Center Enamel Delivers Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tank for Chile Drinking Water Project
Created on 2024.09.14
Center Enamel Delivers Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tank for Chile Drinking Water Project
Center Enamel, a global leader in advanced containment storage solutions, successfully completed and delivered a Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tank for a drinking water project in Chile. Put into full operational service following its completion, this storage system plays an essential role in providing a clean, reliable, and continuous potable water supply for the local community.
By combining the physical strength of high-tensile steel with the chemical inertness of a factory-applied glass enamel coating, Center Enamel’s GFS technology offers an optimal barrier against corrosion, structural degradation, and water contamination.
Project Overview & Technical Specifications
The Chile Drinking Water Project required a compact, highly durable, and hygienic containment vessel capable of maintaining strict water quality standards while withstanding local environmental conditions.
Parameter | Project Details |
Project Name | Chile Drinking Water Storage Project |
Location | Chile |
Application Area | Municipal / Community Drinking Water Storage |
Tank Type | Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Bolted Tank |
Tank Dimensions | ø8.41 m x 5.4 m (H) |
Total Storage Capacity | 300 m³ |
Completion Date | 2020 |
Operational Status | Fully Constructed & In Operation |
Why Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Tanks Excel in Potable Water Storage
Storing treated drinking water requires containment infrastructure that prevents chemical leaching, inhibits biological growth, and minimizes long-term maintenance costs. Center Enamel’s GFS tanks deliver distinct engineering advantages for municipal water projects:
1. Superior Corrosion Resistance
During manufacturing, glass enamel is fused onto premium steel plates at temperatures between 800°C and 900°C, creating an impermeable chemical bond. This ultra-smooth glass coating acts as an inert barrier, completely separating the water from the steel substrate. It prevents internal oxidation, rust, and reactions between stored water and tank walls, keeping supply lines pure.
2. Strict Hygiene & Health Safety Compliance
Drinking water infrastructure must adhere to rigorous public health regulations. Center Enamel’s GFS tanks are certified to NSF/ANSI 61 and international potable water standards. The non-porous glass surface prevents biofilm accumulation, bacterial growth, and algae buildup, simplifying water treatment operations and protecting community health.
3. Long-Term Structural Durability
Traditional concrete or bare steel tanks often suffer from cracking, spalling, or rust formation over time. GFS tanks combine the flexibility and mechanical strength of steel with the weather resistance of glass. They endure harsh outdoor conditions, seismic activity, and UV exposure with minimal maintenance, delivering a design service life exceeding 30 years.
4. Modular Bolted Design & Rapid On-Site Assembly
All GFS wall panels are precision-fabricated and enamel-coated under strict factory conditions before being shipped to the job site. The modular, bolted setup eliminates the need for extensive on-site welding or prolonged concrete curing times. For the Chile project, this modular approach ensured rapid assembly, reducing labor overhead and enabling on-time project commissioning.
Supporting Chile’s Water Infrastructure Security
The commissioning of the 300 m³ GFS tank significantly strengthens local drinking water reserves in Chile. By providing a low-maintenance, leak-proof storage reservoir, the facility helps buffer peak demand periods, guarantees steady pressure across the distribution network, and ensures stable access to safe drinking water for years to come.
About Center Enamel: Global Leaders in Storage Containment
With decades of research, engineering, and manufacturing expertise, Center Enamel is a premier provider of bolted storage tanks and customized wastewater equipment. Operating across more than 100 countries, Center Enamel’s GFS tanks, fusion-bonded epoxy tanks, and stainless steel tanks serve municipal water supply, agricultural storage, industrial effluent treatment, and bioenergy sectors worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is a Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tank?
Answer: A Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tank is a storage vessel constructed from steel panels that have been coated with a specialized glass enamel layer and fused at high temperatures (800°C–900°C). This process combines the structural strength of steel with the corrosion resistance and hygienic properties of glass.
Q2: Why are GFS tanks ideal for drinking water storage projects in South America?
Answer: GFS tanks offer high resistance to atmospheric corrosion, seismic stability, and ease of transport to remote or challenging terrains due to their modular, bolt-together design. They eliminate the need for heavy concrete curing on-site and maintain strict water purity under varying climatic conditions.
Q3: What certifications do Center Enamel GFS tanks carry for potable water?
Answer: Center Enamel GFS tanks are certified to international drinking water standards, including NSF/ANSI 61, ISO 28765, and AWWA D103, ensuring that materials contacting potable water meet global health and safety guidelines.
Q4: How long does it take to assemble a 300m³ GFS bolted water tank?
Answer: Because all panels are prefabricated and enamel-coated at the factory, on-site assembly of a 300 m³ GFS tank typically takes only a few days using specialized jack-up systems, drastically cutting down construction schedules compared to poured concrete basins.
WhatsApp