Performance of chemical resistant masonry (brick) linings in steel and concrete bleach towers, especially in acidic D-stages, is characterized by continuous degradation, unpredictable local lining failures, occasional gross failures and high annual costs for inspecting and "repairing" the linings. Repairs typically involve a dubious practice of repeatedly replacing resin-based mortar lost from joints due to oxidative attack by chlorine dioxide - a 'repointing' procedure that is severely compromised because vinyl ester resins used in the mortar do not cure in contact with bricks saturated with bleaching solutions.
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