Crude Oil Pipe & Tank Coating
Industrial Coatings Services
Offering commercial, industrial, & energy coatings applications
Industrial coating is the protective layer applied to metal surfaces after cleaning and surface preparation, designed to shield equipment from corrosion, chemical exposure, and the physical wear of daily operations. In the crude oil sector, coatings act as the primary defense against the constant contact with hydrocarbons, moisture, and fluctuating temperatures that would otherwise eat away at bare steel. A properly applied coating doesn’t just protect the asset, it extends service life, reduces maintenance costs, and helps operators stay compliant with industry regulations and inspection standards.
At Metercheck, we apply industrial-grade coatings using proven systems suited to the demands of crude oil environments. Below, we outline our approach to two of the most common coating applications: crude oil pipe coating and crude oil tank coating.
Crude Oil Pipe Coating
Once a pipeline has been sandblasted and prepped to bare metal, coating is the next essential step in protecting it from the corrosive nature of crude oil and the surrounding environment. Uncoated or poorly coated pipe is vulnerable to internal corrosion from sour crude and H2S exposure, as well as external corrosion from soil contact, moisture, and atmospheric conditions. A quality coating system creates a durable barrier that keeps the pipe structurally sound for years of continuous service.
Metercheck applies coating systems matched to each pipeline’s specific service conditions, whether that’s an epoxy lining for internal corrosion resistance, a fusion-bonded epoxy (FBE) exterior coating, or a specialty system designed for high-temperature or high-pressure lines. We control film thickness, cure time, and application technique closely, since an inconsistent coat can fail prematurely and leave the pipe exposed at the exact points where failure is most costly.
We also account for the realities of pipeline coating work in the field, including tie-in sections, girth welds, and repair coating for damaged holidays. Our crews are experienced in both shop-applied and field-applied coating processes, and we test every job with holiday detection and adhesion checks to confirm the coating meets spec before the pipe goes back into service.
Crude Oil Tank Coating
Storage tanks endure some of the harshest coating conditions in the industry, with constant immersion in crude oil on the interior and full weather exposure on the exterior. Without a proper coating system, tank floors and lower shell courses are especially prone to corrosion from water and sediment that settle at the bottom of the tank, while the exterior faces its own battle against UV exposure, rain, and temperature swings. Coating is what stands between a tank’s steel structure and years of accelerated deterioration.
Metercheck’s tank coating process starts with matching the right system to the tank’s service, whether that’s a high-build epoxy for interior immersion service, a phenolic or novolac epoxy for higher temperature crude, or a polyurethane topcoat for exterior UV and weather protection. We follow manufacturer specifications for surface profile, dry film thickness, and cure schedules to ensure the coating performs as intended over the long term, not just at first inspection.
Because interior tank coating work takes place in confined spaces with limited ventilation, we manage the process carefully from setup through cure, including proper environmental controls and safety monitoring throughout. Our work supports broader tank maintenance programs, including API 653 out-of-service inspections, and helps operators avoid the costly downtime and cleanup that comes with a coating failure.
