Fabricated tank

Types of fabricated tanks

Fabricated tanks are industrial storage tanks with a specific size, shape, or used to hold substances manufactured in a factory. They can either be vertical or horizontal cylindrical, spherical, or elliptical shapes made from plastic, concrete, or metal. Tanks made from glass-fused steel are applied in the water industry, while dawn power tanks with quality polyethylene are used in the food and beverage industry.

• Stainless Steel Fabricated Tanks: These are made of stainless steel material. They serve as storage options for industries dealing with volatile substances, chemicals, dairy, food, and beverage industries, among others.Water Storage Tanks In various sizes and shapes, fabricated water tanks offer an alternative for supplying water to rural area
• Carbon Steel Fabricated Tanks: Also known as black steel, carbon steel is made of iron and carbon. It is fabricated into tanks for storing petroleum products, chemicals, and other non-corrosive liquids.
• Plastic Fabricated Tanks: These tanks are produced from materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, or fiber-glass-reinforced plastic (FRP). They are commonly used for water storage, chemical storage, and agricultural applications like livestock watering and liquid fertilizer storage.
• Fabricated Pressure Vessels: The pressure levels of pressure vessels are either high or low and are used to store liquids and gases. High-pressure vessels are built with thick walls and heavy metal plates, which can withstand pressures of about 10,000 PSI. Low-pressure vessels are those that have thin steel plates and the pressure is below 2,500 PSI. Storage tanks that have low-pressure vessels include storage silos and atmospheric tanks. By ASME standards, low-pressure vessels must be tested and fabricated
• Silo Bins: A Silo bin is a storage tank for granular, free-flowing solid materials, such as biomass, grain, feed, and cement. They are made from heavy-gauge steel or concrete, and they can either come in a circular or square shape. Silo bins are generally vertical with a wide storage area and a narrow bottom opening. This enables the solid material to flow out with gravity and flow properties. The Silo technologies used to build Silo bins are SiloMate, CST, and superior late-model technology.

Specification and maintenance of fabricated tanks

Specifications

• Materials

  For food and beverage industries, stainless steel alloy is commonly used, such as austenitic stainless steel types like 304 and 316.316 stainless steel alloy typically provides better corrosion resistance and may be used in more demanding situations, such as where fabricated tanks must hold salty or acidic food. For industries that do not use corrosive substances, carbon steel can be an economic choice. Its strong rigidity can create large-sized tanks.

• Sizes

  Fabricated tanks come in different sizes, from small tanks to gigantic ones like 60,000 liters or more. The capacity of the tank determines how much liquid can be stored inside. Businesses usually order larger tanks to store more liquids, while smaller tanks are used for specific needs. Extra-large tanks, also known as fabricated industrial tanks, can store a lot of liquid, such as water or chemicals.

• Designs

  Fabricated tanks are made in various shapes and sizes to meet different needs. Some common designs for tanks include cylindrical tanks fabricated, square tanks, conical tanks, and double-wall tanks. The most common design is the cylinder shape, with a round top and bottom, like a big pipe. It is usually laid down flat or stood up straight. The square design has four equal sides and is used for storage. Conical tanks come with a funnel-like shape. Double-wall tanks have one tank inside another to keep leaks from happening.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is an essential part of tank fabrication because it can effectively extend the life span of fabricated tanks and make them more usable and safer. The following maintenance methods are helpful.

• Interior cleaning

  The inside of a fabricated tank should be cleaned with non-toxic detergents. Fabricated tanks are usually used to store liquids, so removing stains and bacteria inside helps improve liquid storage safety, too.

• Exterior washing

  Washing the outside of a tank can keep it clean and reduce the risk of corrosion and infection. Regular washing and keeping the top layer of dirt away will improve the visibility of fabricated tanks and reduce the risks associated with them.

• Inspection

  The tanks should be inspected periodically to check if there are any signs of damaging the tank, such as corrosion, cracks, leaks, etc., to allow the early identification of problems, timely repairs, and enhanced safety and reliability.

