Better Ideas, Better Results

Typically, tank base construction has consisted of a suitable strength core and then the core is encapsulated with polyurea to protect the core from damage and degradation. The core could be made of a variety of materials such as polystyrene foam (Styrofoam), EPP (Expanded polyethylene foam) or Urethane Foam (Urethane Core). All of these core materials, if engineered properly will hold up a tank for an indefinite period of time depending on a few factors. The first factor is compression strength, typically a full tank would apply approx. 8-12 psi of compression load on a tank base and most products that have been used for this purpose have a compression strength of anywhere from 20 to 30 psi.

The second factor is the compatibility of the core material with whatever it may come in contact with. Styrofoam is easily degradable by even the mildest of solvent, UC (Urethane Core) is extremely tolerant of even the harshest materials found on a wellsite.

The third factor is the need and function of the coating. Obviously on a Styrofoam core, if the exterior coating were to fail or be damaged, exposing the core to solvents, the degradation spreads throughout the base because as the core degrades similar to a sponge or open cell foam. The cores resistance to solvents will determine how far and fast the part will degrade. Degradation would be defined as loss of original form and compression strength. UC material even when immersed UNCOATED in non-ethanol gasoline or diesel fuel shows almost no sign of degradation. Another factor with the coating is its ability to protect the core from solvents. Normally a core would be formed and then sprayed with polyurea, leaving the possibility of small holes in the coating caused by off gassing due to the interaction of the coating (heat) and the core, commonly called "pinholes". These pinholes are typically a direct path to the core from the outside. If you add pinholes with a non-solvent resistant core, the results can be disastrous.

Our URETHANE tank bases solve BOTH problems, pin holes and compatible core material. Our URETHANE tank bases are manufactured with a Patented Manufacturing Process that allows us to apply the polyurea coating inside the mold eliminating any chance for pinholes. This process also involves spraying on the "inside" of the corner versus "outside" of the corner making the corners and edges extremely durable and consistent. The Urethane Core is then molded inside the polyurea skin, leaving a part that looks as good as it functions.