Background
Problems
At TATA Chemical Haldia factory, they had to paint an acid storage tank with 28 mtr diameter and height of 10 mtr. High humidity conditions during monsoons posed a problem of condensation during the painting job inside the surface of the tank leading to dilution of adhesive and loss of its strength. As a consequence, the rubber lining was not binding properly and the coating process had to be repeated. Further, condensation led to blooming and peeling of paint which weakened the coating, causing delays in the project.
Our Solution
TDS (Technical Drying Services) installed Dehumidifier of various capacities to control RH to 60-65 % in the acid storage tank during the painting job.
The dehumidifier removed moisture from the tank and helped to prevent condensation between coats which resulted in smooth sticking of rubber lining to the surface.
Benefits
- Installation of rubber lining could be done in high peak humidity conditions
- Downtime could be accurately programmed
- Project was completed in time
- Life of the rubber lining coating increased to 1.5 to 2.0 times
- It prevented the workers from hazardous and inflammable vapours inside the enclosed area
Frequently Asked Questions
During the monsoon season, high humidity inside Tata Chemicals’ acid storage tank caused condensation on the surface, which affected adhesive strength and created challenges for the rubber lining process.
Condensation could dilute the adhesive and weaken its bonding with the tank surface, increasing the risk of coating defects, peeling and repeated application.
TDS Asia used industrial dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture and maintain relative humidity at approximately 60–65%, helping Tata Chemicals continue the rubber lining operation despite high external humidity.
Humidity control helped support on-time project completion, better downtime planning and improved coating performance. The case study also reports that the rubber lining coating life increased by approximately 1.5 to 2 times.
TDS Asia provided dehumidification equipment to control humidity inside Tata Chemicals’ 28-metre-diameter, 10-metre-high acid storage tank, helping create suitable conditions for rubber lining and reduce moisture-related coating problems.
