Rethinking Tank Replacement: Why Rafibra is the Smarter, Safer Solution

When it comes to aging underground or aboveground fuel tanks, most businesses think there’s only one option: dig it up and replace it. But what if you could extend your tank’s life without excavation, disruption, or the hefty price tag? That’s exactly what Rafibra tank relining technology offers—a smarter, cost-effective, and fully compliant alternative to traditional tank replacement.

The Problem with Traditional Tank Replacement

Fuel tanks have a lifespan, and once they begin to deteriorate, issues like corrosion, leakage, and compliance violations become real concerns. But replacing them the old-fashioned way comes with serious challenges:

Excavation and site disruption
Extended downtime
Environmental risks during removal
High costs for equipment, labor, and permitting

These issues make replacement a complex, time-consuming, and expensive process.

Enter Rafibra: Reinforce, Don’t Replace

Rafibra’s patented relining system transforms aging tanks into fully compliant, leak-monitored, double-wall systems—all from the inside. The original tank stays in place. No digging. No major disruption. Just smart engineering that reinforces the structure from within.

Key Benefits:

No excavation required
70% cost savings compared to traditional tank replacement
7–10 day installation per tank
Permanent leak monitoring via interstitial vacuum pressure
Compliant with EPA and UL-1316 standards
Backed by a 10–30 year limited warranty

How the Rafibra System Works

The process involves applying four layers of fiberglass-reinforced resin, each contributing to the strength, chemical resistance, and integrity of the relined tank. Between these layers, an interstitial space is created and connected to a vacuum pressure system that continuously monitors for leaks.

Installation Steps:

Mobilization & Safety Setup
Degasification & Equipment Removal
Tank Cleaning & Structural Evaluation
Interior Surface Preparation
Layered Fiberglass Installation (Yellow, Blue, Green, Orange)
Interstitial Space Integration
Final Black Coating
Equipment Reinstallation & Leak Monitoring Activation

Who is Rafibra Right For?

If you own or manage tanks for fueling stations, hospitals, airports, marinas, emergency generators, or municipal sites, Rafibra can extend the life of your investment while keeping you compliant and operational.

Whether you have steel or fiberglass tanks, above or below ground, Rafibra is designed to meet your needs without disrupting your business.

Trusted Around the World

Rafibra technology has been installed in over 15,000 tanks worldwide, trusted by organizations in critical infrastructure and high-compliance environments. Every installation undergoes vacuum testing, monitoring, and rigorous quality control.

The Bottom Line

Don’t let the fear of replacement hold you back. If your tank is aging, Rafibra offers a proven, affordable, and low-disruption alternative to traditional removal and replacement.

At Don Wood Inc., we’re proud to bring this global technology to clients across the U.S. and help businesses save time, reduce costs, and protect their operations for decades to come.

Ready to Reinforce Your Tank?

Visit www.donwoodinc.com/rafibra or contact us to schedule a consultation and see if Rafibra is right for your site.