CPL System Celebrates 15 Years Sulfuric Acid Service

The US Environmental Protection Agency’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) requires users of hazardous materials to have a well defined primary and secondary containment system when storing, treating or transporting hazardous materials in the ground.

In 1991, a project manager for an international manufacturer of surfactants stated that they had not been able to find any type of coating material that could withstand exposure to their chemicals and protect the underlying concrete from corrosion. This facility also manufactures sulfuric acid from molten sulfur to create their final product. They were ready to try something different.

In 1992, Plastek Werks stepped up to the plate and installed a 5mm thick High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Concrete Protective Lining System (CPL). In this case the CPL liner also had to withstand exposure to direct sunlight and temperatures that ranged from 0-100 degrees F. Inspection of this sump has occurred on an annual basis, which included both visual inspection and holiday (spark) testing and the liner and all welds are performing exceptionally well.

The CPL system mounts onto the inner forms, and anchors into freshly poured concrete to become an integral part of the structure. CPL materials have been used successfully in Europe for many years and are now achieving a great deal of success in North America. CPL materials are chemically and corrosion resistant to acids, alkalis, and salts in immersion service and bridge cracks in concrete up to Ľ” wide. This makes CPL superior to coating in many applications, particularly when soil and groundwater contamination are an issue. The ability to incorporate leak detection monitors to monitor lining performance offers extra insurance against a leak occurring and not being caught. Leak detection monitors can be either visual or electronic, depending on the customer’s preference. CPL systems can be either single or double wall.

This customer has elected to use CPL materials at other facilities around the world, and has HDPE manholes and piping, all fabricated by Plastek Werks welding craftsmen.