Ultonium® Glass Lining

Niles Steel Tank Ultonium® is a premium glass lining for water applications for temperatures up to 180 degrees. Thanks to our special formula, Ultonium® offers many advantages:

  • Exceeds all testing target points as outlined by ASHREA specifications
  • Produces a superior, resistant, long-lasting coating which bonds to the steel substrate
  • Expands and contracts with steel due to its unique bubble structure
Our multi-step process ensures 100% coverage and proper bonding:

Each vessel is cleaned and sandblasted for surface roughness. An automatic articulating sprayer then applies a consistent 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 and the dried enamel 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 to further bond Ultonium® to the steel substrate. Finally, the vessel is moved to the cooling tower before final assembly.

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.
Specifications:
  • 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.
  • Warranty: 10 years for double lining
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