Viscotaq Tank Base & Chime Corrosion Prevention
Corrosion at the base of above-ground storage tanks is one of the most common but least visible threats to long-term tank integrity. The gap where the steel chime meets the concrete foundation often traps moisture, allowing water to penetrate and create crevice corrosion. Left unaddressed, this hidden deterioration can spread beneath the tank floor, leading to costly repairs, unplanned outages, or even full tank replacement.
Because corrosion at the tank perimeter is difficult to detect until significant damage has occurred, prevention is far more effective than remediation. By sealing the vulnerable joint between the tank base and concrete, facility owners can block water ingress, stop crevice corrosion from developing, and extend the overall service life of the tank. A well-designed external tank base protection system not only reduces long-term maintenance costs but also improves operational reliability and safety.
Uses
- Oil Storage Tanks
- Gas Storage Tanks
- Petrochemical Storage Tanks
- Water Storage Tanks
- Effluent & Process Tanks
- Chemical Storage Tanks
- Fertilizer Storage Tanks
- Fire Protection Water Tanks
- Mining & Mineral Processing Tanks
- Power Generation Cooling Water Tanks
- Wastewater & Sludge Tanks
The Viscotaq™ Tank Base Protection System from Denso provides a long-term sealing barrier engineered specifically for tank bases and chimes. Unlike traditional coatings or mastics that can crack, dry out, or require frequent reapplication, Viscotaq delivers a visco-elastic seal that permanently adheres to steel and concrete surfaces. The result is a continuous, watertight barrier that prevents moisture intrusion and protects against external crevice corrosion.
Designed for both new construction and existing tanks, the system encapsulates the entire tank perimeter, conforming to irregular surfaces while remaining flexible with the natural expansion and contraction of the tank. Installation is fast, requires no blasting or curing, and is completed without hot work — minimizing downtime and safety risks. Proven across oil, gas, petrochemical, water, and process tanks worldwide, the Viscotaq Tank Base Protection System offers facility owners a cost-effective, durable, and maintenance-friendly solution to one of the industry’s most persistent corrosion challenges.
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Request Safety Data Sheets (SDS)- Encapsulates the circumference of the tank base with a tough, highly weather resistant seal
- Remains flexible with cylic movement caused by emptying and filling of the tank
- Easy to apply, no blasting required
- Very fast installation, no delay for curing
- Long lasting & cost effective
- Can be applied to new and existing tanks
- Never cracks or becomes brittle & conforms to irregular shapes
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Viscotaq Tank Base Corrosion Prevention System
application instructions
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Viscotaq Tank Base Protection System Brochure
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Product FAQ
What causes corrosion at tank bases and chimes?
Corrosion at tank bases often begins when moisture enters the gap between the tank chime and concrete foundation. This trapped water promotes crevice corrosion, which can spread under the tank bottom and compromise its integrity.
Why is prevention better than repair for tank base corrosion
Once corrosion develops at the base, repairs are difficult, costly, and may require tank replacement or extended downtime. Preventing water ingress at the perimeter joint is more effective and cost-efficient than trying to remediate advanced corrosion damage.
How does an external tank chime sealing system help?
An external sealing system creates a continuous, watertight barrier around the tank base, blocking water penetration and stopping crevice corrosion before it starts.
Can a tank base protection systems be applied to existing tanks with corrosion?
Yes. After proper surface preparation, sealing systems can be applied to both new and in-service tanks, providing long-term protection even if some corrosion has already occurred.
Does tank base protection require hot work or long curing times?
No. Modern systems, like visco-elastic wraps, can be applied quickly without blasting, hot work, or lengthy curing, reducing downtime and safety risks.
What standards or best practices apply to tank base sealing?
Many facility owners follow API-653 and industry best practices, which emphasize preventing water ingress, ensuring visible weld joints for inspection, and using proven corrosion prevention systems.
What makes the Viscotaq Tank Base Protection System different from traditional sealants?
Unlike mastics or coatings that can dry out, crack, or fail over time, Viscotaq remains permanently flexible. Its visco-elastic properties allow it to self-heal, conform to irregular surfaces, and move with the tank during filling and emptying cycles.
Can Viscotaq be applied to tanks that are already in service?
Yes. Viscotaq can be installed on both new and existing tanks. The system requires minimal surface preparation and no hot work, making it ideal for protecting in-service tanks without downtime.
How long does Viscotaq last once installed?
Viscotaq provides long-term protection because it never cures, hardens, or becomes brittle. Once applied, it maintains adhesion and flexibility for decades, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Is the Viscotaq Tank Base Protection System compliant with inspection requirements?
Yes. The system is designed to comply with API-653 practices by keeping weld joints visible for ongoing inspections, while still sealing and protecting the vulnerable chime and base areas.
What industries use Viscotaq for tank base corrosion prevention?
Viscotaq has been proven in oil, gas, petrochemical, water, and process industries worldwide. It is used wherever long-term external corrosion prevention and reliability are critical.
How quickly can Viscotaq be installed?
The system installs rapidly without blasting, curing delays, or hot work. This means tanks can be protected with minimal disruption to operations.
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