6 Things To Consider When Insulating Storage Tanks

The experts at Owens Corning explain how to properly manage the risk of corrosion under insulation   Industrial environments often present extreme conditions when it comes to insulating storage tanks and vessels. This includes a broad range of internal storage temperatures, volatile products and possible harsh weather conditions like high winds, flooding, and external temperature extremes. All these factors can place high pressure on storage tanks, so they need to be considered during the design phase – when the insulation system is specified.     [caption id="attachment_40976" align="alignleft" width="586"] Corrosion on storage tank wall[/caption] Corrosion Risk   While insulation is typically installed to maintain the storage temperature inside of a tank and limit thermal transfer to the outside of the tank, careful consideration must always be given to the other risks that are present in and around storage tanks. When dealing with above ambient (or cycling) temperature storage tanks, a major risk is the formation of corrosion under insulation (CUI). Corrosion is described as the deterioration of a material that occurs from a chemical or...