A use case in 5 questions: protecting 15 tank containers in the petrochemical industry
Si 14 E / Si 14 E BKW
When storing and transporting aggressive chemical media, tank containers must deliver more than logistics: long-term safety, technical integrity, and lasting performance are equally crucial.
Last month, we oversaw a coating projectfor 15 tank containers, complete with spill boxes featuring flanges and manholes, for the storage of chlorinated hydrocarbons. To meet the demanding service conditions, a high-performance two-coat phenolic lining system was selected: SÄKAPHEN Si 14 E as the base coat and SÄKAPHEN Si 14 E BKW as the top coat.
Let’s explore this use case through 5 key technical questions.
1. What was the operational challenge?
The 15 tank containers were intended for chlorinated hydrocarbon storage, a notoriously aggressive environment with a high corrosion potential. In addition to the individual vessels, the project included spill boxes with complex geometries, such as flanges and manholes, where chemical exposure, condensation, and residue buildup can significantly increase the risk of coating failure over time.
For assets operating in such conditions, ensuring durable internal protection is essential to prevent:
- corrosion under chemical attack
- contamination risks
- premature maintenance cycles
- operational downtime.
2. Why was a two-coat lining system selected?
We recommended the application of a two-system phenolic-based lining solution combining two of our flagship products to ensure enhanced protection by providing:
- strong adhesion and barrier performance from the base coat
- additional chemical resistance and surface durability from the top coat.
3. How were the coating products selected?
The selected system was based on SÄKAPHEN’s proven phenolic technology, specifically designed for aggressive chemical media.
Base coat: SÄKAPHEN Si 14 E
Si 14 E is a heat-cured coating formulated for direct-to-metal application. It offers outstanding resistance to a wide range of substances, including aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons. Its hard-elastic lining film also provides exceptional hydrophobic properties, preventing:
- caking
- fouling
- incrustation
Top coat: SÄKAPHEN Si 14 E BKW
Developed specifically as a top coat for Si 14 E, Si 14 E BKW further enhances chemical resistance in highly aggressive environments, including in the presence of aliphatic and aromatic chlorinated hydrocarbons.
4. What process ensured high application quality?
Beyond product selection, long-term performance depends on correct execution.
The entire operation was carried out by Jiangsu Simijia Tank Service (China), one of SÄKAPHEN’s authorized applicators, ensuring:
- certified application procedures
- controlled curing conditions
- fast turnaround for a small series
- consistent quality across all 15 units.
5. How was long-term added value created?
By leveraging the advantages of the Si 14 E + Si 14 E BKW lining system, this tank container coating project achieved several key operational and sustainability benefits:
- Long-term corrosion protection for critical assets
- High temperature resistance for demanding service conditions
- Certified application with fast turnaround
- Reduced operational downtime
- Lower maintenance and lifecycle costs
- Improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.
The customer is so pleased with these results that it has already indicated that more orders are on the horizon for later this year, further proof that our premium lining systems’ ROI is undeniable.
BONUS: What is the main takeaway from this use case?
The storage and transport of chlorinated hydrocarbons require more than standard corrosion protection. These aggressive media demand lining systems that combine chemical resistance, application expertise, and long-term reliability. For petrochemical and chemical logistics operators, this is a shift from reactive maintenance to proactive asset integrity management: exactly what SÄKAPHEN delivers through its coating technology and certified applicator network.
Contact us: if you are facing similar challenges in tank container protection, we will be glad to support your next project.
