10 Things to Consider When Buying light weight fiberglass storage tank

13 May.,2024

 

Residential Fiberglass Tanks | WaterWorld

About the author: Structural is a fiberglass tank manufacturer in Chardon, Ohio.

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Because of their excellent corrosion resistance, fiberglass pressure vessels have found their way into numerous water treatment systems, replacing steel vessels. In the residential category, fiberglass vessels are used in water softeners, filters, iron removers and reverse osmosis (RO) water treatment systems.

As the water treatment system becomes larger, so does the pressure vessel. While vessels used for residential retention or disinfectant treatment usually are less than 120 gallons, commercial uses of deionization and other water treatment can require vessels with up to 2,000 gallon capacities.

There are different maintenance requirements for these two general categories of fiberglass vessels. Once a fiberglass tank is installed in an in-home water treatment system, little maintenance is required though proper preventive care needs to be taken at the installation stage. As a result, it comes into intimate contact with salt and moisture. Proper care must be exercised when choosing the correct tank for this application. Choose a tank that is constructed to resist the conditions in the salt water. Acidic water and salt can present a threat to the surface of the vessel if the incorrect glass or resin system was used in the manufacture of the vessel.

Materials Make the Difference

Residential tanks are manufactured with plastic linings and plastic threaded connections. These connections must be treated with care during installation.

Some manufacturers use virgin plastic, which can be cut or cross threaded easily. Other manufacturers use glass reinforced threads, which provide significantly more strength. These threads also must be protected from cuts, nicks and cross threading.

With any size fiberglass tank, the outside surface must be protected from hammer blows, drops off a truck or any other kind of impact damage. The tank should not be rolled on its side or dropped from the bed of a truck.

An impact can be seen as a "white bruise" on the exterior of the tank. If the bruise area is large, showing cracks and abrasions, do not install it. The tank is going to be used in a pressure environment, and such a fracture could result in the failure of the vessel.

Vacuum and Temperature Protection

Most dealers are aware that a fiberglass vessel should be protected. Either the label or the manufacturer should be consulted to see what vacuum is allowed. Depending on the strength of the bond between the fiberglass and the plastic liner, some tanks could be extremely vulnerable to vacuum.

However, modern fiberglass vessels are designed for reasonable vacuums in water systems. Reasonable means that the tank is rated to five inches of mercury vacuum. You can best protect the vessel from vacuum by

  • Using air breaks in the discharge plumbing,
  • Using a mounted vacuum breaker so it can counteract the development of a negative pressure condition inside the vessel, and
  • Protecting the vessel from high discharge rates in the drain line.

Consider a tank rated at five inches of mercury maximum vacuum. Each inch of mercury represents about 1.1 feet of water. This means that if the drain line falls six feet in elevation, some type of a vacuum break needs to be installed on the tank or the drain line needs to be broken with an air gap connection.

It is a little known fact that fiberglass actually increases in strength at low temperature. However, if the fiberglass tank is lined with thermoplastic, precautions should be taken, because thermoplastics become brittle at low temperatures.

The manufacturer’s minimum temperature specification must be followed to prevent damage. For a polyethylene-lined tank, do not subject the tank to temperatures less than 38° F. For other plastics such as PVDF the low temperature limit is higher. If these precautions are not taken, the plastic may become brittle and crack.

Ultraviolet Light Exposure

While this generally is a concern only in outdoor installations found in warm climates, direct intense sunlight is detrimental to many plastics. It may discolor the tank and create a prickly surface by exposing glass fibers. Also, it may embrittle the plastic tubing and fittings often used to make connections to the water treatment unit. If the tank is located outside, it is recommended to provide shade or UV protection.

Plumbing for Fiberglass Water Tank Expansion

Fiberglass has a low structural modulus, meaning that a pressure vessel will expand somewhat as pressure is applied. This expansion does not mean the tank is weak. It simply is the normal behavior for the material.

There are two ways to plumb a system to allow for expansion — namely, using flex connectors or flexible right-angle plastic pipe. 

Flexible plastic pipe must be approved by the vessel manufacturer, who may specify different free-run lengths than those shown in the diagram.

Dealers who sell, service and maintain pressure vessels find that the benefits of corrosion protection and weight reduction make fiberglass a great choice. Because most water treatment professionals are familiar with metal, a fiberglass vessel may take a little getting used to. However, with care and common sense, a fiberglass vessel will provide good service for many years.

