Work Experience – 1980 to Present

Work Experience – Pipe and Tanks LLC
Patrick A. Thronson- Manager

Senior Coatings and Welding Consultant / Inspector

With over 30 years in this industry, I have achieved extensive practical experience and knowledge in the structural, welding and coating field. I am a National Associated Corrosion Engineer Certified Coatings Inspector and an American Welding Society Certified Welding Inspector. I am an experienced sandblaster, painter, climber, rigger, welder, welding and coating inspector which allows the capability to perform inspections along side the contractor to ensure conformance to the project specifications and troubleshoot when needed.             
Past experience proves proper surface preparation and coating inspections starting at the fabricator’s shop continuing through the field erection and completion, demonstrates conclusively, inspections are extremely beneficial in terms of project cost-effectiveness, overall quality of workmanship as well as assuring the maximum possible operating life. One facet of inspection is to ensure that any fabrication defects that could adversely affect the life of the coating system such as fit-ups, erection scab marks, weld spatter or rough welds are removed prior to coating application and assuring that the tank is built correctly (to maintain structural integrity). PIPE AND TANKS LLC will help extend the life of your assets, by reducing the cost of maintenance.

KLM Engineering, Inc
Consulting, Engineering and Inspection Firm – Lake Elmo, Minnesota

October 1995 – April 2004 – Junior Partner, Senior Welding and Coating Inspector

Performed the initial structural and protective coating evaluation on storage tanks (elevated and ground) and pressure vessels
Reviewed and helped with the project specifications
Pre-construction meetings with the client and contractor
Resident certified welding and coating inspector on new elevated water towers (AWWA-D-100) and ground storage petroleum tanks (API-650) including all of the steps from the shop to the field
I was the inspector at Honolulu, Hawaii when 3 new 96,000 barrel Jet-A fuel tanks were built. I did double duty as the welding inspector during tank erection and while the 2nd and 3rd tanks were being built, I performed coating inspections on tank No. 1, etc. This inspection and co-project management was completed for URS Greiner
Resident certified welding and coating inspector on reconditioning steel and concrete water storage reservoirs, and pressure vessels
Monitored lead paint removal and abatement projects for conformance to the specifications and environmental regulations
Performed protective coating failure analysis
Monitored tank antenna installations, welding and coating inspections
Recorded the contractor’s progress for adherence to the construction schedule and authorized payment requests
Monitored “punch list” items and subsequent corrective action
Final inspection, substantial completion, and project acceptance

AEC Engineers & Designers Inc.
Consulting, Engineering and Inspection Firm – Minneapolis, Minnesota
November 1989 – September 1995 – Welding and Coating Inspector

Performed the initial structural and protective coating evaluation on storage tanks (elevated and ground) and pressure vessels
Performed structural integrity inspections of structures using non-destructive methods such as magnetic particle, liquid penetrant, surface examinations, vacuum boxing and ultrasonic measurements
Pre-construction meetings with the client and contractor
Resident certified coating inspector on new elevated water towers (AWWA-D-100) and ground storage petroleum tanks (API-650) including all of the steps from the shop sub assembly to the field
Resident certified coating inspector on reconditioning steel and concrete water storage reservoirs, pressure vessels, and other steel structures
Monitored the lead paint removal and abatement process for conformance to the specifications and environmental regulations
Sampling and testing spent abrasives and waste streams generated for conformance to the specification and environmental regulations
Monitored contractors for conformance to project specifications
Performed protective coating failure analysis as requested
Recorded the contractor’s progress for adherence to the construction schedule
Monitored “punch list” items and subsequent corrective action
Final inspection, substantial completion, and project acceptance
Completed projects with NASA, Martin-Marietta, and 3M-International

The Sandman
Sandblasting and Painting Contractor – Bozeman, Montana
1980 – 1989 – Industrial and Commercial Sandblaster and Painter

Duties included rigging the work area prior to sand blasting and painting

Making sure the sand pots and compressors were operational

General mechanics on the equipment

General surface preparation prior to sandblasting, grinding and/or power washing

Sandblasting and surface preparation prior to painting

Paint equipment maintenance and set up

Proper paint and thinner selection and paint mixing

Applications included airless and air spraying, brushing and rolling

Water and oil storage tanks, steel flumes and structural steel

Experienced with industrial and commercial coatings and linings

Worked on water storage tanks for municipalities in Colorado and throughout Montana

Worked on the Bureau of Reclamation St. Mary Project– Camp 9 and Hall’s Coulee pipes

Completed (3) Conoco bulk fuel storage tank farms; Glendive, Bozeman and Helena, MT

Malmstrom AFB new construction Jet-A fuel storage tanks