When procuring a water storage tank, the configuration and selection process typically take place at the outset of the project design phase. Factors such as construction timing and total project costs are considered when seeking and securing available funding. Since many municipalities depend on a single water storage source, tank design is pivotal 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 expenses are among the crucial details required for the final selection of the tank configuration process.
- Manufacturing Process
The technology and manufacturing process of this equipment distinguish it from painted steel or concrete structures. By utilizing a factory manufacturing process, uncontrolled variables are minimized compared to field-manufactured products like painted steel or concrete tanks. Factors such as worker experience and extreme climatic conditions, which significantly impact in-field manufactured products, have minimal effect on the glassing process. Furthermore, since the tanks are fabricated in the factory and only necessitate assembly of components in the field, they can be erected year-round.
- Coating
Each storage tank undergoes coating, with available options today such as paint, concrete, or glass. The impermeability and characteristics of glass offer distinct advantages.
The process of applying a glass coating commences with glass frit, mixed with other minerals and water to form a liquid slurry. This slurry is then precisely sprayed by robots onto steel sheet panels that have undergone cutting, rolling, punching, grit-blasting, and cleaning. Subsequently, these panels are heated to 1500°F in a furnace. This intense heat causes the silica glass slip to melt onto the grit-blasted steel surface, establishing both mechanical and chemical bonds between the steel and the silica glass.
In contrast to other tank coatings that rely solely on a mechanical bond, the chemical bond strength of glass is notably superior. This prevents undercutting of the coating, which could result in corrosion spreading on the primary steel material. To better understand this advantage, 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 spread beneath the surrounding painted surface, compromising the remaining coating.
Indications 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 tank’s top ring is assembled on the jacks once the starter sheet (bottom ring) 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 elevated using jacks. Each successive ring is then bolted together beneath the top ring, with a urethane sealant applied between the seams.
The tanks are built from the top downwards, enabling a safer and more efficient construction process. Typically, the erection process is completed within a week or two, resulting in cost savings for the owner if prevailing wages for on-site labor are utilized. Additionally, the manufacturer requires that all construction crews undergo factory training and certification in the erection process to ensure quality control in the field.
- Maintenance/Life Time Value
Glass-coated bolted steel tanks offer an extended lifespan thanks to the durable nature of the glass coating, eliminating the necessity for repainting. These tanks are frequently selected for areas where maintaining a visually pleasing appearance over the long term is crucial. Funds earmarked for repainting painted tanks or renovating aging concrete structures can be preserved and redirected to other municipal projects.
- Flexibility
The bolted design and assembly process of this product provide flexibility. The necessity for extensive staging areas usually required for on-site manufacturing is eliminated since production occurs in a factory. Typically, the tank construction only requires 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 panels are lightweight and can be hand-carried, facilitating straightforward 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. In the event of community or industrial growth necessitating increased capacity, the tank’s jacking process allows for quick and cost-effective capacity expansion. A factory-trained construction crew adeptly executes the process by removing the bottom ring from the initial starter sheet, elevating the tank using jacks, and adding the necessary number of rings to achieve the new capacity. Importantly, when these tanks undergo expansion, there is no noticeable distinction between the original and additional panels.
Our friendly and experienced customer service team can provide further assistance regarding the proper installation of a new water tank construction. We offer reliable services in Houston, Texas, and Longbeach, California.
Call Tanks Liners by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@americantankliners.com
