Abstract
In the world of renewable energy technologies that include biomass, geothermal, hydropower, solar and wind, biofuels afford mankind a hydrocarbon-to -carbohydrate energy transition route to “grow oil” and lower global energy dependence on fossil fuels.
With a focus on the protective coatings industry, technical challenges and lessons learned are reviewed with respect to renewable feedstocks used to make biofuels. To achieve long-term corrosion protection in the vapor space and immersed zones of above ground storage tanks, the “attack molecules” of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the feedstocks are discussed in light of the “defense molecules” of single coat, or multi-coat, epoxy or vinyl ester linings. Modes of lining failures are outlined.
The results of accelerated laboratory testing of epoxy and vinyl ester linings are presented. The ramifications of chemical composition, temperature, and water content of feedstocks on high performance lining performance is discussed.
Functional specifications for judiciously selected linings are proposed for the biofuel industry for renewable feedstock storage, handling and shipment in both maintenance and new construction projects.
