Choosing the right water tank is an important step, often done early in the planning stages of a project. This is because factors like construction timelines and total project costs need to be considered when applying for funding. Since many communities rely on just one source of stored water, the tank’s design needs to be able to meet the current and future needs of the people.
There are several important things to consider when choosing a tank, such as how much water the community needs, where the tank will be located, what water pressure is required, how easy it will be to maintain the tank over time, how easy it will be to get to the tank, and of course, how much it will cost.
For storing water in municipalities, there are three main types of tanks to choose from: glass-coated bolted steel tanks, welded painted steel tanks, and concrete tanks.
1. Manufacturing Process
What makes glass-coated bolted steel tanks different is how they’re built. Unlike painted steel or concrete tanks, which are assembled on-site, these tanks are manufactured in a controlled factory setting. This means things like the experience of the workers or crazy weather conditions that can mess up construction don’t affect the quality of the glass coating. Because the tanks come pre-made, they can be put together on-site any time of year, which is a big advantage.
2. Coating
Water tanks can be coated with different materials like paint, concrete, or glass. Glass offers some unique benefits because it creates a super-sealed barrier.
The process for glass coating starts with crushed glass (called frit) mixed with water and other minerals to make a thin, liquid mixture. This mixture is then carefully sprayed onto pre-made steel panels that have been punched, cleaned, and roughened up with sandblasting.
Here’s the key difference: Unlike paint or other coatings that just stick to the surface, the glass actually fuses with the steel on a chemical level. This strong bond stops any tiny cracks from forming underneath the glass, which could let rust sneak in and eat away at the steel. Imagine a car scratch – with a regular paint job, rust would start under the exposed metal and spread under the paint. You might see bubbles or the paint getting weak around the scratch. But with a glass-fused coating, even if the glass gets scratched, the chemical bond stops the rust from spreading.
3. Tank Construction
Putting together a glass-coated bolted steel tank is like building a giant metal snowman, but safer and faster! First, the bottom ring (sometimes called the starter sheet) is secured to the foundation. This can be done by embedding it in concrete or using a special glass-coated floor design. Then, the top ring of the tank is put together on jacks. The roof is also put on, and jacks lift both the top ring and the roof up high. Next, each new section of the tank wall (called a ring) is bolted together one at a time, right below the already-assembled top ring. A special sealant is squeezed between the sections to make sure no water leaks in.
Building the tank from the top down is a safer and faster way to do things. Usually, the whole tank can be put together in just a week or two, which saves the owner money on labor costs. On top of that, the tank maker requires all the construction crews to be trained and certified at the factory on how to put the tank together properly. This ensures that everything gets done right on the job site.
4. Maintenance
One of the biggest benefits of glass-coated bolted steel tanks is that they basically last forever. The glass coating is fused to the steel, so you never have to worry about repainting it. This makes them a great choice if you need a tank that will look good and function well for a long time.
5. Flexibility
Another advantage of glass-coated bolted steel tanks is how easy they are to put together. Because the tank is manufactured in a factory instead of built on-site, you don’t need a huge, cleared-out area for construction. In fact, you usually only need about 6 to 10 feet of space around the tank itself. This small footprint saves money on the project in two ways. First, you don’t need as much space cleared. Second, the panels are light enough to be bolted together by hand, so you don’t need expensive cranes or other special equipment. This means you can install these tanks in places that would be too tight or difficult to reach for other types of tanks.
6. Expandability
The beauty of glass-coated bolted steel tanks is that they can grow with your needs! If your community or business needs more storage space in the future, these tanks can be easily expanded vertically. A crew specially trained by the factory can quickly and affordably increase the tank’s size. They simply remove the bottom ring, jack the tank up, and add new sections to reach the desired capacity. The best part? The new sections blend seamlessly with the existing tank, so you can’t even tell where the original tank ends and the expansion begins.
Conclusion
Picking the right water tank isn’t just about the upfront price. You also need to consider how long the tank will last and how much it will cost to maintain over time. These long-term costs are especially important because project funding can vary depending on the situation. By carefully looking at both the initial cost of the tank and how much it will cost to maintain over its lifetime, communities can choose the best option for their needs.
To discuss any of the concepts described here in more detail, our friendly and experienced customer service team can help. We offer tried and tested services around Houston, Texas and Longbeach, California.
Call Panel Tanks by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@americanpaneltanks.com
