BRINE WATER TANK BASE SEALING

A deteriorated tank base seal can be restored using a flexible membrane sealing system. In this case, Belzona 3111 reinforced with Belzona 9311 was applied around the annular ring of an 18.6 m diameter brine water tank, creating a continuous waterproof and weatherproof seal without replacing the annular ring or concrete skirt.

A damaged tank base seal can allow rainwater and moisture to penetrate beneath the tank. If left unrepaired, this can lead to hidden corrosion on the underside of the steel tank floor and annular ring. In this case, the deterioration was identified early enough that both the annular ring and concrete skirt were still in good condition.

Belzona 3111 was selected because it provides a flexible, seamless, UV-resistant and waterproof seal around the tank base. Unlike conventional sealants that can dry out and become brittle, the system can accommodate movement caused by changing climatic conditions. It is also cold applied and microporous, allowing trapped moisture to escape.

The tank shell and concrete skirt were cleaned and abrasive blasted before Belzona 3921 was applied as a conditioner. Expanding foam was installed beneath the annular ring and shaped to form a smooth transition, followed by Belzona 9431 bridging tape. Belzona 3111 was then applied in two coats, with Belzona 9311 reinforcing sheet incorporated into the first coat. The repair followed Belzona Know-How System Leaflet GSS-3 for tank base sealing.

The approximately 60 m perimeter of the 18.6 m diameter brine water tank was successfully sealed in five days. The completed Belzona 3111 system provided a continuous protective barrier designed to prevent water ingress around the tank base and help protect the underlying steelwork from corrosion.