The Role of Tank Linings in Environmental and Employee Safety

At Suttons International, our Safety First culture is built into every aspect of our operations, right down to the internal linings of our tank containers. Join Kevin Herzberg, Business Development Manager as he explores the role that tank linings play in protecting people, preserving product integrity, and preventing environmental harm.

In chemical logistics, safety is often thought of in terms of procedures, personal protective equipment, and emergency response. While these are all critical, there’s a less visible layer of protection that plays an equally vital role: specialised tank linings.

At Suttons International, we transport a wide range of challenging cargo, including corrosive acids, chlorates, and other aggressive chemicals. Without the correct lining, these products can cause serious damage to tanks and increase the risk of leaks as well as pose significant threats to both people and the environment.

Tank linings act as a barrier, protecting the tank from corrosion and abrasion while preserving the integrity of the product inside. Tank Linings are essential for preventing contamination and equipment failure.

We offer a diverse range of lining options to meet a wide range of chemical products. These include spray coatings such as Chemline, Sakaphen, Proco-Email, and Novotherm, as well as more robust coatings like Rubber, PTFE, and PFA.

Selecting the right lining is based on compatibility with the product being carried, with selection guided by manufacturer compatibility charts or in more complex cases, direct product testing by the suppliers themselves.

Regular inspection and maintenance of our tanks and tank linings is crucial. At Suttons, our lined tanks undergo a thorough inspection every 2.5 years as part of standard statutory testing. This includes a visual inspection and spark test to detect any issues that may compromise safety. If a lining fails inspection or becomes damaged the tank is immediately removed from service, professionally cleaned, and sent to a certified depot for repair and recertification.

Properly maintained linings are also key to our commitment to Sustainability and the Environment. Tank linking prevent soil and water contamination, reduce local air pollution, and mitigate the risk of fire or explosion, all of which are essential for protecting local ecosystems and communities. For our customers, linings ensure that sensitive products are transported without contamination, helping maintain both product quality, supply chain consistency, and brand reputation.

At Suttons, we understand that safety isn’t a single action, we prioritise safety at every stage of the journey. Correct and properly maintained tank linings are a vital part of that process, they protect our tanks, our people, our customers, and the environments we operate in.

By investing in the right equipment, maintaining it to the highest standards, and applying technical expertise, we provide the assurance our customers need to move their complex, high-risk products.