Coatings

Tank car coatings and linings have two main functions. Primarily, they are used to protect the commodity from contamination by the base metal of the tank or hopper car. However, coatings and Iinings are also used to prevent the base metal from corroding due to the chemical nature of the commodity being shipped.

The shipper is responsible for selecting and providing particular lining and coating specifications and requirements for the commodity to be transported.

According to the Association of American Railroads, a "coating" refers to any paint-type, protective covering applied in one or more layers to the interior of a tank (or hopper) car to act as a barrier between the base metal and the commodity

There are several types of coating materials which may be applied to the interior of railcars. The type selection and thickness of the coating depend on the commodity to be shipped and the type of railcar.

The full thickness of the coating is achieved by layering coats of the material. Generally, thicker films are used to protect the car from the commodity and thinner films are used to protect the commodity from the railcar.

The Association of American Railroads defines a "lining" as any sheet or laminated type material, glass, or fused metal applied to the interior of a tank (or hopper) car to act as a barrier between the base metal and the commodity.

Linings generally come in sheet format and must be applied to the railcar interior using a specific cementing process. A variety of thickness (180+ mils) can be used, depending on the commodity being shipped and the type of railcar involved. The following list represents some, but not all, of the lining material options.

TYPICAL PRODUCTS CARRIED	LITHCOTE® COATINGS	COLOR AND TYPE	CHARACTERISTICS
Alcohols, ethers, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum oils, synthetic detergents, fatty acids, glacial acetic acid, acetic anhydride, butyric acid, aldehydes, formaldehyde to 80%	LC-19H	Silver-brown phenolic	Special corrosion-resistant metallic pigments
Foods, beverages, solvents, chemicals, acids and low pH products	LC-24H	Deep orange phenolic	Pure phenolic
Latex, molten sulfur, caustic soda, alkaline products - pH over 11.0; liquid sugars, corn syrup (LC25H)	LC-34H	Gray, mauve, teal aluminum (25H) epoxy phenolic	One-component high bake alkali-resistant
Sulfuric acid - concentrate over 60%	LC-73H	Deep reddish brown phenolic	Excellent acid and general chemical resistance
Calcium carbonate, fuel oils, potable water	LC-82	Gray, white epoxy	High degree of general resistance; protects taste, odor, clarity
Foods, beverages, solvents, chemicals, latex, caustic soda, alkaline products	"C" Series	Black hi-bake modification	Enhanced heat-cycle resistance