Presenter: Michael Harrison – Sherwin-Williams
Topic: Examination of Lining performance in Renewable and Biofuels and Feedstocks.

Refreshments from 6.00pm, presentation 6.30pm

Abstract: Global demand for renewable and bio-based fuels is expected to grow with political and consumer-led mandates on reducing greenhouse gases. A typical biofuel production facility faces numerous performance challenges which are unique to its process, feedstock, and operating parameters. Traditional developments and performance enhancements in the linings from coating manufacturers and suppliers in the Energy sector have focused on feedstocks and fuels from fossil sources (Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Coal). It cannot be assumed that these linings, with proven track record in O&G sector, can be used in the “Renewable and Bio-fuel sector” as the chemistry can be considerably different and more aggressive. A detailed study was undertaken to examine the performance of lining systems via a series of isothermal immersion tests relevant to biofuels sector. The performance of traditional linings with a proven track record were compared to next-generation solvent free epoxy novolac linings and solvent free glass flake novolac vinyl ester linings. Lessons learnt from this performance evaluation provided an array of selection tools to the Biofuel asset owners and facility managers to select the appropriate lining system for their specific process and needs.

Michael has 35 years of experience in the protective coatings industry. During this time, Michael was responsible for the development and testing of heavy duty solvent free linings with subsequent roles in business support and business development. Extra to this he has been the project lead in the revision of ISO 16961 (Petroleum, petrochemical and natural gas industries — Internal coating and lining of steel storage tanks).