When procuring a water storage tank, the process of configuring and selecting the appropriate tank often becomes necessary early in the project design phase. Factors such as the construction schedule and overall project expenses are considered when seeking and securing available funding. Given that many municipalities rely on a single water storage source, the tank’s design plays a crucial role in meeting both current and future community needs.
Several crucial factors, including community water demands, site conditions, pressure requirements, long-term maintenance considerations, accessibility, and overall expenses, must be evaluated during the final selection of the tank configuration process.
For municipal water storage applications, three common types of liquid storage tanks are available: glass-coated bolted steel, welded painted steel, and concrete.
Assembly Process
The technology and manufacturing methods employed in this equipment distinguish it from painted steel or concrete structures. Unlike field-manufactured products such as painted steel or concrete tanks, the factory manufacturing process eliminates uncontrolled variables. Factors such as worker experience and extreme climatic conditions, which can significantly affect in-field manufactured products, have minimal impact on the glassing process. Furthermore, since the tanks are manufactured in the factory and only require assembly of components in the field, they can be erected throughout the year.
Sheathing
All storage tanks undergo coating processes, with options including paint, concrete, or glass. Glass coatings offer distinct advantages due to their impermeability and properties.
The glass coating procedure begins with a glass frit, which is mixed with other minerals and water to form a liquid slurry. This slurry is then carefully sprayed in precise amounts and thicknesses onto pre-cut and rolled steel sheet panels, which have undergone punching, grit-blasting, and cleaning processes.
In contrast to coatings for other tanks that rely on a mechanical bond with the underlying material, the chemical bond strength of glass coatings is significantly higher. This chemical bond prevents the undercutting of the coating, which could otherwise lead to corrosion spreading on the primary steel material. To illustrate, consider a scratch on a car. With a coating that only has a mechanical bond, corrosion would occur upon steel exposure. If left untreated, this corrosion would extend beneath the surrounding painted surface, compromising the remaining coating.
Common signs of this issue include raised bubbles, spreading rust, and weakened substrate. However, the chemical bond of a glass-fused-to-steel coating prevents corrosion from spreading even if the coating is compromised.
Tank Fabrication
During the assembly of a glass-coated bolted steel storage tank, a jacking system is utilized. Initially, the tank’s top ring is assembled on the jacks, followed by the placement of the starter sheet (bottom ring), which is either embedded in the concrete foundation or constructed using a glass-fused-to-steel floor design. Subsequently, the tank’s roof is installed, and both the ring and roof are raised using jacks. Each subsequent ring is then bolted together beneath the top ring, with a urethane sealant applied between the seams.
The tank construction follows a top-down approach, which enables a safer and more efficient assembly process. Typically, the erection process is completed within a week or two, resulting in cost savings for the owner, particularly when utilizing prevailing wages for onsite labor. Moreover, the manufacturer requires all construction crews to undergo factory training and certification in the erection process, ensuring quality control during field operations.
Servicing
Glass-coated bolted steel tanks offer an extended lifespan thanks to their permanent glass coating, which eliminates the necessity for periodic painting. These tanks are frequently favored in locations where a durable and visually appealing appearance is desired for the long term.
Versatility
The bolted design and assembly process of this product provide significant flexibility. In contrast to on-site manufacturing, which requires extensive staging areas, factory production eliminates this need. Generally, the tank can be constructed with a minimal cleared space of 6 to 10 feet around its diameter. This compact footprint not only saves considerable project costs but also reduces the overall expenses associated with the tank. Additionally, the lightweight panels can be manually assembled without the use of cranes or specialized equipment, allowing installation in locations that may be inaccessible for other types of tanks.
Adaptability
The design of the glass-coated bolted tank allows for vertical expansion. In case of community or industrial growth requiring increased capacity, the tank’s jacking process provides a swift and cost-effective solution. A factory-trained construction crew can efficiently carry out this process by disassembling the bottom ring from the original starter sheet, lifting the tank, and adding the required number of rings to accommodate the expanded capacity. Importantly, when these tanks are expanded, there is no visible difference between the original and new panels.
Conclusion
When assessing tank designs and materials, it’s vital to take into account factors such as initial construction costs, anticipated lifespan, and ongoing maintenance expenses. Evaluating long-term maintenance costs and life cycle is crucial in selecting the appropriate product for a specific project. As project funding may fluctuate due to various factors, conducting a thorough analysis of initial expenditures and potential future maintenance savings can assist communities in determining the most suitable product for their needs.
For further discussion on any of the concepts outlined here, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team is available to assist you. We offer proven services in Houston, Texas, and Long Beach, California.
Call Tank Inspections Vegas by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@tankinspections.vegas
