Containment FAQ's   Listed below are answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about All Tech Insulation Containment Systems. Feel free to submit your own questions through the "Contact Us" portion of this Web Site. We will publish new material as we receive it.   What is the life expectancy of All Tech Insulation Containment Systems? Can anyone apply All Tech Insulation Containment Systems? Are All Tech Insulation Containment Systems resistant to chemical attack?  Which Chemicals? What kind of temperatures will All Tech Insulation Containment Systems withstand and will it burn? Are All Tech Insulation Containment Systems hard or soft? What is All Tech Insulation Containment Systems abrasion resistance? Can Containment Liners be exposed to sunlight for an extended period of time? In what applications are liners most frequently used? What is the life expectancy of a All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer system? What are the limits on a project size?? Why does HDPE wrinkle? Does material thickness influence puncture resistance? How is the thickness of a liner determined for a specific application? Are liners immune to root penetration? What is the temperature range for HDPE liners?     ·  What is the life expectancy of All Tech Insulation Containment Systems ?   The life expectancy of our containment systems is dependent upon the environment in which it is installed.  Exposure to high temperatures, certain chemicals, constant loads and adverse site conditions shorten the life.  In buried applications such as a solid waste landfill, the life expectancy can be up to 200 years.  In an exposed application such as a floating cover, the life expectancy can reach over 25 years. Top of page   ·  Can anyone apply All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants?   All Tech Insulation Containment Systems requires special training and equipment for field application.  All Tech Insulation has an ongoing program of contractor training in place. Our field technicians are vigorously trained and our work exceeds the requirements of any manufacturer warranties. There are qualified applicators in all regions of the U.S. and an expanding network of qualified applicators throughout North America. Top of page   ·  Are All Tech Insulation Containment Systems resistant to chemical attack? Which chemicals?   Chemical resistance in liners is referred to as “chemical compatibility”. This term in its strictest sense is used when a chemical has no effect on the geomembrane material. However, from a practical application and engineering perspective, chemical compatibility means that a liner will not fail due to chemical exposure although the chemical may have some effect on the liner material. Each liner recommended and supplied by All Tech Insulation provides a high degree of chemical resistance to a wide range of chemicals. A chemical compatibility list can be provided upon request.   As a general rule,  All Tech Insulation Containment Systems can be employed to contain any substance. Examples of extreme environments where All Tech Insulation Containment Systems can be used: • Acidic compounds with a total composite pH range equal to or below 2 • Basic compounds with a total composite pH range equal to or above 13 Note: See our project gallery of Containment Systems of  Hydrochloric Acid and Sulfuric Acid.  As well as many other extreme chemicals. • Halogenated Solvents: 1. Carbon tetrachloride 2. Chloroform 3. Methylene chloride 4. Tetrachloroethane 5. Trichlorethene 6. Trichloroethane • Non-Halogenated Solvents And Ketones: 1. Acetone 2. Acetonitrile 3. Acetophenone 4. Benzene 5. Butanol 6. Camphor oil 7. Cyclohexanone 8. Diethyl ether 9. Diisobutyl ketone 10. Ethyl acetate 11. Hexane 12. Methyl ethyl ketone 13. Methyl isobutyl ketone 14. Pentane 15. Phenol 16. Toluene 17. Xylene • Amine Attacking And Amine Containing Compounds, Strong, inorganic acids, organic acid halides, aldehydes, isocyanates, organic anhydrides. 1. Aminoethylethanolamine 2. Aniline 3. Ethylamine 4. Methylamine 5. Pyridine 6. Toluenediamine Top of page     ·  What kind of temperatures will All Tech Insulation Containment Systems withstand and will it burn?   All Tech Insulation Containment Systems begin to develop their physical properties within minutes of application. Among several very desirable properties are their quick gel time and their glass transition temperatures that average -40 degrees F and +480 degrees F. Heat of deflection under no load is +250 degrees F. Safe upper limit of working temperature is +350 degrees F, under no load. While All Tech Insulation Containment Systems has high glass transition and heat of deflection temperatures, it will burn when exposed to direct flame for extended period of time. It will self extinguish when flame is removed.   Top of page     ·  Is All Tech Insulation Containment Systems hard or soft?   All Tech Insulation Containment Systems may be either hard or soft depending on the particular formulation and the intended use. Durometer ratings may range from Shore A 30 to Shore D 80. Top of page   ·  What is All Tech Insulation Containment Systems abrasion resistance?   All Tech Insulation has run abrasion resistance testing according to ASTM D 4060 using the most aggressive abrader, the H-18 wheel. The abrasion loss is as noted in our material specification data sheets for the appropriate material. This test was utilized because it most nearly typifies the type of abrasion attack found in industrial environments. The industry standard testing for polyurethanes uses the abrasive CS-17 wheel. This wheel is a much smoother, less abrading mechanism than the above mentioned H-18 abrader wheel. The most severe utilization of polyurethanes is found on parking deck coating systems. The hard polyurethane topcoats used in these systems generally have CS-17 losses between 5 - 10 milligrams. FSS 45DC and FSS 50DM report H-18 loss between 180 and 250 milligrams. This loss is actually much less severe than a loss of 5 – 10 milligrams on the CS-17 wheel. Top of page     ·  Can Liners be exposed to sunlight for extended period of time?   