Stopaq Case Study: Tank Chimes

 Case Study: Sealing a Tank Chime at a Channelview, Texas Refinery

Tank chime sealing is rarely a simple task—but every so often, a project comes along that really tests the limits of conventional repair methods. One such project took place at a refinery in Channelview, Texas, involving two 16-foot storage tanks and an unexpected (and unwelcome) complication.

During evaluation, the client discovered that the existing tank chime

sealant contained asbestos. That discovery immediately raised the stakes. Asbestos removal is notoriously expensive, highly regulated, and time-consuming—and abrasive blasting over asbestos is an absolute non-starter.

So how do you move forward without triggering massive remediation costs or project delays?

The Stopaq Advantage

Fortunately, the Stopaq sealing system is extremely field-friendly and requires minimal surface preparation. In this case, preparation was limited to ensuring the surface was free of loose debris and surface contaminants—no blasting, no asbestos removal, and no major disruption to operations.

Application Steps

Once the surface was ready, the application process was straightforward and efficient:

• Primer was applied to the concrete foundation.

• A filler material was used to create a smooth, uniform tapered surface over the existing asbestos-containing sealant.

• Stopaq Wrappingband EZ was then quickly and easily applied on top of the filler.

• Finally, a topcoat was painted over the Wrappingband EZ to provide added UV protection and improve overall appearance.

The Results Speak for Themselves

Compared to alternative tank chime sealing approaches, this Stopaq system delivered impressive results:

• Total project time reduced by 60%

• Total project cost reduced by 80%

By eliminating the need for asbestos removal and minimizing surface prep requirements, the client was able to move forward safely, efficiently, and at a fraction of the expected cost.

Final Takeaway

Sometimes, the most effective solutions aren’t the most complicated ones. In challenging environments—especially those involving legacy materials like asbestos—the right product choice can make all the difference.

Simple. Safe. Proven.