subject: Choosing a Storage Tank for your Industrial Project - Bolted Tank, Welded Tank or Other Material [print this page] Choosing a Storage Tank for your Industrial Project - Bolted Tank, Welded Tank or Other Material
Bulk Storage Tank Systems
Currently in the marketplace you will find that your dry bulk storage tank options have become more varied with advances in tank design, coating systems and different options in field erection processes. This trend is allowing the consumer, whether industrial, governmental or municipal, the most economical and highly efficient storage solutions ever available. New technologies have allowed the storage tank to have extended life which generates into more affordability to the end user in terms of maintenance and replacement costs.
When making a decision on purchasing a new dry bulk storage tank, the different types of materials and erection options must be weighed to access their value. Now, most high end storage solutions can be fabricated and erected for nearly the same cost as lower quality products. Value is additionally added due to the lower costs of maintenance and longevity. When factoring in the man hour cost of maintenance and the ultimate cost of replacement over the life-time of the tank, the cost could easily become double or triple for the lower quality product. Thus the purchase should always be evaluated in terms of how long the storage tank will be needed for the project.
Though often times thought of a "just a tank", the bulk storage tank is part of a large system and should be thought of as a major component to the success of the project. Many storage tank providers stop at selling you the tank. It is beneficial to take into consideration the value of enlisting a tank manufacturer that can provide you with the accessories and systems that go integrate in to the storage tank system as well. Saving you time and hassles in finding the right parts to fit into and work with your custom bulk storage solution.
It is prudent to ask your bulk storage tank provider questions about the life span of the tank, the type of erection process being used and the suitability of the tank material for the materials to be stored. A master tank fabricator will easily be able to provide you all the information you may need regarding the tanks' construction, type of coatings available, field erection processes, warranty and time needed to finish the job. After learning all the facts you will be able to enlist the best bulk storage tank provider for your job.
Storage Tanks in a Global Marketplace
Many regions are still using old technology to store their products and find that these products do not stand up to rigorous use. As typical with new product offerings by manufacturers, it is all about profit margins. When looking at the price, a customer may be tempted to go with a cheaper product or may be lead astray by a manufacturer who is just looking to make a higher profit on cheaper materials. Additionally, many tank manufactures only sell one type of tank, and attempt to make your project fit into their tank mold. They may cut corners to make their products seem more affordable. But choosing a storage system on price alone generally leads to a bad experience.
Welded Storage Tanks
When choosing a field welded tank, make sure that the fabricator is able to construct the tank to the standard API 620 Field-Welded Construction for Dry Bulk Storage Applications. This standard specifically spells out the required structure and welding procedures necessary for the highest quality product. Note that the minimum service life of a new bulk storage tank should be 40+ years. There are also products available that will last even longer. There are even tanks in existence in the United States that have been in use for over 100 years!
Welded tanks are especially suited to very large bulk storage tank needs.
Bolted Storage Tanks
One of the fastest growing segments in the market is the RTP (rolled, tapered panel) bolted tank. It is designed for top performance in the dry bulk storage arena in both ease of erection and longevity at the project site. The Bolted Storage Tank is available in a variety of materials, suited to your specific needs and is quickly and safely erected using a tank jacking system which allows the tank to be build on the ground, instead of using cranes and lifts.
Making Your Bulk Storage Tank Choice
When you specify a tank design in your project specifications or request a quotation from a storage tank manufacturer, always make sure to follow these guidelines:
Make sure the tank system is specifically fabricated for your project's application
Always make sure that the tank design is broken down into individual elements so you can make sure that the tank is correct for your materials and jobsite. This includes plate thicknesses, coatings, openings, accessories etc. This will make your comparison to your project specifications and your comparisons between vendors much easier.
Makes sure you have a written guarantee of the life-span of the tank when you receive your quotation from your tank manufacturer.
Make sure that the design will allow the proper flow of materials from your tank. This may include the vendor provided accessories, such as reclaimers, to assist in process.
Make sure your vendor is able to provide you with the accessories you need to complete your project so you are not stuck looking for parts that may or may not fit the design of your new bulk storage tank.
If field erected, make sure your tank provider has the proper insurance and field safety certifications for their field erection crews.
By following the guidelines above, you will be able to make an informed decision that will give you're an affordable, quality bulk storage tank manufactured and erected by a storage tank provider you can trust to get the job done right.
