Bolted Steel Liquid Storage Tanks: Center Enamel’s Engineered Solutions for Global Water and Liquid Management
In a world facing escalating demands for sustainable water management, industrial efficiency, and resource security, the need for safe and long-lasting liquid storage systems has never been greater. From municipal water supply networks to industrial wastewater treatment, agriculture, biogas plants, and chemical storage, liquid containment plays an essential role in modern infrastructure worldwide.
Among various storage technologies, Bolted Steel Liquid Storage Tanks have emerged as the most versatile, durable, and reliable solutions due to their modular construction, corrosion-resistant coatings, and engineering adaptability.
Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel), a global leader in bolted tank technology since 2008, has redefined storage performance standards through innovative Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) and Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating technologies. With advanced manufacturing, international certifications, and a presence in over 100 countries, Center Enamel’s bolted steel liquid storage tanks provide sustainable solutions for diverse industries.
This article explores the technology, advantages, and applications of bolted steel liquid storage tanks, unveiling how Center Enamel continues to lead the global market with innovation and quality excellence.
Understanding Bolted Steel Liquid Storage Tanks Bolted steel liquid storage tanks are modular containment structures composed of prefabricated steel panels that are coated for corrosion protection, then connected onsite with bolts, gaskets, and sealants. Unlike concrete or welded steel tanks, bolted steel tanks combine flexibility, precision engineering, and rapid assembly for a highly efficient liquid storage solution.
Unique Composition and Process Each tank is composed of:
· Prefabricated steel sheets or panels precision-cut and coated in a controlled manufacturing environment.
· Protective coatings such as Glass-Fused-to-Steel or Fusion Bonded Epoxy to provide chemical and corrosion resistance.
· High-strength galvanized bolts, nuts, and sealants ensuring tight, watertight joints.
· Optional aluminum dome roofs or other coverings to protect contents from contamination, UV exposure, and evaporation.
These components are transported conveniently to project sites worldwide for fast modular assembly, resulting in tanks that are both strong and adaptable.
Center Enamel’s Technological Innovation 1. Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) – The Leading Coating Technology Center Enamel is the first manufacturer in China to independently develop double-sided enameling technology for hot-rolled steel plates. Its proprietary Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) coating is the company’s most advanced protective system, merging the mechanical strength of steel with the corrosion resistance of glass.
In the coating process, enamel glass frit is fused with steel at temperatures between 820°C and 930°C. This creates a permanent chemical bond producing a tough, glassy surface that is smooth, impermeable, and resistant to chemical erosion.
Key Features:
· Corrosion and chemical resistance suitable for pH ranges from 1 to 14.
· Non-porous surface preventing bacterial or algae growth.
· High mechanical strength and flexibility preventing cracking.
· Glossy, easy-clean surface minimizing maintenance.
· Exceptional longevity (service life exceeding 30 years).
2. Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) Coating As another superior coating option, Fusion Bonded Epoxy (FBE) coating offers robust adhesion, abrasion resistance, and chemical durability. Applied as a dry powder and cured at high temperatures, FBE provides a seamless barrier against moisture and corrosion, ideal for industrial and municipal applications.
3. Sustainable Manufacturing Practices Center Enamel’s manufacturing facility operates under ISO standards and integrates environmentally responsible practices. Its automated enamel coating production lines ensure precision control of temperature, coating thickness, and curing cycles. The company continuously invests in R&D to improve coating formulas, increase production efficiency, and strengthen material recycling programs.
Advantages of Bolted Steel Liquid Storage Tanks Center Enamel’s tanks are engineered for long life, operational flexibility, and economic efficiency. Their performance exceeds that of traditional welded, concrete, or FRP tanks.
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance GFS and FBE coatings form an impermeable barrier that resists corrosion, chemical reactions, and environmental degradation, even under harsh pH or industrial conditions.
Service life exceeds 30 years, backed by laboratory testing and decades of global service experience. The tanks remain structurally sound with minimal deterioration.
3. Modular Design and Easy Installation Prefabricated bolted panels simplify transport and assembly. Rapid onsite construction reduces project timelines by up to 50% compared with concrete alternatives. Tanks can also be relocated or expanded for future capacity changes.
Reduced transportation costs, minimal onsite labor, lower maintenance, and ease of repair translate to significant lifecycle savings compared to conventional tanks.
5. Enhanced Hygiene and Safety Smooth, inert internal coatings uphold high sanitation standards critical for potable water, food processing, or chemical liquids. They prevent contamination, biofilm buildup, and leaching of impurities.
GFS coatings come in various colors (forest green, cobalt blue, desert tan, gray olive, etc.), blending functionality with attractive aesthetics suitable for both urban and rural installations.
7. Environmental Sustainability Manufactured from recyclable steel, with minimal onsite impacts and waste. The tanks contribute to sustainable infrastructure initiatives and align with global decarbonization and circular economy goals.
Design and Engineering Excellence Center Enamel’s bolted steel liquid storage tanks are designed and built per stringent international engineering codes to ensure safety and reliability under demanding operating conditions.
Design Standards Compliance All tanks conform to:
· AWWA D103-09 – Bolted Steel Tanks for Liquid Storage
· EN 1090 / CE Mark – European Construction Standard
· ISO 28765 – Enamel Coated Bolted Tanks for Liquids
· WRAS / NSF 61 – Safe for drinking water contact
· FM / BSCI – Factory Mutual and ethical production compliance
Mechanical Characteristics Each tank is engineered to handle hydrostatic pressures, wind loads, seismic activities, and temperature fluctuations. Roof and tank base system selections vary depending on application—flat concrete foundations for municipal tanks, or steel ring walls and geotechnical stabilization for industrial systems.
