Bolted Steel Tanks: The Future of Reliable and Sustainable Storage Solutions
Created on 2024.03.21
Bolted Steel Tanks: Cutting-edge Modular Storage Solutions by Center Enamel
Water, chemical, and liquid storage demand infrastructure that combines durability, corrosion resistance, operational efficiency, and flexible deployment. Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) bolted steel tanks have emerged as premier solutions advancing conventional storage technologies by incorporating a fusion of glass enamel coating and high-strength steel construction. Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) leads the global tank industry with its proprietary Bolted Steel Tanks, engineered for modularity, longevity, low maintenance, and superior performance.
Understanding Bolted Steel Tanks
bolted steel tanks are composed of rolled steel panels, each coated on both sides with a specially formulated glass enamel. The enameling process fuses a dense, non-porous, corrosion-resistant vitreous glass layer permanently to the steel substrate at high temperatures (approximately 820°C to 930°C).
Unlike welded tanks, GFS tanks assemble onsite through bolted flange connections sealed with flexible gaskets, allowing for modular construction, ease of transport, rapid erection, and adaptability to changing site conditions or future expansion.
Manufacturing Process
1. Raw Material Selection and Surface Preparation
High strength, low carbon steel plates (with titanium enhancement for durability) are precisely cut and shot blasted according to SSPC SP10 standards. Surface roughness and cleanliness ensure optimal fusion with glass enamel.
2. CNC Laser Cutting
Steel plates are laser cut to shape, including bolt holes, nozzle openings, and manholes with high precision allowing quick bolt assembly and ensuring sealing integrity.
3. Arch Bending and Plate Forming
The flat plates are rolled and bent into a precise curvature matching tank diameter specifications. Quality control sampling confirms dimensional fidelity.
4. Double-Sided Glass Enameling and Kiln Firing
Uniform enamel coating layers of 0.25 mm to 0.45 mm thickness are applied to both interior and exterior surfaces. Plates are fired in an electric kiln at precise temperature cycles (>800°C) causing the glass to fuse chemically and mechanically to the steel, creating a timeless protective barrier.
5. Inspection and Quality Assurance
Final coated plates undergo stringent testing including spark testing (ensuring no coating defects), adhesion strength measurement (>3450 N/cm²), and corrosion resistance tests. Only flawless panels proceed to fabrication.
6. Bolted Tank Assembly
Onsite erection involves bolting panels using stainless or coated bolts, with silicone or polymer gaskets preventing leaks. Modular assembly permits flexible sizing and rapid construction compared to welded options.
Advantages of Bolted Steel Tanks
· Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Fusion glass coating protects against chemical attack, oxidation, marine environments, and industrial contaminants, significantly extending service life with zero recoating.
· Mechanical Integrity: Steel substrate ensures high tensile strength, pressure resistance, and mechanical stability during operation, transportation, and seismic events.
· Modularity and Flexibility: Bolted panel construction facilitates staged construction, relocation, and future expansion.
· Hygiene and Maintenance: Smooth vitrified glass inhibits bacterial growth and simplifies cleaning, essential for potable water and food-grade applications.
· Economic Efficiency: Reduced site labor, faster installation, and lower long-term maintenance costs improve project ROI.
· Environmental Sustainability: Recyclable materials and energy-efficient production align with green building and sustainability standards.
· Compliance and Certification: Tanks meet ISO 9001, NSF/ANSI 61, AWWA D103-09, EN1090, WRAS, FM, LFGB, OSHA standards ensuring global acceptance.
Typical Applications
· Potable and Drinking Water Storage: Municipal water reservoirs, rural community water supply, and emergency potable water tanks.
· Fire Water Tanks: Reliable fire suppression water storage in industrial, commercial, and municipal facilities.
· Industrial Effluent and Process Tanks: Chemical and wastewater containment in food processing, chemical plants, and manufacturing.
· Agricultural Water Tanks: Storage for irrigation water, fertilizer mixes, and livestock operations.
· Rainwater Harvesting: Sustainable rainwater storage for residential, agricultural, or commercial use.
· Bioenergy and Anaerobic Digesters: Corrosion-resistant digesters for biogas production and organic waste treatment.
· Food and Beverage Industry: Hygienic storage aligned with health and safety standards.
Project Highlights
· Over 30,000 GFS bolted tanks installed worldwide across more than 100 countries.
· Large potable water tanks for municipal supply in Africa and Southeast Asia.
· Fire water storage tanks certified and deployed in Middle Eastern industrial parks.
· Agricultural reservoirs supporting large irrigation projects in Australia.
· Wastewater and industrial effluent tanks serving chemical plants in Europe.
Why Center Enamel?
· Asia’s pioneer with pioneering GFS double-sided enameling technology.
· Continuous innovation with nearly 200 patented technologies.
· Global certifications guaranteeing quality, environmental compliance, and safety.
· Full project cycle support: design, engineering, manufacturing, logistics, installation, and maintenance.
· Customized engineering delivering tank designs to precisely meet client and site specifics.
Center Enamel Bolted Steel Tanks revolutionize liquid storage with unmatched durability, corrosion resistance, modular flexibility, and hygiene. Their superior design and manufacturing deliver trusted solutions adaptable to diverse industries and geographies matching modern infrastructure challenges.
Choosing Center Enamel ensures state-of-the-art, long-lasting storage infrastructure supporting sustainable water, energy, and chemical management globally.
For detailed technical documentation, case studies, or tailored consultation, contact Center Enamel today and discover the future of bolted steel tank solutions.
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