When procuring a water storage tank, the configuration and selection process typically take place at the outset of the project design phase. Timing for construction and overall project costs are factors taken into account when seeking and securing available funding. Given that many municipalities depend on a single water storage source, tank design significantly influences meeting both current and future community needs.
Assessing community demands for current and anticipated water supply, site conditions, pressure requirements, long-term maintenance, accessibility, and overall expenses are among the crucial factors necessary for the final selection in the tank configuration process.
- Manufacturing Process
The technology and manufacturing procedures of this equipment distinguish it from painted steel or concrete structures. By utilizing a factory manufacturing process, uncontrolled variables are minimized in comparison 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 little influence on the glassing process. Furthermore, as 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 including paint, concrete, or glass. The impermeability and properties of glass offer unique 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 onto steel sheet panels, which have undergone cutting, rolling, punching, grit-blasting, and cleaning, by robots. Subsequently, these panels are heated to 1500°F in a furnace. This intense heat melts the silica glass slip 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, which rely solely on a mechanical bond, the chemical bond strength of glass is considerably higher. This prevents undercutting of the coating, which could lead to corrosion spreading on the primary steel material. To better understand this advantage, consider a scratch on a car. With a coating that solely relies on 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 subsequent 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, facilitating a safer and more expedient 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. Furthermore, the manufacturer requires all construction crews to 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 enduring nature of the glass coating, eliminating the necessity for repainting. These tanks are frequently selected for sites where preserving a visually appealing appearance over the long haul is crucial. Funds earmarked for repainting painted tanks or renovating aging concrete structures can be saved and redirected to other municipal projects.
- Flexibility
The bolted design and assembly process of this product provide flexibility. The requirement for extensive staging areas usually needed for on-site manufacturing is eliminated as production occurs in a factory. Tank construction typically necessitates only a cleared area of 6 to 10 feet around its diameter. This small footprint can lead to substantial cost savings for the entire project, as well as for the tank itself. The panels are lightweight and can be carried by hand, simplifying assembly without requiring 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 process enables users to expand capacity quickly and cost-effectively. A factory-trained construction crew adeptly carries out the process by removing the bottom ring from the initial starter sheet, elevating the tank using jacks, and adding the required 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 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 Panel Tanks by American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167.