Application scenarios of fabricated tanks

There are many application scenarios of fabricated tanks. Basically, any industry that needs to store or transport liquids may use fabricated tanks. Here are some common application scenarios of fabricated tanks.

• Oil and Gas Industry: In the oil and gas industry, fabricated tanks are usually called separators, scrubbers, hum drums, pressure vessels, or storage tanks. They are commonly used to store various crude oils, natural gas, chemicals, and byproducts. For example, fabricated pressure vessels are commonly used in the oil and gas industry to store high-temperature and high-pressure gas or liquids. Such pressures and temperatures can sometimes be very high. These vessels are designed and manufactured in accordance with international standards to safely withstand these extreme pressure and temperature conditions.
• Food and Beverage Industry: In the food and beverage industry, fabricated tanks that are used to store and ferment beer are usually called ''fabricated beer tanks.'' They are used to make and ferment beer. The tanks can be designed to ferment beers such as ales, lagers, and IPAs. Draft beer tanks can also be used in pubs and restaurants. Moreover, fabricated tanks can be used to store raw materials like milk, juice, etc. They can be easily cleaned and sterilized to ensure food safety and hygiene standards.
• Agriculture and Farming: Fabricated tanks can be used to store fertilizers. The tanks can be built with chemical-resistant materials to prevent any interaction between the tanks and the fertilizers. Besides, fabricated tanks are often used to store liquids, such as water and oil, in the agricultural industry, especially in the farmland irrigation industry. Those tanks can also be used as pesticide and fertilizer storage vessels, irrigation system reservoirs, or livestock water troughs.
• Water and Wastewater Management: Fabricated tanks can be used as sedimentation or filtration systems in water treatment plants or sewage treatment facilities. Besides, they can be used to store waste for processing or recycling.

How to choose fabricated tanks

Before investing in any fabricated tank, it is wise to check if it meets the standards and specifications for the intended use. Compliance is necessary to avoid legal issues and guarantee safety. Look for tanks that have certificates indicating they comply with relevant regulations.

Consider the supply chain's sustainability by choosing tanks made from recycled or sustainably sourced materials. Such tanks will have a positive impact on the environment. Additionally, evaluate the country's infrastructure where the fabricated tank will be installed. The infrastructure can support the tank's handling and transportation systems, ensuring a smooth installation process. For instance, if the tank will be used for rainwater harvesting in a rural area, it is better to choose a small tank because the rural road systems may not support the transportation of large tanks.

Investigate the environmental risks the fabricated tank poses. Select tanks with minimal ecological footprints, such as those that are energy-efficient, easy to maintain, and recyclable at the end of their lives. Carry out a life cycle analysis of the tank to identify its potential environmental impact from production to disposal.

Buying fabricated tanks in bulk is likely to come with better discounts than purchasing a few units. Determine the number of tanks needed and the sizes before placing the order. It is also important to consider customized options. Many suppliers offer tailored solutions to meet specific business requirements. These may include unique sizes, shapes, or additional features. If interested in any of these customized options, it is better to discuss them with the supplier upfront.

Fabricated tank Q & A

Q1: What are the key differences between vertical and horizontal fabricated tanks?

A1: Vertical tanks have an upright cylindrical shape. They occupy less ground space, making them ideal for areas with limited horizontal expanses. Horizontal fabricated tanks are elongated cylinders positioned horizontally. They typically require more space but can be easier to access and maintain.

Q2: Why are fabricated tanks preferred over other types of storage solutions?

A2: Fabricated tanks offer flexibility in size, durability against environmental factors, cost-efficiency in industrial-scale production, and quick on-site assembly.

Q3: Can fabricated tanks be used for drinking water?

A3: Yes, but only if they are made from food-grade materials. Not all fabricated tanks are suitable for potable water; those that are will meet specific health standards.