The following is a description of the tank abandonment process utilizing Tripolymer® 105-TM foam
Tripolymer® resin is composed of countless numbers of Phenolic based, methylene linked, polymers. When the resin is combined with our Tripolymer® foaming agent, a synthetic catalyst causes a molecular cross-linking to occur. Within 60 seconds, the initial set or gelling has taken place. From this point on, the foam continues to cure and attain its final properties. Curing takes place regardless of whether the foam is exposed to open air, or is confined in a totally closed vessel such as a steel tank. The final cured cellular product is neutral in pH and is non-corrosive to steel, copper and aluminum.
Once an oil, gas or chemical tank has been cleaned and prepared for abandonment, Tripolymer® 105-TM foam may be installed. A six-foot long application hose is attached at the exit point of the patented foaming gun. This hose allows the installer to direct the flow of foam down the fill pipe, directly into the tank. The foaming gun is turned on, and the flows of the three materials are adjusted to the proper pressures.
From this point on, it’s just a matter of observation by the operator. A 275-gallon tank is completed in 5 minutes, a 550-gallon tank in 10 minutes and a 1000-gallon tank in 20 minutes.
Once the tank is full, foam will start to exit from around the application hose. Many times the foam will also exit the vent line if it hasn’t been plugged with debris or if there is no alarm. At this point the operator shuts off the foam gun, returns it to the truck and removes the fill and vent pipe. The job is then complete. In most situations, only one man is required to install Tripolymer® 105-TM foam. All of the equipment used in the foaming process is located on the truck and can be left there permanently. There is no lugging of heavy tools, materials, or equipment, as with the use of sand or cement slurry. Your labor, time and related costs are cut to a fraction. Many installers have reported filling eight to ten 275 and 550-gallon tanks in ONE day!
On larger 10, 20, 30,000 gallon tanks and up, it is recommended that a two-man crew be used. With this method, one man can perform the foaming duties while the second man maintains the equipment and changes material drums or tanks as they are used.
Any oil, gas or chemical tank that can be abandoned using sand or cement slurry can be abandoned by using Tripolymer® 105-TM Tank Media.
In many areas, State or Local Regulatory Agencies permit fuel oil tanks 2,001 gallons or less to be pumped or vacuumed of remaining liquids. An oil absorbent material (such as Speedy Dry) is then poured into the tank and dispersed by using a blow tube and compressed air. The tank size determines the amount of material to be used. Examples: a 275 gallon tank requires approximately 30 pounds, a 550 gallon tank approximately 50 pounds, and a 1,100 gallon tank approximately 75 pounds.
Once the oil absorbing media has been applied, Tripolymer® 105-TM foam can then be installed. An important advantage Tripolymer® 105-TM has over sand, cement or polyurethane: Tripolymer® absorbs up to 40 times its own weight in petro chemicals. Once oil is absorbed into the cellular structure of Tripolymer® 105-TM, it is held there indefinitely. Oil does not break down its molecular make up or cellular structure.
When codes require all tanks to be exposed, opened, and manually cleaned of residuals, Tripolymer® 105-TM can save you time and money. There is no lugging of sand or cement slurry to the tank site; no waiting for the sand or cement truck to show up, and no clean up of spilled materials. Once the job is completed, your crew can be better used preparing other tanks for abandonment.
All that is necessary to foam abandon an exposed and prepared tank is one man and a few minutes!
The most common complaint an oil heat customer has is that he or she must dig up their front or back lawn, patio or deck, and in some cases even destroy part of their home to access and abandon a fuel oil tank that is located under their house. The customer’s last thought will be about reinstalling a new one in their basement (if they have one) or an outside above ground unit. This makes an easy sale for the gas company. If the oil tank is not leaking and the homeowner has the option of foam abandoning his old tank with little or no damage to his home or property, convincing him to install a new tank is a much easier task.
In many reported cases, the ease and speed in which Tripolymer® 105-TM was installed has helped convince the homeowner from switching to an alternative fuel. These customers will continue to purchase oil and oil related services from you.
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