Storage tanks come in a wide variety of types, shapes and materials. Every steel storage tank design must be specific to its task, be it underground or on-surface storage tasks. Steel tanks are among the most commonly preferred storage tanks due to their effectiveness and durability. Because of these traits they have found wide use in residential, commercial and industrial establishments. Examples of the liquids that can be stored in steel tanks include rainwater, potable water, wastewater, chemicals, lube oil, chlorine, diesel fuel and petroleum. If your company requires a new steel storage tank you owe it to your company to contact an experienced and qualified fabrication company today.
Why a Steel Storage Tank?
When seeking to install a Storage Tank there are a number of questions that you ought to seek answers to first. First of all, you will need to establish the amount you are willing to spend. In addition, you will need to determine the kind of tank that would store your material most effectively as well as any related maintenance requirements and safety codes that you will need to abide by. Steel storage tanks have many superior qualities over other types of tanks making them the best choice in many circumstances. Some of the top reasons to consider steel tanks are:
Cost Effectiveness
Steel storage tanks are more cost effective as compared to tanks made from other materials. Welded steel storage tanks are economical considering the low amount of maintenance they require.
Longevity
The resistance of steel to a number of environmental factors makes steel tanks withstand the test of time. Stainless steel tanks are rust-resistant, fire-resistant, U.V rays resistant and long lasting even without painting.
Versatility
Steel is a versatile material. Its resistance to corrosion and durability allows it to be used in a number of different storage applications when used to make steel tanks. At Swanton Welding we use steel that hold to rigid ASTM specifications, which guarantees strength, resistance to corrosion, and durability.
Factors Considered During the Designing and Building of Steel Storage Tanks
There are number of important factors to consider when designing and building these storage tanks. They mainly involve your specific application and the intended method of usage for which the tank is being built. The logistic process, shipping method and installation also influences the design and building of these tanks. Some of the main factors are;
Materials: This mainly relates to the tank’s application, simplicity in shipping and installation, regulations and codes, and the tank’s cost.
Size and Shape: Depends on the application, regulations and standards, and shipping. For instance, storage tanks for gas, oil and high-pressure applications are usually designed in spherical or cylindrical shapes.
Strength: Here designers and engineers decide on the thickness of the tanks walls, and the vertical, horizontal and cross ribs depending on its application and usage.
Location: Whether the tank will be aboveground, underground or partially buried also influences the design and the construction of the steel storage tank.
Accessibility: Considering the accessibility during the initial designing of the tank helps facilitate the needed tank’s and installed components internal inspection and maintenance.
Mobility: Whether the tank will be fixed or mobile helps in deciding its size and weight, and the suitable way to assemble and disassemble for moving from one point to another.
Others: There are a number of other design calculations that may be factored in such as on seismic load, snow load and wind load among others.
It is not necessarily the rule of thumb to consider all these factors in the design and fabrication of a steel storage tank. There may however be some interaction and conflicts when deciding on the best design.
Types of Steel Tanks
Steel tanks come in many different types, with each fabricated to standards that will be effective to a specific type of application. Some of the most common types of these tanks include:
Steel portable water tanks – They can be used in schools, hospitals, rural developments and for emergency water.
Corrugated steel tanks – These can be used for rainwater collection, storing irrigation water, freshwater, and fire suppression.
Steel rainwater collection tanks – They are used for rainwater collection and water storage. They can also be used in fire sprinklers applications.
Double walled steel storage tanks – For storing heating fuel, residual fuel oils, and for fuel storage and containment.
Mobile steel tanks – For construction sites, agricultural sites, pipelines, and power utilities.
Steel fire protection tanks – Used for fire sprinklers, storing water, and in commercial and industrial applications.
Above ground lube tanks – They are designed to store lube oil, motor oil, class III B liquids, and emergency fuel
Underground steel tanks – These can be used to store livestock liquid waste, wastewater, greywater, or for landfill collection among other applications.
Underground steel fuel tanks – Storage of petroleum, chemical, and flammable liquid.
Diesel fuel tanks – Used for fuel storage and in industrial locations.
The nature of some of these liquids require your tank to be of the right quality standards. It needs to have the structural integrity to withstand things like pressures, corrosion and the test of time. At Swanton Welding, we always ensure the steel storage tanks we fabricate for our clients observe all the necessary safety measures and adhere to the standards and codes. The team of Engineers and Welders working at our custom fabrication shop has the experience and expertise to make just about any type of tank to your specifications and satisfaction.
The most important safety precaution of all when purchasing a custom product like this is to work with qualified professionals. Swanton Welding’s welding/fabrication team are industry proven experts with over 60 years of experience in custom metal fabrication. Contact us today for all of your welding and fabrication needs, including a new steel storage tank.