Carbon Fiber Tank Repair
Carbon Fiber Tank Repair for Leaking, Corroded, or Damaged Tanks
The benefits of repairing a tank with carbon fiber reinforced plastic are endless, but the most important being that carbon fiber results in minimal to no downtime, effectively saving thousands of dollars in productivity loss.
Tanks can fail for a number of reasons. RAK’s experience in industries ranging from Waste Water and Power to Automotive and Chemical, we’re able to provide durable, reliable CFRP solutions for corrosion, erosion, and structural reinforcement.
For the most damaged, corroded, or eroded tanks, we’re able to offer a full structural composite system featuring carbon fiber composites. These composites are engineered to enhance the strength of the existing tank wall and take 100% of the structural load.
Lightweight Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic Tank Repair
Carbon fiber is an incredibly lightweight and strong material that is made up of thin strands of carbon atoms, which are tightly woven together to create a highly durable and flexible material. Due to its unique structure, carbon fiber reinforced plastic is incredibly lightweight, with a weight that is about 70% lighter than steel, while also being much stronger. The lightweight nature of carbon fiber allows for greater efficiency and increased portability, making it an extremely valuable material for a wide range of industries.
Corrosion Resistance
While carbon fiber tank repair is open to oxidation at 450-degrees Celsius, the other materials it’s mixed with will determine if galvanic corrosion will occur. For example, aluminum is more likely to cause corrosion when mixed with carbon fiber reinforced plastic. So, when possible, carbon fiber and Epoxy are used together in repairs. It is in that mixture that the corrosion becomes more determined by the Epoxy than the carbon.
CFRP is Strong
The properties of carbon fiber are close to steel and the weight is close to plastic. This means the strength to weight ratio (as well as stiffness to weight ratio) of a carbon fiber part is much higher than either steel or plastic. Carbon fiber is not only incredibly lightweight but also exceptionally strong, making it an ideal material for use in high-performance applications where strength and durability are critical. The strength of carbon fiber is due to its unique structure, consisting of tightly woven strands of carbon atoms that are bonded together using a polymer resin.
Application Flexibility
Carbon fiber is naturally light and can be extremely flexible when manipulated in the right way. In fact, carbon fiber composite can become flexible by as much as 88% as the temperature is increased. This prevents breaking and ensures longevity in carbon fiber applications. Carbon fiber is also used in the production of high-performance sports equipment such as tennis rackets, bicycles, and golf clubs, where its flexibility allows for better control and maneuverability.
Our carbon fiber composite tank repair will meet the tough demands of your tank application. Whether it’s protecting structures exposed to aggressive environments or sealing hundreds of through-holes, RAK will save you significant money over traditional repairs or replacement.
Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic, Summarized
To put it technically, carbon fiber is a long, thin strand of material composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in microscopic crystals that are aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber. The crystal alignment makes the fiber incredibly strong for its size, as well as more flexible.
If you’re currently experiencing corrosion or failure on anything, RAK Industrial Services can provide you with carbon fiber tank repair options to avoid high replacement costs and minimize downtime to keep your systems running reliably and safely. If you think it can’t be fixed, we’re interested! Contact us today!
