Skip to main content

Rubber Lining Questions

If you have questions, we have answers! Get your wisdom from one of the world’s premier rubber lining companies.

How do I know when my tank needs a new lining?

Any evidence of blistering or cracking would warrant an inspection. If you see any signs of wear in your rubber lining, contact Abtrex specialists. We can perform an inspection within days of contact and provide a written inspection report from one of our highly-qualified field representatives.

How is rubber lining applied?

Sheet stock is pre-cut then bonded to a properly prepared substrate. Typically the lining will have 2” laps. The rubber is then vulcanized or cured for maximum performance.

Can rubber linings be repaired?

YES. Typically Abtrex is able to find a suitable chemical cure equivalent that will provide a quick economical repair and alleviate the client’s immediate need and avoid downtime. Contact us for an inspection.

What is the average life expectancy of rubber lining?

Life expectancy ranges from 7-30 years depending on what the lining is being used for.

What are the factors that influence the cost of rubber lining project?

There are many variants such as: type of coating needed, type of surface preparation required, the condition of the surface area to be coated, access to the site etc. These factors can influence the pricing.

What type of maintenance do you recommend for rubber lining?

Yellowish or green stains are a good indication of acid seepage attacking steel. As the corrosion continues to progress, a moist frothy deposit builds up until a definite leak appears. We recommends a diligent inspection be scheduled for the exterior of your rubber lined equipment. The lining on the interior of the equipment should also be inspected at every opportunity (2x annually is recommended). Spark testing allows us to search for “pin hole” leaks. However, spark tests should only be performed by someone experienced, as there is a danger of burning leaks into the rubber if the test is not done properly. Abtrex would be happy to schedule a spark test performed by one of our experienced technicians.

Can you lined used or existing tanks/pipes that are already in service?

The condition or the interior substrate will determine the suitability of adding linings to existing tanks/pipe. Abtrex can inspect your existing equipment to determine if you need newly fabrication and rubber lined systems. We also specialize in field services that may allow your systems to be refurbished.

What type of maintenance do you recommend for rubber lining?

Yellowish or green stains are a good indication of acid seepage attacking steel. As the corrosion continues to progress, a moist frothy deposit builds up until a definite leak appears. Abtrex Industries recommends a diligent inspection be scheduled for the exterior of your rubber lined equipment. The lining on the interior of the equipment should also be inspected at every opportunity (2x annually is recommended). Spark testing allows us to search for “pin hole” leaks. However, spark tests should only be performed by someone experienced, as there is a danger of burning leaks into the rubber if the test is not done properly. Abtrex would be happy to schedule a spark test performed by one of our experienced technicians.

Can you lined used or existing tanks/pipes that are already in service?

The condition or the interior substrate will determine the suitability of adding linings to existing tanks/pipe. Abtrex can inspect your existing equipment to determine if you need newly fabrication and rubber lined systems. We also specialize in field services that may allow your systems to be refurbished.

Does Abtrex perform field repairs?

YES. Abtrex has 24-hour nationwide response crews available 7 days week, 365 days a year. One of our highly-qualified foremen will be dispatched to your site to assess the situation and report back to you prior to beginning any repairs.

What is the bonding strength of rubber lining?

Most rubbers manufacturers list the adhesion to metal at 25 to 30 pounds. Abtrex rubber linings consistently surpass the manufacturers’ specifications and have achieved results of 50 to 60+ pounds using ASTM D429 method B (90° stripping test).

What is the difference between having work done in Abtrex’s shop versus in the field?

In most cases, there would be a cost saving for work done in our shop; however other factors may influence that decision, such as can the tank actually be moved and cost of freight. For projects that require rubber lining of big capacity tanks, we often recommend field lining for money saving and logistical purposes.

Fabrication Questions

What materials you can fabricate from?

Steel and Steel Alloys

  • Carbon Steel per ASTMA 36
  • High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) per ASTMA 572
  • 300 Series Stainless Steel (including AISI 304/304L and 316/316L)
  • Duplex Stainless Steels (including 2205 and 2507)
  • Canadian Steel Plate and Structural shapes per CSA G40.21

Thermoplastics

  • Copolymer Polypropylene (CPP)
  • Polyethylene (HDPE, LDPE, UHMW)
  • PVC, CPVC

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP)

  • Vinyl Ester Resins
  • Polyester Resins

Can you take care of any metal repair/welding?

Our team of professional and well-trained welders are able to handle most of the metal repairs and welding.

What is the life expectancy for a typical steel tank?

While many engineering firms will say seven years, Abtrex, experts in tank design, can offer 20 to 30 years of maintenance-free tank life for many applications. Abtrex recommends that tanks be inspected annually.

Why is it important to install a lower man-way in the tank?

Safety is the main factor when selecting the number and location for tank man-ways. Tanks with limited, top-only access can create safety hazards when personnel have to enter the tank. Safety is our top priority, so we will always recommend the safest possible solutions.

What if I don’t have a complete design yet, but I know what I’m looking for. Is this a problem if I don’t have things finalized?

Abtrex has experienced engineers that can help take your incomplete design or project and bring it to life. Utilizing our years of experience, Finite Element Analysis capabilities and our 3D modeling capacity, Abtrex can take your concepts and make them into a reality.