By: Steve Freed, Induron Regional Sales Manager
In 2023, a significant project took place in Phillipsburg, New Jersey, where a 2-million-gallon ground storage tank, owned by Aqua New Jersey, was successfully recoated. This tank, known as the Marble Hill Tank, required attention as its previous coating had reached the end of its useful lifespan.
“Maintaining our water infrastructure is crucial to ensuring reliable service for the communities we serve,” said Adam Burger with Aqua New Jersey. “A proactive tank maintenance plan allows us to address issues before they become critical, extending the life of our assets and avoiding costly emergency repairs. This approach not only preserves the integrity of our infrastructure but also provides peace of mind for our customers, knowing that we are committed to delivering safe, clean water every day.”
The project team
- Owner: Aqua New Jersey – Adam Burger
- Painter: US Tank Painting – Tom Sulkowski
- Engineer: Mumford Bjorkman Associates – Andy Mumford
The coatings solution
The project did not present any unique challenges beyond the typical demands of tank recoating. However, a notable aspect of the exterior preparation was the use of a Faster Blaster to blast the surface. This method eliminated the need for containment while blasting, streamlining the process and reducing costs.
The tank’s interior and exterior surfaces were coated with a carefully-selected set of products to ensure long-term protection. The interior was coated with Induron’s Ceramaprime, PE-70, and PermaClean 100. PermaClean 100, which is a 100% solids epoxy, was applied at a thickness of 25-35 mils to provide a longer lifespan.
For the exterior, Ceramaprime, PE-70, and Indurethane 6600+ were specified, with the Indurethane 6600+ chosen for its superior durability, particularly since the tank is located in a wooded area and is not visible to the general public.
“Ceramaprime and Permaclean 100 are fantastic products to work with,” noted Tom Sulkowski with U.S. Tank Painting. “Their user-friendly application properties make the job smoother and more efficient. Ceramaprime goes on clean and adheres well to the substrate, while Permaclean 100’s high solids and ease of application ensure a durable finish without added complexity. These coatings help us deliver high-quality results that stand the test of time.”
“Ceramaprime has delivered as intended,” said Andy Mumford of Mumford Bjorkman Associates. “Typically field applied primers are applied at the end of the work shift, and need to cure quickly before conditions deteriorate. This product has been robust in the protection it provides. I’ve received positive feedback from the painter applying it, and its quick cure time makes it a durable primer.”
The project outcome
The recoating project was a resounding success, with all parties involved expressing satisfaction with the outcome. This successful project highlights the importance of choosing the right products and methods for each unique situation, ensuring longevity and reliability for essential infrastructure like the Marble Hill Tank.