Questions You Should Know about Epoxy Steel Bolted Tank

Southeastern Tank | May 2,

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Choosing a liquid storage tank should be easy, right? It&#;s a tank that holds liquid. How much difference could there really be? The truth is, there are pros and cons to all types of tanks, and the only way to choose the best product is to weigh those pros and cons against your needs. Let&#;s examine two of the most popular tanks, the epoxy-coated Columbian TecTank® and the glass-fused-to-steel Aquastore,® to determine which might be right for your application.

Columbian TecTank®: The Pros And Cons

The biggest advantage to choosing an epoxy TecTank® is budget. If you are limited in what you can spend or are willing to spend, these tanks are often the best choice and have a wide variety of applications. They are often ideal for small capacity tanks, as well, because they provide a significant cost advantage over other materials.

The biggest disadvantage to choosing TecTank® is longevity. In many applications, the tank will most likely need to be replaced in 20 years. For leachate tanks and wastewater tanks, the lifespan can be much shorter.

Some utilities and businesses have had poor experiences with TecTank® in the past. However, in more recent years, the technology has evolved to include thicker steel, fewer penetration points and an optimized bolt pattern designed to address some previous weaknesses and customer concerns. TecTanks® can also be expanded, if necessary, as storage capacity requirements change over the years. Though given their shorter lifespan, this option isn&#;t always the most cost-effective over the life of a tank.

Aquastore®: The Pros And Cons

Aquastore® glass-fused-to-steel (GFS) tanks have become extremely popular for their durability and long life. The fused coating is ideal for any application but they are particularly effective at holding aggressive liquids like wastewater and landfill leachate, because the coating withstands the chemical attacks that can damage and deteriorate other types of tanks. GFS tanks never need to be repainted, and regardless of what is stored inside, they can be cleaned with a power washer and require very little maintenance. Like TecTank®, Aquastore® tanks can also be expanded to meet changing needs over time.

The number one drawback of Aquastore® tanks is price. They can be significantly more expensive than epoxy tanks, and the upfront costs can be out of reach for many business and utilities. However, it is worth exploring the total cost of ownership over the life of the tank, as maintenance costs are much lower with a GFS and they do not need to be replaced as often.

Need Help with Your Tank Choice?

There is no universal &#;right&#; tank. Before looking into various tank options, assess your business&#; needs, budget and compliance requirements. Tanks are always evolving, so it&#;s important to get the most up-to-date information&#;the more details you can gather, the better. Once these specifications are outlined, a reliable partner can help you choose the best materials and find a solution that works for your needs.

Bolted steel tanks store liquids such as water, oil, and chemicals, as well as solid products such as grains, fertilizers, and salt. These tanks are durable and long-lasting, but they can still develop problems over time that require repair.&#;

&#;

Inspection

It is critical to regularly inspect bolted steel storage tanks to identify potential problems. Regular inspections can help prevent small problems from becoming larger and more expensive to fix. If an issues is identified, it should be repaired promptly to ensure the continued operation of the tank.

&#;

Issues to Repair

&#;

Corrosion

Storage tank corrosion can occur due to a variety of factors, including coating failure or chemical contamination. Corrosion can occur on the topside or underside of the tank bottom, as well as on the piping, shell, and roof. When corrosion occurs, it can weaken the structural integrity of the tank and may lead to leaks. Bolted water tank repair is critical to prevent potable water contamination.

&#;

Tank Damage

Another issue that may require repair is damage to the tank itself. This can include impact from a vehicle or other object, vacuum implosion due to blocked vents, or damage from natural disasters such as storms. In these cases, the damaged areas of the tank must be repaired or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.

Link to zhaoyang

&#;

Uneven Settlement and Tank Displacement

A tank may settle unevenly when the supporting soil is not adequate for the load placed on it, if the tank is not fully supported by rocky layers, or movement caused by an earthquake. Tank displacement can be caused by flooding or by earthquake.

&#;

Repair Solutions

&#;

Coatings

To repair corrosion or other coating damage, the affected areas of the tank must be cleaned and treated with a corrosion-resistant primer. The best choice of coating will depend on the tank's usage. Typical coating repair materials for bolted steel storage tanks include epoxy resin, polyurethane, and rubber. Epoxy coatings are known for durability and chemical resistance. Polyurethane is used as a topcoat on the tank exterior to provide UV resistance. Rubber lining is commonly used in tanks that store or process abrasive materials.

&#;

Weld Repair of Holes, Cracks, or Other Defects

Patch plates and puddle welding can be used to repair small areas of damage on a bolted tank, such as holes, cracks, or corrosion pitting. Welding can be difficult for panel tank repairs because the bolting seam is easily damaged. However, appropriate weld repairs can be effective in extending the life of a bolted steel storage tank and maintaining performance.

&#;

Shell Panel Replacement

In some cases, bolted storage tanks may be severely corroded or damaged. If the corrosion is limited to the tank shell, replacement of the tank shell can be a cost effective way to extend the life of the tank. This process involves removing the old tank shell and installing a new one in its place. After unbolting the existing shell panels and lowering the roof to the ground on jacks, a new shell ring is attached to the roof angle. As each shell ring is completed, the tank is elevated on jacks to install the ring below it.

&#;

Foundation Repair

If the foundation for a bolted tank settles unevenly, or a tank is moved due to flooding or earthquake, the tank or foundation may need repair. Where a foundation settles only on one side, the tank can be elevated on jacks while the foundation is repaired. If tank jacking isn't viable, derating the stored volume is also an option. If a tank is shifted off of its foundation, the tank can be deconstructed and rebuilt, or can be moved back to the foundation by constructing a pool to float it to the foundation.

&#;

Conclusion

Bolted steel storage tanks can last decades if they are well-maintained. Regular inspections will identify potential issues. Common problems include corrosion, damage to the tank, uneven settlement, or displacement from the foundation. Repair solutions include rust removal to apply coatings, minor weld repairs, shell panel replacement, and foundation repair. Whether the best option is repair or replacement, Phillips Tank & Structure has a solution to your tanking needs.

For more Epoxy Steel Bolted Tankinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.