Case Study: Liquid Applied Insulation for the Pentane Storage Spheres – Mississippi, USA
Specialist Painting Group (SPG) was appointed to deliver a high-performance insulation solution for a series of spherical pentane storage vessels at a petrochemical facility in Mississippi, USA. The objective: deliver superior thermal insulation, eliminate CUI risk, and streamline application timelines using DLE Technology’s Liquid Applied Insulation (LAI) system.
Project Overview
The project involved coating multiple spherical storage tanks using DLE Technology’s innovative two-component Liquid Applied Insulation (LAI) system. These spheres presented challenging geometries and required a solution that could deliver seamless coverage and long-term reliability without the need for cladding or fixed scaffolding.
The system was spray-applied using low-pressure, high-volume (LPHV) equipment directly over a qualified primer on prepared steel surfaces. Thanks to its elastomeric properties and high build capability, LAI proved the ideal solution.
Why Liquid Applied Insulation?
Traditional systems like Cryogel blankets come with drawbacks: moisture ingress, handling risks, and difficult installation around complex shapes. LAI, on the other hand, forms a continuous, seamless membrane that addresses all these issues.
Key advantages of the LAI system on this project included:
Single-coat thickness up to 6mm
Thermal conductivity between 0.05–0.05 W/m·K
Seamless application for total CUI mitigation
Excellent flexibility during thermal cycling, eliminating cracking
Superior adhesion to prepared and primed substrates
Material Handling & Application
On-site blending stations were equipped with twin-component rigs, allowing precise mixing and direct feed into spray systems. The insulation was applied using air-assisted spray rigs under low pressure, ensuring even distribution and preservation of thermal characteristics.
This setup avoided the need for scaffolding and allowed multiple access teams to work simultaneously using boom lifts and scissor platforms.
Performance & Project Benefits
The benefits of this modern insulation approach became immediately clear:
- No need for fixed scaffolding reduced both cost and site congestion
- Full 6mm build achieved in one coat, cutting application time dramatically
- The system’s resilience to weather interruptions helped avoid costly delays
- No fibres or hazardous handling, leading to higher worker satisfaction
Validated Testing & Durability
This system has undergone rigorous third-party testing and validation for industrial performance, including:
ASTM C518 & C177 – Thermal conductivity
ASTM G155 – Xenon arc weathering
TM0174 – Comparative CUI performance vs. Cryogel blankets
ISO 12944 C5/CX classification expected for durability
Traditional Methods vs. Modern LAI
Historically, large industrial tanks like these were insulated with scaffold-based systems using segmented insulation and cladding. This approach not only adds time and cost but also introduces points of failure from mechanical joints.
The LAI system replaces all that with a single, spray-applied coating that conforms to the vessel’s shape without seams, dramatically improving long-term performance.
Final Results
The project delivered full insulation coverage across all pentane spheres, with measurable improvements in energy retention, surface temperature regulation, and corrosion resistance. More importantly, the application was completed faster, more safely, and with lower ongoing maintenance costs than traditional methods would have allowed.
Summary of Benefits:
High thermal performance with fewer coats
Seamless CUI protection
No fibre hazards or cladding
Faster completion and handover
Reduced total cost of ownership
The successful insulation of the pentane storage spheres in Mississippi showcases SPG’s ability to deliver innovative, high-performance coating solutions for complex industrial assets. By working closely with site stakeholders and applying the latest in liquid insulation technology, we achieved a seamless, long-lasting result that meets the highest standards in thermal efficiency, corrosion mitigation, and operational safety.
If you’re seeking a reliable partner for specialist insulation, protective coatings, or structural surface treatment on critical infrastructure or industrial assets, contact us today to find out how SPG can support your next project.
