Food-grade tank lining follows strict guidelines, per FDA and USDA, whether it’s for consumption by humans or animals. With these projects, TMI Coatings, Inc. (TMI) always takes extra precautions for health and safety. TMI was recently hired by a dog food company to complete tank lining on the interior of their dog food tanks. The work, which included sandblasting, needed to be accomplished inside a fully functioning factory without affecting operations, employees or the finished edible product.
Procedure:
- Installed a poly enclosure to isolate the tanks.
- As dust-control was extremely critical, TMI contained the dust and vapors by sealing tank openings.
- Fans pushed fresh air through the top hatch while a 6,000-cfm electric dust collector pulled dust and emissions out of the bottom and then outside the building. The collection of dust was located 75′ from the tanks.
- Used silica free coal slag abrasive to safely complete the work without disruption to the facility.
- Sandblasted tank interiors per material specifications.
- Stripe coat all welds, edges, bolts and corners.
- Applied FDA approved lining compatible with food contact.
- Force-curing was required to ensure solvent removal, TMI used direct-fired heaters with ducting to heat the lining to 200 degrees for four hours (FDA curing requirements).
Outcome:
Due to the success of the project, TMI is scheduled to line additional tanks at this facility and other locations owned by the dog food company.
With over 35 years of experience, TMI Coatings will have your project completed on time and within budget. Contact us today at 651-452-6100 for your free, no-obligation quote.
