Rust on the inner wall of a fuel cube tank can contaminate fuel, corrode the tank, and affect equipment lifespan and operational safety. Rust removal requires selecting an appropriate method based on the degree of rust, balancing thoroughness with tank protection.
1. Preliminary Preparation
- Empty all remaining fuel from the tank to create a safe working environment.
- Close the inlet and outlet fuel lines and ensure proper sealing to prevent fuel leakage.
- Open the tank's ventilation openings to allow clean air to replace any remaining oil vapors.
- Verify there are no flammable or explosive risks on site before beginning work.
- Clean any sediment and oil stains inside the tank to create a clean environment for rust removal.
- Ensure personnel protection by equipping them with anti-toxic and anti-corrosion gear.
2. Core Rust Removal Methods
- Select removal method based on rust severity to balance effectiveness with tank protection.
Use handheld grinding tools to remove the rust layer while avoiding damage to the tank's substrate. Suitable for surface-level corrosion.
Use high-pressure airflow to drive abrasive particles that impact and remove the rust layer. This method provides thorough rust removal and improves inner wall roughness for better subsequent protection.
Apply oil-resistant rust remover evenly and allow it to stand until rust dissolves. Then rinse thoroughly and air dry. Ideal for complex geometries where mechanical methods are difficult.
3. Post-Removal Protective Treatment
- Thoroughly clean the tank to remove all rust residue and dust from the removal process.
- Carefully inspect the inner wall for any residual rust spots to ensure complete removal and prevent further corrosion.
- Allow the inner wall to completely dry before applying any protective coatings.
- Apply an oil-resistant and corrosion-resistant special anti-rust coating evenly across all inner wall surfaces.
- Ensure complete coverage with no missed areas, paying special attention to corners and seams.
- After the coating has dried and cured, apply a protective topcoat to enhance rust resistance and prevent direct contact between fuel and the tank.
4. Operational Safety Precautions
- Maintain good ventilation throughout the entire operation to disperse fumes and prevent accumulation.
- Absolutely prohibit any ignition sources in the tank area during rust removal operations.
- When using chemical rust removers, carefully control dosage and reaction time to avoid over-corrosion of the tank material.
- Ensure all personnel wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including respirators, gloves, and eye protection.
- After operation completion, ventilate the tank again to remove any residual chemical vapors.
- Properly dispose of waste rust remover and rust residue according to environmental regulations to avoid pollution.
- Document the entire rust removal process for safety compliance and future reference.
Critical Safety Reminder
Rust removal operations involve multiple hazards including chemical exposure, fire risks from fuel vapors, and physical hazards from equipment. Always follow safety protocols, use proper PPE, and ensure adequate ventilation. Never work alone in confined spaces like fuel tanks.