attics and residential buildings, because spray foam can be used with tanks to preserve the integrity of products, protect surrounding spaces, and ensure the best insulation possible.
Spray foam is used in tank applications because it fills a shape seamlessly and gets into all cracks and crevices, creating a secure seal for proper insulation. Read on to learn more about insulating tanks with spray foam and its varied benefits.
Understanding Storage Tanks
Storage tanks are essential for businesses that need to store liquids such as alcohol, wine, water, oil, or gases. Even minor temperature fluctuations can compromise the quality of these substances. To maintain product stability and ensure safety, it’s crucial to insulate both hot and cold storage tanks with spray foam, as the insulation helps protect the contents from temperature changes.
Using spray foam to insulate tanks is especially useful because it provides secondary containment, which is necessary in case the primary containment fails or breaks. Secondary containment acts as an additional protective barrier, designed to prevent hazardous materials from escaping into the environment if the primary containment system fails. This added layer of security is vital for protecting both people and the environment.
What problems does insulating tanks with spray foam solve?
You can solve the following problems by insulating tanks with spray foam:
- Condensation – Excess moisture causes corrosion and cracks over time, which leads to tank malfunctions. When tanks no longer function properly, issues can arise like loss of inventory, production setbacks, costly repairs and replacements, and beyond.
- Improper installation – Spray foam installation is seamless, which makes it the practical solution for all shapes and sizes of objects. The product is self-adhesive when properly primed and prepared, which means there is no tape, staples, or glue involved.
- Unregulated tank temperature – Using spray foam to insulate tanks reduces the cost of heating and cooling by creating a consist and controlled environment. It forms a seamless and airtight barrier, minimizes temperature fluctuations, and protects contents from external temperature changes.
- Mold and mildew – Spray foam’s effectiveness in preventing mold and mildew stems from its ability to create a tight seal, which significantly reduces moisture intrusion. This is crucial because mold and mildew require moisture to grow. By filling gaps and cracks, spray foam eliminates potential areas where moisture could accumulate.
Applying Spray Foam to Insulate a Tank
Spray foam forms a strong bond with the tank’s surface, creating a protective barrier and a weatherproof seal that shields the tank from external elements. Since the foam molds itself to the contours of the tank, it can be used on storage tanks of various shapes and sizes.
Before applying the foam, the tank must be thoroughly prepared (commonly by high-pressure washing or degreasing) to ensure adhesion. This removes rust, dirt, and other existing insulation. Then, the spray foam is added using proper equipment to the tank’s sides and top, forming a seamless, protective layer.
For insulating foam chamber storage tanks, closed-cell spray foam is the preferred choice. The application process uses specialized equipment to mix isocyanate and resin, which react to produce a dense foam that sets and hardens within seconds.
Why Do the Experts Recommend Spray Foam for Insulation?
When it comes to comparing spray foam to alternatives like fiberglass or blankets, spray foam is clearly the superior choice due to its performance and longevity. In addition to providing secondary confinement, spray foam insulation for tanks is a practical and efficient solution for maintaining product integrity, promoting energy efficiency, ensuring safety, and more.
Let’s review some of the key benefits of using spray foam to insulate tanks:
- Efficiency – Spray foam insulation is ideal for many different storage tanks, specifically because it has an R-value of >6.5 / inch of thickness, which can keep energy costs related to heating or cooling the tank significantly lower.
- Structural integrity – Spray-foam-insulated tanks are actually more structurally sound, as the foam increases the integrity of the object being insulated. Spray foam adapts to the tank, eliminating voids while sealing out moisture and air. Since the foam adheres directly to the surface of the tank, it reduces the risks for air infiltration and moisture buildup.
- Longevity – Spray polyurethane foam is a great solution for storage tanks because it is a long-lasting solution against the elements, temperature changes, and more. Studies conducted on commercial spray foam roofs, considered one of the harshest environments in the industry, show that spray foam ages excellently, and when sealed properly isn’t subject to UV degradation.
Using the Right Spray Foam to Insulate Tanks
When choosing the right spray foam to insulate a storage tank, consider facts like R-value, moisture resistance, and durability. Closed-cell spray foam has a higher R-value, impermeable cells (to block moisture), and dense structure that stabilizes the tank against physical stress, so it is typically the way to go.
However, we are always here to assist if you are using spray foam to insulate tanks and don’t know which type will suit the project’s needs best.
SprayWorks Equipment Is Your Source for All Things Spray Foam
When it comes to finding the right equipment for tank insulation via spray foam, SprayWorks Equipment has you covered. We have a full line of spray foam equipment that is used by professionals in diverse fields. And you can be confident our equipment will perform because it’s trusted by time-tested manufacturers who work in the USA.
If you’re new to spray foam and are looking to get into the business, have some new hires who need trained, or just want to brush up on your skills, we also host a spray foam and coating school. Our training features interactive spray foam classes for both small and large groups.
The goal of these classes is to teach spray foam in a straightforward way because, ultimately, we want to see you succeed. Here are some of the topics that our spray foam training program covers:
- Project management
- Equipment start-up and shut-down
- Proportioner service and gun maintenance
- Processing of chemicals
- Operation of equipment
- Basic spray foam equipment troubleshooting
- Polyurethane foam and coatings application methods for multiple substrates
Contact Us!
For more information on tank insulation through spray foam or equipment that we have available, please contact us today. We look forward to assisting you!