Center Enamel tanks can be customized for capacities ranging from 20 m³ to over 50,000 m³, enabling solutions for small community water supplies or large-scale industrial storage networks. Heights and diameters are fully adjustable according to project needs.
Applications Across Global Sectors Bolted steel tanks’ adaptability and durability make them suitable for a broad spectrum of liquid storage applications:
1. Municipal and Potable Water Storage For cities and towns, these tanks serve in municipal water systems, providing safe containment for clean drinking water, distribution stabilization, and emergency reserves. Their hygienic surfaces and compliance with NSF/ANSI and WRAS standards ensure water safety.
2. Industrial and Process Liquid Storage Industries such as food and beverage, pharmaceutical, pulp and paper, and textiles rely on bolted steel tanks for process water, cooling water, and intermediate liquid storage. Chemical resistance makes them suitable for mild industrial chemicals and brine solutions.
3. Wastewater and Sewage Treatment In wastewater treatment plants, Center Enamel tanks store and process influent, sludge, and effluent. Their resistance to acidic gases and corrosive liquids prevents degradation, ensuring sustainable long-term operations.
Large industrial sites, airports, and commercial facilities use these tanks for fire water reserves. Their consistent volume, strength, and NFPA 22 compliance make them integral parts of fire suppression systems.
5. Agricultural and Irrigation Water Bolted tanks enable water security in agriculture by storing rainwater, groundwater, or recycled process water for irrigation, livestock, or fertigation.
6. Biogas and Renewable Energy Applications Center Enamel integrates its GFS and FBE tanks into anaerobic digestion systems for biogas production, handling digestate and slurry efficiently in bioenergy facilities.
7. Chemical and Leachate Storage The tanks withstand corrosive chemical environments such as landfill leachate, industrial effluents, and acidic slurries thanks to their enamel’s high chemical stability.
Quality Assurance and Certifications
Quality is the foundation of Center Enamel’s global success. Every tank is manufactured under strict ISO-certified processes, ensuring adherence to international quality and safety benchmarks.
Factory Testing and Inspection Each panel undergoes multiple tests, including:
· Coating thickness measurement
· Adhesion strength testing
· Holiday testing for imperfections
· Acid/alkali resistance evaluation
· Spark testing to confirm surface integrity
Only panels passing all parameters are approved for shipment, guaranteeing durability and reliability on-site.
International Certifications · ISO 9001: Quality Management
· ISO 14001: Environmental Management
· OHSAS 18001 / ISO 45001: Occupational Safety
· WRAS, NSF/ANSI 61: Potable Water Compliance
· CE, FM Approvals: Structural and safety standards
This comprehensive certification portfolio ensures Center Enamel’s tanks meet every international requirement for safety, sustainability, and regulatory conformity.
Global Manufacturing and Delivery Capacity
Center Enamel operates one of Asia’s most sophisticated bolted tank production facilities, spanning 150,000 square meters.
Key production strengths include:
· Annual production of over 300,000 steel enamel panels.
· Multiple automated enameling lines for uniform coating efficiency.
· Computer-aided design (CAD) and quality simulation software.
· Dedicated R&D center with nearly 200 enamel patents and proprietary technologies.
This robust capacity ensures rapid response to global orders, maintaining consistency from design to delivery.
Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship Center Enamel aligns its production and product design with global sustainability principles:
· Recyclable Steel Materials: 100% recyclable content contributing to circular economy initiatives.
· Long Life Cycle and Minimal Waste: Reduces replacement frequency and material consumption.
· Energy Efficiency: Reflexive coatings minimize heat gain, protecting stored liquids.
· Eco-Friendly Coatings: Enamels are non-toxic, free from VOCs, and environmentally safe.
· Water Conservation Applications: Tanks assist in rainwater harvesting and wastewater reuse programs.
After-Sales and Global Support Services Center Enamel provides a comprehensive suite of customer services ensuring long-term value:
· Engineering and Design Consultation: Tailored system layout and structural analysis for each project’s liquid type and conditions.
· Installation Supervision: Expert teams support on-site assembly and quality assurance.
· Maintenance and Inspection Services: Scheduled inspections extending tank lifespan and performance.
· Training and Knowledge Transfer: Training client teams for operating and maintaining tanks efficiently.
This customer-focused approach ensures complete lifecycle support and satisfaction.
Future Trends & Center Enamel’s Strategic Outlook As the global water and waste management industry evolves, innovation in modular and sustainable tank systems is accelerating. Center Enamel continues to lead these advancements, promoting intelligent, efficient liquid storage solutions.
Bolted steel liquid storage tanks have become indispensable for industrial modernization, municipal efficiency, and sustainable water resource management. As the world increasingly focuses on durability, hygiene, and adaptability, Center Enamel continues to define the industry’s highest standards.
With proprietary Glass-Fused-to-Steel technology, innovative R&D, and comprehensive turnkey services, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) stands at the forefront of global tank manufacturing—delivering long-lasting, eco-friendly, and cost-efficient solutions for the full range of liquid storage applications.
From potable water to wastewater, from industry to agriculture, Center Enamel tanks are not just infrastructure—they are enablers of global sustainability, efficiency, and safety.