Coatings World - December 2011

Tnemec names 2011 Tank of the Year

This year’s Tnemec Tank of the Year winning entry comes from Hollywood, Fla. The one-million gallon torospherical-bottom, ovaloid-style welded steel tank had 10 legs, making it the first legged design to win Tnemec Tank of the Year since the competition was initiated in 2006.

“Judges in this year’s competition were impressed by the
tank’s colorful artwork with its conservation theme depicting
loggerhead sea turtles, which are an endangered species,” said
Doug Hansen, director, Tnemec Water Tank Market. “The ele-
gant graphics are enhanced by the dramatic lighting that illumi-
nates the landmark at night, calling attention to Hollywood as
both a tourist destination and a vibrant community.”
The graphic design for the water tower was developed by
Hunter, Hamersmith & Associates Advertising out of North
Miami and funded through the Hollywood Community Rede-
velopment Agency. “Utility Service completed the repair and re-
furbishment of the tank in May,” said city spokeswoman Raelin
Storey. “The work included structural repairs, sandblasting and
recoating both the interior and exterior of the tank and the ad-
dition of tank lighting for nighttime visibility.”
Hundreds of loggerhead sea turtles return to Hollywood
Beach each year to lay their eggs at night. In Broward County,
nearly 2,000 sea turtle nests have been counted during nesting
season from March to October.

Located along Interstate 95 on the western side of Holly-
wood, the water tank is one of the most visible landmarks in
South Florida. “I-95 between Fort Lauderdale and Miami is one
of the most traveled roads in the country, carrying thousands of
travelers directly past this water tank,” Tnemec coating consult-
ant Mike Kendig said.

The winning tank’s exterior coating system consisted of a prime coat of Series 135 Chembuild, a modified polyamine epoxy and an intermediate coat of Series 1075 Endura-Shield II, an aliphatic acrylic polyurethane. The finish coat was Series 700 HydroFlon, an advanced fluoropolymer topcoat that offers outstanding resistance to ultraviolet (UV) light and unprecedented long-term gloss and color retention. Two coats of Series 700 were also used for the lettering and mural.