Million-Gallon Water Tank Insulated With Closed-Cell Spray Polyurethane Foam

HASTINGS, WV – April 10, 2013 – Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy and operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems. They provide electricity and natural gas to customers in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast regions of the United States. When they needed a water tank built for fire suppression for one of their refineries, Mid Atlantic Storage Systems, Inc. installed one. Although Dominion could have relied strictly on energy to keep the water tank heated, they decided insulating it could prove less wasteful.

Mid Atlantic contacted Ohio Valley Spray Foam for help insulating the tank. The application on the new stainless steel one-million-plus-gallon water tank was the first tank project Ohio Valley had ever done. The total spray area of the 40-foot-tall tank was roughly 12,000 square feet.

Before spray foam application could take place, crewmembers masked off access ladders, a water gage, drainage caps, and electrical connections on the tank with 4-mil plastic sheeting to protect them from overspray. The workers also protected an adjoining building that housed the heating and electrical mechanicals.

Crewmembers applied 1.5 inches of NCFI's EnduraTech 2.8 lb. closed-cell roofing foam to the tank's base, working their way up to the dome's overhang and then completing the application at the top. The spray foam applicators used a boom lift to apply the foam, while other crewmembers used scaffolding to apply 20 mils of NCFI's EnduraTech Q acrylic coating on the opposite side of the tank. The coating application was heavier than usual, according to Bryan, because they only planned to apply one coat.

"They crossed-hatched it as they were coming down to ensure coverage," he added.
For safety purposes, crewmembers were tied off from the top of the dome, while on the lift, and while on the scaffolding with a harness and lanyard system. Ohio Valley used a Graco Reactor H-40 to apply the spray foam and a Graco Reactor Pro H-20/35 to apply the coating. Crewmembers used respirators while spraying took place.

After the application was completed, the tank was filled with water to ensure there were no leaks. This process happened slowly because they did not want to reduce capabilities for the surrounding communities.

According to Bryan, Dominion was pleased with the results of the job.

"They were looking to be like everyone else," he said. "Just because they get free gas doesn't mean they need the boilers running 24/7 to keep the water from freezing. The insulation will also help save on wear and tear."

About Ohio Valley Spray Foam, Inc.: Ohio Valley Spray Foam, Inc. was founded in 1997. The company is headquartered in Marietta, Ohio and their primary service areas are central and eastern Ohio and West Virginia. They have serviced customers as remote as the east coast and Florida. Ohio Valley is the largest spray foam applicator in southeast Ohio. It is an ever-expanding business, growing to meet customer needs and incorporating new applications as they become proven and effective. For more information about Ohio Valley Spray Foam, Inc., please use the contact details and links provided below.