Epoxy coating technology for tank and vessel internals in the Alberta (Canada) oil patch has undergone significant developments in recent years. Innovative curing agents such as polycycloaliphatic polyamines are coreacted with Bis A, Bis F and novolac epoxy resins to develop ever increasing temperature and pressure resistant coatings for service in sour crude and other harsh chemical environments. This paper attempts to explain the field performance of epoxy coatings with different epoxy resins and curing agents in light of their physical structure and laboratory data investigations. The latter include evaluations of glass transition temperatures (Tg’s), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) parameters, resistance to high temperature and pressure in autoclaves, chemical resistance, and ability to withstand cathodic disbondment.
Keywords: epoxy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, tank lining, autoclave test