Fluoropolymer Lined FRP Highway Cargo Tank

Abstract The demand for fluoropolymer lined highway cargo tanks has risen dramatically as the industry pushes for chemicals with higher concentrations and higher purity. Recognizing the difficulties associated with fluoropolymers and present day technology to manufacture fluoropolymer lined highway cargo tanks, we successfully developed a fusion welding machine to weld the fluoropolymer and combined this with the proven performance of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) highway cargo tanks. This new fluoropolymer lined FRP cargo tank does away with numerous problems associated with other constructions specifically liner integrity, liner bonding, and secondary welding. This fusion welding technology allows the welding of coils of fluoropolymer effectively reducing the number of welds, and testing the lining integrity prior to application of any structural material, such as FRP. Upon completion of the lining, FRP was applied to the glass backing embedded into the thermoplastic, ensuring a permanent and complete bond to the load bearing structure of the barrel. This fluoropolymer lined FRP barrel was bolted down onto a steel cradle with a typical running gear of highway cargo tank. We have now effectively introduced a new generation of cargo tanks that meets specific transportation industry needs.