In the world of industrial operations, secondary containment systems are critical for ensuring environmental safety and operational efficiency. However, when these systems fail, the consequences can be both costly and time-consuming. This was the challenge faced by one of Canada’s largest natural gas resource owners, whose High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) liner system had suffered repeated failures—a growing issue in Canada’s energy sector.
The solution? A groundbreaking new containment approach that now has many of Alberta’s energy leaders talking.
The Challenge Faced: A Need for Reliable Secondary Containment Without Operations Disruption
Like others before them, the client had been dealing with persistent issues with their HDPE containment liner. These were primarily due to pile boot failures and excessive settling, which compromised the liner’s effectiveness. The traditional solution would have involved removing the existing tanks, tearing out the failed liner, and replacing it—a process that would have been both expensive and disruptive to operations.
Recognizing the need for a more efficient and less invasive solution, the client turned to Western Engineered Containment (WEC), who is renowned for its cutting-edge containment solutions. WEC proposed a unique retrofit solution using their ECS Lining System, designed to overcome the limitations of traditional HDPE liners. This approach not only promised to restore confidence in the containment system but also eliminated the need for costly and time-consuming tank removals or operational shutdowns – a massive advantage for the client.
Retrofit vs Replacement: A Game-Changer in Secondary Containment
WEC’s ECS Lining System truly stands out for its ability to be installed in tight, congested areas where traditional sheet liner welding techniques would be virtually impossible.
The process was extremely efficient – beginning with the removal of any anchor points that attached the sheet liner to the containment berm and piles; pile boots were cut down and any liner attached to the berm was removed or relocated. Next, the piles were prepped to ensure proper adhesion for the ECS primer, where they were then sprayed with the ECS Lining System, creating a much stronger attachment point compared to traditional mechanically attached stainless steel bands.
The core of the retrofit involved deploying WEC’s robotically applied ECS pre-sprayed panel and roll systems throughout the containment area. The ECS sheets were seamlessly fused to the prepped and primed areas, resulting in a continuous, maintenance-free liner system.
Learn more about WEC’s ECS Lining Systems.
The Result: A Seamless, Low-Cost, No-Downtime Solution
The ECS retrofit approach not only solved the immediate issue of liner failure but also provided a long-term solution that minimized waste and disruption. Instead of the accepted standard approach of ripping out the old liner and lifting tanks, WEC’s solution allowed for a cost-effective, retrofitted system that will provide maintenance-free containment for years. In fact, the client now benefits from a seamless containment system backed by an industry-leading 15-year warranty.
This is just one project that is a testament to WEC’s ability to deliver innovative, efficient, and durable solutions in even the most challenging scenarios. For industries reliant on secondary containment systems, WEC’s ECS Lining System represents a significant advancement in maintaining operational integrity without the burden of costly disruptions.
To learn more about Western Engineered Containment and its revolutionary containment solutions, visit www.wecontain.com
