Ultonium™ Glass Lining

Mixing-Frit

Ultonium™ Glass lining specification for hot water applications.

Niles Steel Tanks offers Ultonium™, a premium glass lining for hot water applications for temperatures up to 180 degrees.  Because of the special formulation of Ultonium™, the lining exceeds all testing target points as outlined by ASHREA specifications.  When heated to the proper temperature, Ultonium™ is bonded to the steel substrate which produces a superior, durable, resistant long lasting coating.   If viewed by magnification, you will notice that Ultonium™ has a unique bubble structure which is critical in allowing the glass lining to expand and contract with the steel.  When applied, our applicator uses an automatic articulating spray head capable of maintaining consistent thickness throughout the vessel, resulting in 100% coverage.  Each vessel has a minimum of 10 to 12 mils of finished glass.  We also offer our double glass lining option which comes with a 10 year warranty.

Process:

Each vessel is cleaned and sandblasted for surface roughness.  An automatic sprayer then applies 20 mils of wet Ultonium™ glass enamel to the inside of the tank.  The partial vessel is then dried in a curing oven at 400° until all moisture is removed.  At this point the dried enamel is called bisque and is semi bonded to the vessel wall.  Vessels are then fired at 1500°, the melting point of Ultonium™, and “soaked” at that temperature for a period of time, which bonds the Ultonium to the steel substrate.  The vessel is moves to the cooling tower then to final assembly.

Testing:

Niles Ultonium™ is tested under the following ASTM testing guidelines:

  • W-H-196 Test = 7.0 – 8.0 mg/in2 This test consists of exposing the enamel to a boiling (212 F) 4/10% solution of sodium Bicarbonate for (8) eight, (18) eighteen-hour cycles. Maximum weight loss after eight cycles is not to exceed 15 mg/in2.
  • PEI T-21 Spot Acid Test = Class A This test is used to determine enamel resistance to acids. The test area is examined for visible effects on the enamel and is graded from Class AA (no sign of etching) to Class D (etched surface).
  • Impact resistance = Class 4 to 5 The impact resistance test is used to determine the adhesive qualities of enamel to the substrate. The enamel is graded from Class 1 (worst) to Class 5 (best), fractured glass adhering solidly to the impact area. Class 3 is acceptable.
  • Hi-Pot Test = Less than 20 The HYPO test is a measurement of the continuity of the enamel coating (Spark Test). Fifty (50) sparks or fewer are the acceptable count for the water storage industry.
  • Thickness: 10 mils +/- 2 mils
  • Adhesion: Class 4 to 5
  • Resistance: Class A
  • Tank Sizes: 24” diameter to 84” diameter, up to 262”
  • Maximum Temperature: 180 F
  • Color: Cobalt Blue
  • Anodes: One or more magnesium anode rods based on gallon size. Or optional Powered Anodes