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Fiberglass Tanks vs. MS (Mild Steel) Tanks: Advantages ...

Fiberglass Tanks vs. MS (Mild Steel) Tanks: Advantages and Benefits

Fiberglass Tanks and Mild Steel (MS) Tanks are both used for storage purposes across various industries. However, there are several advantages and benefits to using Fiberglass Tanks over MS Tanks, particularly in terms of cost savings, maintenance, and future market trends.

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**Advantages of Fiberglass Tanks:**

1. **Corrosion Resistance:** Fiberglass Tanks are highly resistant to corrosion, which is a significant advantage over MS Tanks. MS Tanks are susceptible to rust and corrosion over time, which can lead to leaks, structural weakening, and the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

2. **Longevity and Durability:** Fiberglass Tanks have a longer lifespan compared to MS Tanks. They are not affected by rust, rot, or chemical reactions that can degrade MS tanks. This longevity translates to reduced replacement costs and prolonged service life.

3. **Lightweight:** Fiberglass Tanks are lightweight compared to MS Tanks of equivalent size. This makes transportation, installation, and relocation easier and more cost-effective.


4. **Strength-to-Weight Ratio:** Fiberglass Tanks have an excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making them structurally robust while being lighter than MS Tanks. This is particularly advantageous in applications where weight is a concern.

5. **Low Maintenance:** Fiberglass Tanks require significantly less maintenance than MS Tanks. They do not need regular painting, anti-corrosion treatments, or internal lining to prevent corrosion. This reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

6. **Chemical Resistance:** Fiberglass Tanks are highly resistant to a wide range of chemicals, making them suitable for storing various liquids, including corrosive substances. This versatility opens up opportunities for use in industries such as chemical processing, water treatment, and oil and gas.

7. **Insulation Properties:** Fiberglass Tanks provide inherent insulation properties, which can be beneficial for storing liquids that require temperature control. They can help maintain the temperature of the stored material, leading to potential energy savings.

8. **Customization:** Fiberglass Tanks can be manufactured to precise specifications, allowing for customization based on specific requirements. This flexibility in design can optimize storage solutions and reduce wasted space.

**Cost Savings and Maintenance:**

1. **Reduced Maintenance Costs:** The low maintenance requirements of Fiberglass Tanks result in reduced operational costs. Since there's no need for frequent painting, lining, or anti-corrosion treatments, ongoing maintenance expenses are significantly lowered.

2. **Longer Service Life:** Fiberglass Tanks have a longer service life compared to MS Tanks. This means that the investment made in purchasing and installing Fiberglass Tanks yields returns over an extended period due to fewer replacements or repairs.

3. **Minimal Downtime:** The reduced need for maintenance and repairs means that downtime is minimized, leading to increased productivity and uninterrupted operations.

**Future Market Trends:**

Fiberglass products, including tanks, are witnessing a growing demand in various industries due to their inherent advantages:

1. **Environmental Considerations:** Fiberglass Tanks are environmentally friendly due to their corrosion resistance, longevity, and minimal maintenance needs. This aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability and environmental regulations.

2. **Infrastructure Development:** As industries continue to expand and modernize, there is an increasing need for storage solutions that are durable, corrosion-resistant, and adaptable. Fiberglass Tanks fit this requirement well.

3. **Chemical and Petrochemical Industries:** With the chemical and petrochemical sectors growing, the demand for reliable and chemical-resistant storage solutions is on the rise. Fiberglass Tanks are well-suited to meet these needs.

4. **Water Treatment and Desalination:** The water treatment industry, including desalination plants, requires robust and corrosion-resistant storage for chemicals and treated water. Fiberglass Tanks offer an ideal solution.

5. **Renewable Energy:** As renewable energy sources like solar and wind power expand, the need for storage solutions for generated energy also increases. Fiberglass Tanks can be utilized for storing chemicals used in renewable energy processes.

In conclusion, Fiberglass Tanks offer numerous advantages over MS Tanks, including corrosion resistance, durability, low maintenance, and customization options. The cost savings associated with reduced maintenance and longer service life make them a financially viable choice. Moreover, the increasing demand for corrosion-resistant storage solutions across various industries positions Fiberglass Tanks favorably in future market trends.

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