Tank surface preparation including blasting

Tank surface preparation including blasting

Professional Surface Preparation for Storage Tanks

Effective surface preparation is essential to the long-term performance and protection of industrial storage tanks. Before protective coatings, linings, or corrosion control systems can be applied, tank surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and prepared to achieve optimum adhesion and durability.

At 159 Inspection Services Ltd, we provide professional tank surface preparation and abrasive blasting services for both new construction projects and existing storage tanks. Using industry-approved techniques, modern blasting equipment, and experienced technicians, we prepare steel surfaces to the highest quality standards, ensuring reliable coating performance and long-term asset protection.

Our services support clients across the oil & gas, petrochemical, chemical processing, water treatment, power generation, marine, manufacturing, and bulk storage industries.

Our Surface Preparation Services Include

We offer complete surface preparation solutions for above-ground and below-ground storage tanks, including:

  • Surface preparation for new storage tank construction
  • Preparation before protective coating application
  • Surface cleaning before tank lining installation
  • Corrosion removal and steel restoration
  • Tank refurbishment and maintenance preparation
  • Preparation for inspection and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
  • Surface preparation before repair and welding activities
  • Final surface cleaning before commissioning

Abrasive Blasting Services

Abrasive blasting, also known as grit blasting or sandblasting, is one of the most effective methods of removing rust, mill scale, old coatings, contaminants, and surface defects from steel structures.

Our blasting services create the correct surface profile required for maximum coating adhesion, improving corrosion resistance and extending the service life of industrial storage tanks.

Our abrasive blasting services include:

  • Internal tank blasting
  • External tank blasting
  • Full storage tank refurbishment blasting
  • Localised spot blasting for repairs
  • Weld preparation and cleaning
  • Surface preparation before lining installation
  • Blast cleaning before inspection and NDT
  • Blasting for new storage tank fabrication

To meet different project requirements, we utilise a range of approved abrasive media, including:

  • Steel grit
  • Steel shot
  • Garnet
  • Aluminium oxide
  • Glass beads
  • Crushed glass
  • Other project-specific abrasive materials

Surface Preparation Standards

All surface preparation work is carried out in accordance with internationally recognised standards and coating manufacturer specifications to ensure consistent quality and compliance.

Our services comply with standards including:

  • ISO 8501 – Surface Preparation Standards
  • SSPC – Surface Preparation Standards
  • NACE – Surface Preparation Requirements
  • Sa 1 – Brush-Off Blast Cleaning
  • Sa 2 – Thorough Blast Cleaning
  • Sa 2½ – Near White Metal Blast Cleaning
  • Sa 3 – White Metal Blast Cleaning

Throughout every project, we perform:

  • Surface profile measurements
  • Surface cleanliness inspections
  • Dust contamination testing
  • Environmental monitoring
  • Quality assurance inspections

Benefits of Professional Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is the foundation of a successful coating system. Removing corrosion, contaminants, and deteriorated coatings allows protective systems to bond effectively with the steel surface, significantly improving long-term performance.

Key benefits include:

  • Superior coating adhesion
  • Long-lasting corrosion protection
  • Extended coating service life
  • Improved structural durability
  • Reduced maintenance and lifecycle costs
  • Enhanced inspection accuracy
  • Improved asset reliability
  • Compliance with international industry standards
  • Reduced risk of premature coating failure
  • High-quality surface finish for protective coatings

Whether you require surface preparation for a new storage tank, refurbishment of an existing asset, or preparation before inspection and maintenance, 159 Inspection Services Ltd delivers safe, efficient, and high-quality abrasive blasting services that help maximise coating performance, protect critical assets, and extend the operational life of your storage tanks.