Why a Rubber Lining is Superior for Chemical Applications
A rubber lining offers the best, long-term value for the money when protecting both your chemical assets and the equipment used to store and transport them.
Rubber protective linings can protect against numerous chemical services, including hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, and bleach. These chemicals’ aggressiveness and corrosive properties must be met with reliable corrosion protection to ensure both safety and loss prevention.
When you weigh factors like the cost, longevity, durability, and repair options vs. the competition, it is apparent rubber linings offer the best all-around solution for protection in chemical applications.
The old adage, “you get what you pay for” often rings true. While rubber linings may not be the least expensive option available, added benefits like longer service life and increased durability will pay dividends in the long run.
Protective Linings Longevity
While service conditions vary, rubber linings tend to have lifespans at least double those of other protective products, including vinyl ester and epoxy coating options.
Although hydrochloric acid is highly aggressive, typical service life can range from 10-25 years. Blair Rubber Co.’s MarflexTM PG70, has been known to last decades in concentrated HCl service, 30% or greater concentration.
EnduraflexTM VE611BN 60 is recommended for diluted hydrochloric acid as it is a more robust lining that can also repel water. VE611BN has exhibited lifespans of 20+ years under such service conditions.
Get more information about which rubber lining is right for your application.
Lining Durability
Rubber has been used in corrosion prevention for decades. Rubber properties such as flexibility and durability are reasons it holds up so well over time and can adapt to everchanging service conditions.
For example, rubber is desired for its ability to withstand extreme temperatures. A rubber lining’s molecular structure can withstand wide temperature swings, often as low as -60° F. and as high as 260°F.
Another benefit is the dampening ability of rubber linings. Rubber can withstand vibration and impacts of a certain degree much better than competitive products.
As producers continue to drive up the concentration levels of sodium hypochlorite, Blair Rubber Co. also offers one of the few options available for highly concentrated bleach. Blair Rubber Co.’s CC4624 has long history of excellent performance in bleach service at all concentration levels.
Repair Considerations
One final attribute that points to rubber as being the superior lining solution in chemical applications is the ease of repair. No matter the type of lining you choose, there will come a time where inspection and repair are necessary.
Proper inspection and regular maintenance of your rubber linings are critical for maximizing a lining’s life and avoiding costly shutdowns due to damage. Regular visual inspections, and subsequent repairs, should help keep your lining in good condition. But when the time comes, rubber offers ease of repair for small or minor incidents. A fill and overlay is usually the fix for issues less than 18” in diameter.
Check out our guide on how to inspect and repair a rubber lining.
Due to increased government regulations, we have experienced a period of increased inspections, with smaller gaps between inspections, over the last several years in the chemical industry but primarily in rail and over-the-road trailers.
Other Considerations
If a rubber lined tank is left empty for an extended period, the rubber lining can become dried and cracked. This issue is most prevalent in natural rubber. In these situations, our Endurabond Agetech can be used to protect and add more years to the lining while sitting idle.
Special considerations are essential when protecting your tanks, rail cars, or other containment assets from corrosion. Rubber linings are superior in these settings, and their longevity, durability, and ease of repair are all factors that point to its superiority as a corrosion mitigating lining for the chemical industry.
Blair Rubber Co. is an industry leader in the protection of chemical assets. Please contact us for a no-obligation discussion about our chemical lining products and how they can better your business processes.