When procuring a water storage tank, the configuration and selection process typically commence during the early stages of project design. Timing for construction and overall project costs are crucial considerations when seeking and securing funding. Given that many municipalities depend on a single water storage source, the design of the tank plays a vital role in meeting both current and future community needs.
Assessing community demands for current and projected water supply, site conditions, pressure requirements, long-term maintenance, accessibility, and overall costs are key details essential for the final selection of the tank configuration.
Manufacturing Process
The technology and manufacturing process of this equipment differentiate it from painted steel or concrete structures. By utilizing a factory manufacturing process, potential variables are controlled more effectively compared to products manufactured on-site, such as painted steel or concrete tanks. Factors like worker expertise and extreme weather conditions, which significantly impact on-site manufactured products, have minimal influence on the fiberglass manufacturing process. Furthermore, because the tanks are fabricated in the factory and only require on-site assembly of components, they can be installed year-round.
Coating
Every storage tank undergoes coating, with options today including paint, concrete, or glass. The impermeability and characteristics of glass offer unique advantages.
The process of applying a glass coating starts with glass frit, mixed with other minerals and water to form a liquid slurry. This slurry is precisely sprayed onto steel sheet panels that have undergone cutting, rolling, punching, grit-blasting, and cleaning, typically done by robots. Subsequently, these panels are heated to 1500°F in a furnace. At this high temperature, the silica glass slurry melts onto the grit-blasted steel surface, creating strong mechanical and chemical bonds between the steel and the silica glass.
Unlike other tank coatings that rely solely on mechanical bonding, the chemical bond strength of glass is significantly higher. This prevents the undercutting of the coating, which can lead to corrosion spreading on the primary steel material. To illustrate this benefit, consider a scratch on a car. With a coating that only has a mechanical bond, corrosion will occur if the steel is exposed. If left untreated, this corrosion can extend beneath the surrounding painted surface, compromising the entire coating.
Indicators of this include raised bubbles, spreading rust, and weakened substrate. The chemical bond provided by the glass-fused-to-steel coating prevents corrosion from spreading even if the coating is compromised.
Tank Construction
During the construction of a glass-coated bolted steel storage tank, a jacking system is utilized. Initially, the top ring of the tank is assembled on the jacks after the starter sheet (bottom ring) is embedded in the concrete foundation or constructed using a glass-fused-to-steel floor design. Following this, the tank’s roof is installed, and both the top ring and roof are raised using the jacks. Each subsequent ring is then bolted together below the top ring, with a urethane sealant applied between the seams.
The tanks are constructed from the top down, which ensures a safer and faster construction process. Typically, the erection process is completed within one to two weeks, resulting in cost savings for the owner when utilizing prevailing wages for on-site labor. Furthermore, the manufacturer requires all construction crews to undergo factory training and certification in the erection process to maintain quality control in the field.
Maintenance/Life Time Value
Glass-coated bolted steel tanks offer a prolonged lifespan thanks to their durable glass coating, which eliminates the necessity for repainting. They are frequently preferred in locations where maintaining a visually attractive appearance over the long term is crucial. By eliminating the need to repaint painted tanks or refurbish aging concrete structures, funds can be saved and redirected to other municipal projects.
Flexibility
The bolted design and assembly process of this product provide flexibility. Unlike on-site manufacturing, which usually requires extensive staging areas, production occurs in a factory. Typically, constructing the tank only necessitates a cleared area of 6 to 10 feet around its diameter. This compact footprint can lead to substantial cost savings for both the overall project and the tank itself. The lightweight panels can be easily carried by hand, simplifying assembly without the requirement for cranes or specialized equipment. Consequently, this tank can be installed in various locations where other tank types would be impractical.
Expandability
The design of glass-coated bolted tanks facilitates vertical expansion. Should there be community or industrial growth necessitating increased capacity, the tank’s jacking system enables swift and cost-effective expansion. A construction crew trained at the factory efficiently manages this process by removing the bottom ring from the initial starter sheet, using jacks to elevate the tank, and adding the required number of rings to achieve the new capacity. Importantly, when these tanks undergo expansion, the original and additional panels blend seamlessly without any noticeable distinction.
Our friendly and experienced customer service team can help you more about the proper installation of a new water tank construction. We offer tried and tested services around Houston, Texas and Longbeach, California.
Call NFPA 25 Inspections LA by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@nfpa25inspections.la