Yes, All Tech Insulation will provide material that is equipped to meet the requirements of every project. Top of page     ·  In what applications are liners most frequently used?   Generally, there is no limit where a liner or Poly-X system can be used.  Geosynthetic liners are suited for a wide range of applications. The most common uses are in pits, ponds, wastewater treatment, tanks, basins, sumps, foundations, landfills, canals, secondary containment walls or berms, water reservoirs, lagoons, leach / processing pads, and leak detection and collection. Top of page     ·  What is the life expectancy of a All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer system?   The following letter by Dudley Primeaux of Primeaux and Associates, was made in response to numerous inquiries for an answer to the probable life expectancy of All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants when subjected to immersion in salt water and All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants subjected to ultraviolet light. The original All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants formulations alluded to in this letter are those that All Tech Insulation uses in manufacturer of its aromatic and aliphatic spray materials. Note: Dudley Primeaux is the holder of several patents for All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants Technology secured while he was the lead chemist for Texaco Chemicals and Huntsman Corporation. Mr. Primeaux is currently employed as a consultant and has been president of the All Tech Insulation Coatings and Sealants Development Association. The testing processes cited in this letter are those that are current industry standards. The evaluations and conclusions drawn in this letter are those of Mr. Primeaux and are considered the most expert opinions available within the industry. (Electronic File of Letter from Dudley Primeaux, Primeaux and Associates, to David Cerchie, President, All Tech Insulation Incorporated) May 24, 2002 Mr. David Cerchie All Tech Insulation, Inc. 3145 Broadway Kansas City, MO 64111 Dear David: A question has recently been asked as to the life expectancy of a All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer system as it relates to an application in an immersed saltwater environment. While this question is really not new to the technology, it seems that there has not been any published data or information to support any direct claims that may have been made. But we still would like to know, “How Long Will it Last”? As you are aware, the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer technology is relatively new to the industry with respect to conventional polyurethane and epoxy type coating systems. Since the development in 1986 and first commercial use in 1988, true life history is only slightly over 10 years. This has provided somewhat of a “brick wall” if you will as to the real performance of the material. There is data and information available on the technology though that might suggest the long-term performance. This data includes accelerated testing on the technology compared to the basic physical properties. The first most common testing with regard to accelerated exposure is weatherometer testing. During the development work on the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants technology at Texaco Chemical Company, several aromatic based All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems were exposed to ASTM G 53 (Practice for Operating Light- and Water-Exposure Apparatus (Fluorescent UV-Condensation Type) for Exposure of Nonmetallic Materials). This has commonly been referred to as accelerated weatherometer testing. The number of hours exposure can be extrapolated to years of outdoor service. During that work, the aromatic systems were exposed to a total of 3800 hours, using the UVB-313 bulbs, 50oC. The type bulbs have been shown to give higher UV output, faster testing and improved uniformity in the test. After this exposure, the samples were re-tested and compared to the original physical property data. What was shown was that the physical property retention was at least 80% of the elastomer's original physical property results. While the surface of the elastomer did show discoloration (yellowing) this was only at the surface. There was no chalking or cracking of the elastomer surface after exposure. That testing was halted at 3800 hours for no particular reason. The test samples were good the data was just required at that moment. I have attached an original chart of that data as published by Texaco Chemical Company. We also performed a similar study using the aliphatic-based All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray technology, which is the color stable version. For this, samples were exposed to over 6000 hours under the same test conditions. Elastomer physical property retention here was greater than 90%, with little to no color fade in the elastomer samples. From this data on the aliphatic All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems, they have then been evaluated for use in automotive interior trim applications. The available test data here suggests that dash and door panels made of the aliphatic system would have at least a 20 year life. That is significantly improved of the conventional plasticized PVC that has been used for years and tends to show cracking after about 5-8 years of exposure. Source of information here is from Goodyear Tire & Rubber. I have attached a sheet that addresses many of the questions as to how does this data equate to real life data. Though no one will put the information in writing, it has been suggested that 2000 hours equates to about 20 years