What is a secondary containment system?
Secondary containment systems refer to spill bunds that are designed to capture and contain liquids stored in large quantities in the event of a release from a primary containment vessel.
Why use a resin lining for your bund?
Constructed from concrete and mortar, bunds are lined with a resin-based coating designed to protect the underlying substrate. Whilst mechanically strong, the underlying bund substrate is susceptible to liquid ingress, be it via constant rainwater exposure and/or chemical spills due to its porous nature and propensity to cal rack, which can lead to ingress, structural weakness and eventually leaks.
In many cases, a thin resin-based lining is applied to the bund wall and floor, creating an impervious, chemically resistant barrier. Linings also provide abrasion resistance, which is particularly important for demanding applications.
Resins are high-performance polymer-based systems built from one or more layers. They are designed to create impervious, chemically resistant barriers that provide abrasion resistance over extended periods of time. In many cases, other ingredients are incorporated into the resin, such as glass fibre and other mechanically hard particulates that provide a backbone. This acts to provide enhanced performance versus resin alone.
Lining systems recommended for spill bunds
A range of different bund lining systems exist. In most cases, these centre on fibreglass (GRP), polyurethane and epoxy – resins that are fundamental to industrial linings and coatings and also come with detailed installation guidelines. The precise type used depends on the components being contained within the bund and the chemical compatibility of them with any resin. In many cases, specific resins have been designed to accommodate these chemicals. In cases with more bespoke products, chemical compatibility testing can be performed.
Choosing a bund lining specialist
Need a survey or new lining to refurbish your existing bund? Contact us for a professional bund survey and lining service. Industrial and commercial sites are subject to strict HSE regulations. At Strandek, we work with a range of leading blue-chip brands and have undertaken extensive work on a variety of projects, something we’ve been doing since 1976.
Bund lining surveys
U.K. regulations on secondary containment spill bunds are outlined in the HSE website. Regulations surrounding bund lining systems have also been outlined.
Regulations & references
In accordance with UK HSE regulations, bunds should be surveyed and inspected regularly. We have provided a basic outline to assist site owners on how to perform bund inspections.
Bunding regulations
- COMAH Competent Authority Work stream – Secondary and Tertiary Containment of Bulk Hazardous Liquids at COMAH Establishments
- Primary containment regulations for storage of flammable liquids
- HSE secondary containment regulations
- Fuel storage site storage
- Bund design standards
Presentations on Bund linings and coatings
- Bund lining systems
- Fibreglass (GRP) bund linings
- Creating a GRP lining
- Fibreglass linings and coatings