J-6 team begins paint restoration for 3 million gallon water tank

Members of the Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Fire and Rescue team are shown here simulating a confined space rescue by moving a rescue basket into the J-6 Large Rocket Test Facility water tank through the main discharge line at the bottom of the photo. This rescue simulation prepares the team for a paint restoration project ongoing inside the water tank. (Photo provided by Josh Cooke)

J-6 team begins paint restoration for 3 million gallon water tank

Published Oct. 15, 2013
By Raquel March
AEDC/PA

ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- The Arnold Engineering Development Complex (AEDC) Test Support Division Civil Engineering Branch (TSDCN) has contracted Charlie Irwin Painting LLC to paint the interior and exterior surfaces of the J-6 Large Rocket Test Facility 3 million gallon elevated water tank.

The project plan, which supports the Space and Missiles Test Branch, is to replace a coating system that has reached the end of its service life.

"The interior of the tank will be blasted to remove the old coating system and recoated using an epoxy based primer and finish coat," said Josh Cooke, an engineer with the AEDC TSDCN. "Since the interior of the tank is a confined space, the TSDCN consulted with the AEDC Fire and Rescue team to create a rescue plan as well as practicing rescue scenarios."

J-6 provides ground-test simulations for solid-propellant rocket motors. The facility has been used mainly for aging and surveillance and in testing of stages II and III for Minuteman and Peacekeeper ICBMs and for Castor® 30.

Due to the high exhaust temperatures from a rocket during a test, an excessive amount of water is needed for cooling. The 185-foot high tank releases 1 million gallons of water per minute while testing.

The contractor's notice to proceed with the project was issued Sept. 9 and the contractor is expected to complete the project by April 2014.