Stopaq for Tank Chime Repair: A Simple, Safe, and Permanent Solution for One of the Industry’s Toughest Challenges
This is exactly where Stopaq visco-elastic technology stands out. Its ability to bond permanently to virtually any substrate, self-heal micro-defects, and install without blasting or heat makes it an ideal choice for tank owners looking for a modern, low-risk approach to chime sealing.
Recently, a large petrochemical refinery put those advantages to the test.
The Challenge: Failing Coal-Tar Sealant and the Surprise of Asbestos
The refinery needed to remediate a failing coal-tar sealant at the chime area of two 16-foot storage tanks. As the sealant continued to deteriorate, moisture ingress and corrosion risk were increasing — and so was the urgency to take action.
But an unexpected complication emerged:
The existing sealant contained asbestos.
This discovery immediately ruled out abrasive blasting and other conventional prep methods. Bringing in an asbestos abatement crew would have added major cost, delays, and disruptions on an already crowded jobsite. The asset owner needed another path forward — one that would not disturb the existing material and would not introduce new hazards.
With options quickly shrinking, the refinery approached STOPAQ® to determine if a visco-elastic solution could solve the problem safely and permanently.
The Stopaq Approach: Seal, Smooth, Protect
One of the defining strengths of the Stopaq system is its simplicity. Instead of tearing out old material, grinding, blasting, heating, or rebuilding with multiple coating layers, Stopaq products can be applied directly over minimally prepared surfaces — as long as they’re clean, dry, and free of loose debris.
For this tank chime project, the installation followed a proven four-step process:
1. Surface Cleaning and Priming
The steel and concrete surfaces were cleaned to remove loose debris and contaminants.
A Stopaq primer was then applied to the concrete to preserve its integrity and ensure long-term adhesion throughout the life of the system.
2. Filling and Leveling with 4200 Filler
To bridge over the old coal-tar/asbestos layer without disturbing it, 4200 Filler was applied.
As a visco-elastic compound, it naturally flowed to fill micro-voids and create a uniform, tapered surface — a critical step for eliminating moisture traps and stabilizing the chime profile.
3. Wrappingband EZ for Permanent Bonding
Over the filler, Wrappingband EZ was installed.
This material forms a continuous, fully bonded, impermeable seal that prevents water ingress and stops corrosion at its source. The visco-elastic technology ensures a self-healing, non-aging system that remains flexible and fully adhered for decades.
4. UV-Resistant Top Coat
To finish the system and match the tank’s exterior, a UV-protective top coat was applied. This keeps the system protected from sunlight and provides a clean, uniform appearance.
The Outcome: Major Time and Cost Savings — Without Disturbing Asbestos
Because Stopaq does not require blasting, heating, or removal of old materials, the refinery avoided all asbestos disturbance and eliminated the need for specialty abatement contractors.
The results were clear:
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60% reduction in total project time
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80% reduction in total project cost
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Zero disturbance of asbestos-containing materials
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A fully bonded, permanent sealing system installed with minimal logistics
For the asset owner, Stopaq provided what no traditional coating system could:
A safe, simple, and permanent upgrade that worked with the limitations of the site rather than fighting against them.
Why Stopaq Is Changing the Tank Chime Landscape
Tank chimes will always be a challenging area to protect — shifting loads, moisture accumulation, and dissimilar materials guarantee it. But the Stopaq system brings several unique advantages that are difficult for other technologies to match:
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No blasting required
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No heat, no solvents, no VOCs
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Compatible with steel, concrete, and existing coatings
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Self-healing visco-elastic material
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Fully bonded, impermeable sealing
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Simple application with minimal crew and equipment
For facilities managing dozens or even hundreds of tanks, these benefits translate into safer job sites, lower lifecycle costs, and faster return-to-service.
Conclusion: A Better Way to Seal a Chime
As tank owners continue to look for more sustainable, more efficient solutions, Stopaq visco-elastic materials are becoming a preferred option for chime protection and rehabilitation.
In this refinery case study, Stopaq delivered exactly what the client needed:
A permanent sealing solution that avoided asbestos disturbance, reduced project risk, cut costs, and dramatically shortened the timeline.
For tank chime repair, the industry is moving beyond traditional coatings — and Stopaq is leading the way.
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