Specification - Secondary Containment Epoxy System (Up to 98% Sulfuric Acid)

This specification defines a chemical-resistant secondary containment system suitable for exposure to concentrated sulfuric acid up to 98%. This is a performance-critical containment envelope intended for industrial chemical service, including spill, leak, pooling, and intermittent exposure conditions.

1. General

1.1 Summary

• Provide a complete epoxy-based secondary containment system designed for exposure to sulfuric acid up to 98%.
• System shall be chemically continuous across horizontal and vertical surfaces, joints, transitions, and interfaces.
• System shall be supplied as a compatible set of components for containment service.

1.2 Basis of Design and Substitutions

Basis of design manufacturer: Epoxy.com (Epoxy Systems, Inc.).

No alternative products accepted.

The products listed in this specification constitute a complete system selected for the stated exposure condition. Mixing materials from different manufacturers within the containment envelope is not permitted.

1.3 Submittals

• Submit current manufacturer Technical Data Sheets (TDS) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for each specified product.
• Submit written confirmation that the complete system will be installed as specified with no substitutions.
• Submit applicator qualifications demonstrating experience with chemical containment systems and Novolac epoxy coatings.

1.4 Quality Assurance

• Applicator shall be experienced in installation of chemical-resistant containment coatings and joint detailing.
• Work shall be performed in accordance with manufacturer published instructions and project requirements.
• Maintain chemical continuity at terminations, penetrations, and transitions.

1.5 Exposure Notes (Specifier Reference)

• Concentration governs severity. Containment system selection shall assume worst-case spill exposure.
• Secondary containment service differs from continuous immersion or tank lining service.
• If continuous immersion, elevated temperatures, mixed oxidizers, or unknown chemical mixtures are expected, require manufacturer review.

2. Products

2.1 Floor-to-Wall Transition (Integral Cove Base)

Epoxy.com Product #720 - Cove Base Binder
Used to install an integral epoxy cove base for seamless floor-to-wall protection in containment areas.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/720.aspx

2.2 Dowels, Anchors, and Structural Repairs

Epoxy.com Product #2006 - Epoxy High-Mod Gel Adhesive and Bonding Resin
100% solids high-mod epoxy gel adhesive used for dowels, anchor bolts, rebar, and structural repairs where needed.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/Epoxy_Gel_Adhesive_Bonding2006.aspx

2.3 Fresh Concrete to Existing Concrete Bonding

Epoxy.com Product #2007 - Epoxy Fresh Concrete to Hardened Concrete Adhesive
100% solids epoxy bonding adhesive for bonding new concrete to old concrete at cold joints and interfaces.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/Epoxy_Fresh_Concrete_to_Hardened_Concrete_Adhesive.aspx

2.4 Saw-Cut Relief and Control Joints

Epoxy.com Product #632 - Novolac Epoxy Control Joint Filler
Flexible Novolac epoxy joint filler for saw-cut joints in chemically exposed slabs on grade.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/novolac-epoxy-joint-filler.aspx

2.5 Primer and Substrate Sealing

Epoxy.com Product #12 - Epoxy Primer and Epoxy Sealer
High chemical resistance epoxy primer/sealer used to seal concrete porosity and promote compatibility with Novolac epoxy coatings.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/chemical-resistant-epoxy-primer-mortar.aspx

2.6 Primary Chemical Barrier - Horizontal Surfaces

Epoxy.com Product #633 - Novolac Epoxy Coating
100% solids Novolac epoxy coating for harsh chemical and solvent resistant applications, including sulfuric acid containment service.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/633.aspx

2.7 Vertical Surfaces and Walls

Epoxy.com Product #633W - Wall Grade Epoxy Novolac Coating
High viscosity wall grade Novolac epoxy coating for improved film build on vertical surfaces in harsh chemical environments.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/epoxy_novolac_chemical_resistant_wall_grade.aspx

2.8 Chemical Resistant Slip Resistance

Epoxy.com Synthetic Anti-Skid Additive (Polycarbonate Aggregate)
Product #52 (small), #52M (medium), or #53 (large). Used to provide slip resistance without compromising chemical resistance.
Link: https://www.epoxy.com/non-skid-additive-polycarbonate-aggregate.aspx

2.9 Prohibited Materials

• Non-Novolac epoxy coatings for the primary containment barrier.
• Polyurethane, polyurea, MMA, polyester, vinyl ester, or hybrid systems as substitutes for the specified Novolac barrier.
• Rigid joint fillers in saw-cut control joints within the containment envelope.
• Mixing manufacturers within the containment system (primer/topcoat/joint materials from different sources).
• Decorative or architectural coating systems within the containment envelope.

3. Execution (Specifier-Level Requirements)

3.1 Surface Preparation

Perform surface preparation appropriate for a chemical containment coating system. Concrete shall be clean, sound, and free of contaminants that inhibit adhesion. Surface profile shall be suitable for high performance industrial epoxy coatings.

3.2 System Continuity Requirements

• Provide a continuous chemical barrier across floors, curbs, and walls as required by the project.
• Detail and execute floor-to-wall transitions using the specified cove base binder.
• Seal and protect interfaces between old and new concrete using the specified bonding adhesives where applicable.
• Fill saw-cut control joints using the specified Novolac joint filler where indicated.
• Apply primer and Novolac coatings in accordance with manufacturer published instructions for containment service.
• Provide slip resistance using the specified synthetic anti-skid additive where required.

3.3 Field Changes

Any changes to the specified system components shall be handled in accordance with the project substitution procedures. This specification does not permit alternative products.

4. Notes for the Specifier

• This specification is intended as an "insurance policy" against unintended substitutions in high-risk chemical service.
• Where project conditions exceed secondary containment exposure (continuous immersion, elevated temperature, mixed oxidizers), require manufacturer review before proceeding.
• Refer to each product TDS/SDS for application limitations and chemical resistance data.

Proper mixing and installation is critical to the optimal success of all products.  See Installation Tips, Techdata, & MSDS for more details on our products.  Be sure to contact us with any questions and/or concerns that you have.

For more information please contact:

Epoxy.com
A Division of Epoxy Systems, Inc
A Vermont Corporation
USA

We have products that have passed the test of time as well as the best new Systems available today.

Since 1980 - Over 45 years of the highest quality products

Hours: 9AM-4PM Eastern Time (6AM-1PM Pacific Time)

Closed for lunch from 12Noon to 1PM

321-206-1833  Customer Service - Ordering and Order Status
Katey Lambert-Fontaine - Vice President & Chief Operations Officer
katey@epoxy.com

352-533-2167  Technical Support
Norm Lambert - President & Technical Support Director
info@epoxy.com

Debby Lambert, Co-Founder and Strategic Planning

Website: www.epoxy.com

24 hour Hazmat Emergency Telephone Response Service - 1-800-633-8253

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