When purchasing a water storage tank, the configuration and selection process is frequently required early in the project design process. The timing of construction and overall project costs will be considered when applying for and securing any available funding. Because many municipalities have a single source of water storage, tank design is critical in meeting a community’s current and future needs.
An assessment of community demands for current and anticipated water supply, site conditions, pressure requirements, long-term maintenance, ease of access, and overall costs are some of the key details required for the final selection of the tank configuration process.
For municipal water storage applications, three types of liquid storage tanks are available: glass-coated bolted steel, welded painted steel, and concrete.
1. Manufacturing Process
The technology and manufacturing process of this equipment set it apart from painted steel or concrete structures. Unlike field-manufactured products such as painted steel or concrete tanks, factory production eliminates uncontrolled variables, ensuring greater consistency and quality. Factors like worker experience and extreme environmental conditions, which can significantly affect on-site manufacturing, have minimal influence on the glassing process. Additionally, since these tanks are produced in a controlled factory environment and only require on-site assembly, they can be installed year-round.
2. Coating
All storage tanks are coated. Coatings available today are made of paint, concrete, or glass. The impermeability and properties of glass are advantageous.
The glass coating process begins with a glass frit, which is mixed with other minerals and water to create a liquid slurry. This slurry is then precisely applied by robotic systems in controlled amounts and thicknesses onto pre-cut, rolled, punched, grit-blasted, and cleaned steel sheet panels.
Unlike other tank coatings that rely on a mechanical bond between the coating and the base material, the glass-fused-to-steel coating forms a strong chemical bond. This chemical bond is significantly stronger than a traditional mechanical bond and prevents undercutting, which can lead to corrosion spreading across the steel surface.
To illustrate this advantage, consider a scratch on a car’s painted surface. Since automotive paint relies only on a mechanical bond, any exposed steel will begin to corrode. If left untreated, this corrosion spreads beneath the surrounding paint, weakening the entire coating. This often appears as raised bubbles, spreading rust, and a deteriorated surface. In contrast, the chemical bond of glass-fused-to-steel prevents corrosion from advancing even if the coating is damaged, ensuring long-term protection and durability.
3. Tank Construction
When erecting a glass-coated bolted steel storage tank, a jacking system is used. The tank’s top ring is built on the jacks after the starter sheet (bottom ring) is either embedded in the concrete foundation or constructed using a glass-fused-to-steel floor design. The tank’s roof is then erected, and the ring and roof are jacked up. Each additional ring is then bolted together beneath the top ring and a urethane sealant is applied between the seams.
Tanks are built from the top down, which allows for a safer and faster construction process. The erection process is typically completed in a week or two, saving the owner money if prevailing wages for onsite labor are used. Additionally, the manufacturer requires that all building crews be factory-trained and certified in the erection process, ensuring quality control in the field.
4. Maintenance
Tanks made of glass-coated bolted steel have a long lifespan. Because glass coating is permanent, it never needs to be painted. Glass-coated tanks are frequently used in areas where a long-term pleasing visual appearance is desired.
5. Flexibility
This product’s bolted design and erection provide flexibility. Large staging areas required when a product is manufactured onsite are eliminated because manufacturing is completed in a factory. The tank’s construction can usually be completed with a cleared area of 6 to 10 feet around the tank’s diameter. This small footprint can save thousands of dollars on the overall project, in addition to the cost of the tank. The panels themselves are hand-carried and easily assembled without cranes or special equipment, allowing this tank to be installed in many locations where other tank types would be impossible.
6. Expandability
The glass-coated bolted tank design allows for vertical expansion. If a community or industry expands and more capacity is required, the tanks’ jacking process allows the end-user to gain capacity quickly and affordably. The factory-trained professional construction crew removes the bottom ring from the original starter sheet, jacks up the tank, and adds the number of rings required to achieve the new capacity. When these tanks are expanded, there is no visible difference between the original and new panels.
Conclusion
When comparing different tank designs and materials, it is essential to evaluate initial construction costs, expected lifespan, and long-term maintenance expenses. Selecting the right tank for a project requires careful consideration of its total life cycle and ongoing upkeep requirements.
Since project financing depends on various factors, conducting a thorough cost analysis—factoring in both upfront investment and future maintenance—can help communities choose the most suitable solution for their needs.
For further discussion on these considerations, our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team is ready to assist. We provide reliable, tested services throughout Houston, Texas, and Long Beach, California.
Call Raven American Tanks at +1 800 656 0167
Or email at info@amtanks.com
