IFAT Show Unveils Attendees’ Dissatisfaction with Glass Coated Tanks!

The IFAT show in Munich Germany is prominently recognized as one of the top liquid trade shows in the World. The Tank Connection booth was popular and frequented by clients worldwide expressing high dissatisfaction with “glass” coated tanks. The level of dissatisfaction even caught us by surprise. TC’s international marketing director summed it up in a blog release that follows:

As 2010 comes to a close we reflect upon the exciting and varied opportunities presented to us. September was particularly memorable based on our participation at the IFAT Entsorga Exhibition in Munich, Germany, from September 13th through 17th. The show was well attended with numerous exhibitors and purposeful visitors, many of whom were eager to discuss their experiences with bulk storage tanks and corresponding performance observations. We spoke with several individuals representing a wide cross-section of industry professionals, from water treatment plant operators, to process engineers, to large-scale contractors.

An increasing awareness is emerging in the marketplace relative to traditional materials and advancements in technology which are redefining customer expectations. The majority of clients who previously purchased glass- lined tanks reported significant shortcomings in product performance. These issues included spalling, chipping, and cracking of the coatings primarily in key areas surrounding bolt holes and panel seams. Poor corrosion resistance was commonly identified in conjunction with these conditions, attributed to the compromised integrity of the coating allowing contact between the stored product and the metal substrate. Anaerobic digesters and aggressive liquid compositions were noted to accelerate this degradation, to the point of failure in a few instances.

Companies seeking an alternative to traditional glass-lined tanks quickly turned their attention to next generation in coating developments – LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE as offered by Tank Connection. This revolutionary powder-on-powder coating system is gaining due recognition in the industry since its introduction a few years ago. Developed exclusively for Tank Connection by Akzo Nobel, the world’s leading coatings expert, LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE was formulated specifically for the demanding conditions of today’s liquid storage market. The electrostatic application process completely envelops thesteel panel, thereby ensuring coverage of all surfaces. LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE offers forty times the impact resistance of glass coatings, eliminating spalling/ cracking issues, and providing the ability to be repaired in the field, if required.

We were extremely pleased with the overwhelming response we received at IFAT, and we look forward to returning as Tank Connection continues to develop innovative products that define the future of the industry.