of exposure. The other testing that has been done is the ASTM B 117 (Practice for Operating a Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus). This has commonly been referred to a Salt Spray Testing. For this, similar aromatic All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems were applied to prepared steel substrates and then a crosscut was made through the coating system to the steel substrate. The coated panels were placed in the salt fog cabinet and exposed to the salt environment, 50oC, for a period of 3000 hours. The panels are removed and inspected for corrosion at the scribe, adhesion of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants to the panels and any deterioration of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants samples. While this test (ASTM B 117) is a comparative test, the results showed that the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems gave excellent performance after the 3000-hour exposure when compared to comparable polyurethane and epoxy coating systems. It has recently been suggested that the new ASTM G 85 (Practice for Modified Salt Spray (Fog) Testing) is an improved method of testing. This is sometimes referred to a prohession testing. I am not aware at this time of this work being done with All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants system. Another unique testing procedure is that involving polymer morphology. All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants elastomer systems are amorphous in nature, not crystalline like polyurethane systems. This amorphous nature is similar to that of epoxy type systems except that All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants system do not have a true glass transition temperature. Instead, 2 distinct Tg ‘s can be noted, one corresponding to the melting point of the soft block in the polymer and the other corresponding to the melting point of the hard block in the polymer. Dynamic Mechanical Spectroscopy evaluations of typical All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants elastomer systems, a low temperature Tg is noted at about -50oC with a high temperature Tg of about 230oC to 260oC. The response curve between these two points remains relatively flat. This would be the performance range, temperature wise, for a All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants elastomer system. In lay terms, the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants elastomer systems would tend to show some significant stiffening at temperatures less than -50oC with some polymer softening, or possible decomposition, at temperatures above 230oC to 260oC. As you are aware, there is a major construction project in Boston, MA, the CA/T Project or Big Dig as some call it. This is a project under the direction of Bechtel, Parsons Brinckerhoff, a major engineering firm. In the initial stages of the project, Bechtel decided to use the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer technology as the primary waterproofing system for the tunnel section. The All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants elastomer would be applied to the exterior of the concrete tunnels for both the cut-and-cover sections as well as the harbor immersed tube section. This is a saltwater environment. Bechtel had required a 75-year life expectancy o­n the applied coating system and contacted Texaco Chemical Co / Huntsman Corp. While Texaco / Huntsman could not directly supply that information, we did supply all of the above noted information of this letter. Upon review and evaluation of the elastomer physical properties, Bechtel was satisfied that the coating system would provide the expected service of the project. The applied thickness of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants coating system is 100 – 120 mils. Another major project is the San Mateo Bridge Upgrade project in the San Francisco, CA area. Here, a All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants system is being applied to the concrete beam and piling to protect from the salt environment corrosion issues. It has been reported that CalTrans has given a 100-year life span on this project. A large part of the decision to complete this work with the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants technology was due to the available accelerated testing and elastomer physical property information. Applied thickness of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants coating system here is about 60 – 70 mils. While maybe not directly applicable, there is some additional data on some nuclear irradiation evaluation of All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer systems. The basis of this information has provided for the use of the aromatic All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants spray elastomer technology is a variety of nuclear facilities, and continues to be used today. This includes Westinghouse Savannah River Works, Hanford Nuclear Site and the Department of Energy. While this is a considerable amount of data and supporting application work, we still have not fully addressed the question of life expectancy. I am of the opinion that there is no exact answer in general as many factors come into play. However, we should be able to provide for some sort of calculation of such. It has been shown that polymer durability / toughness is a factor of the elastomer physical properties, applied thickness and environment of exposure. Given that, the best elastomer physical property relationship possible should be used for the application areas. This sounds somewhat confusing but I will explain. Life expectancy of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants system should include not o­nly the physical properties but factors such as long term adhesion, applied film thickness and chemical exposure / environment. Urea has been described as an organic rock. The All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems are a derivation of that “rock”. As the reaction mechanism proceeds without the use of a catalyst, as opposed to polyurethane system, there is no catalytic breakdown evident in the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants polymer system like that of a polyurethane. In addition to the accelerated and other testing done as described in this letter, I would suggest another accelerated test commonly performed with polyurethane foam systems. This is a humid age / thermal age test. The following ASTM methods have been used and are suggested: ASTM C 1246:     “Effects of Heating on Weight Loss, Cracking, and Chalking of Elastomeric Sealants After Cure” ASTM D 5510:     “Heat Aging of Oxidative Degradable Plastics” For each of these, the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants system would be exposed to an elevated temperature, normally 80oC (175oF), and the elastomer properties monitored over the exposure time. Given the high thermal resistance of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants technology, this nominal temperature will have little to no effect on the polymer. It is suggested that a higher temperature be used, say 100oC (212oF). All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems have also shown excellent results in freeze/thaw cycling testing. This would take the polymer from -20oC to 50oC in 9 cycles. From the accelerated weatherometer testing, thermal aging and typical performance values for All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants systems, one could apply the following conservative calculation: Evaluate the hours until there is a 50% loss in elastomer physical properties or other “failure”, For every 2000-hours QUV plus 1000-hours thermal aging  = 20-year life span This applied to the polymer, not necessarily the application. I would feel very comfortable with this calculation and moving into the environment of application of the All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants system provided the following parameters are met: 1.     Applied film thickness is as follows Pedestrian Traffic                                     40-60 mils Vehicular                                                    60-80 mils      HD Vehicular / High Abuse               80-125 mils Immersion Service                                    50-100 mils Walls (non-immersion)                             30-60 mils Below Grade Waterproofing                    50-60 mils 2.     Proper substrate preparation and application techniques are employed Based o­n the available information we have to date, it is felt that a properly formulated and prepared All Tech Insulation coatings and sealants elastomer system, like that of the All Tech Insulation product line, would survive a minimum of 75 years in your saltwater application area. This is based o­n the testing, flexibility of the system, chemical resistance and thermal properties. This does not take into account extraneous circumstances such as high abrasion, undo impact and highly corrosive chemical / solvent introduction into the environment. I know that I have been somewhat longwinded here but I did want to provide you with sufficient background and information to address your questions. I trust that this information will be of help to you. Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional questions. Sincerely Yours, Dudley Top of page   ·  What are the limits on a project size?   There in NO limit on a project size.  All Tech Insulation has completed projects ranging from a few hundred square feet to millions of square feet. (On second thought, maybe Texas would be to large.) Top of page     ·  Why does HPDE wrinkle?   Thermal expansion and contraction of approximately 2% over 10º variance in temperature will cause the liner to move. This movement is normal and All Tech Insulation design engineers allow for it as appropriate in each application. Top of page     ·  Does material thickness influence puncture resistance?   Yes and no. Various geosynthetic materials have different levels of flexibility and puncture resistance. For example, to have the same degree of puncture resistance would require a thicker polyethylene material than EPDM or PVC because the puncture resistance and flexibility of EPDM and PVC are higher. All Tech Insulation will ensure the liner used is appropriate and will meet all requirements in each application. Top of page   ·  How is the thickness of a liner determined for a specific application?   Liner thickness is determined through regulations and specifications established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state government environmental agencies. All Tech Insulation design engineers have extensive working knowledge of such regulations and will ensure that all materials used meet or exceed all specifications and requirements. Top of page   ·  Are liners immune to root penetration?   Liners are resistant to root penetration. Although, some vegetation, such as nut grass, could penetrate a liner in thicknesses less that 12 mil.  However, our Poly-X systems of 10 mil is (see videos). All Tech Insulation recommends that the subgrade soils be prepared and free of roots and other organic material to mitigate such problems.  This is just good practice with any containment system, not just liners.  However, if preparing substrate free of roots and other organic material in not possible then use our patented Poly-X Containment System then almost anything is possible. Top of page   ·  What is the temperature range for HDPE liners?   160º F through -40º F Top of page     What ever your containment needs are, contact an All Tech Insulation Engineer today (432-897-1533) and let us take the time to understand your specific containment requirements so that we may provide you a free quote on a secondary containment system that delivers results.