Both steel and fiberglass tanks require backfill, but steel tanks don’t need the backfill to provide supplemental structural support like FRP tanks. Therefore, backfill for steel tanks is usually less expensive than fiberglass tanks. The domed ends of fiberglass tanks make them longer than flat-end steel tanks; so, if a property has limited space for a tank field, tank shape also may be a consideration. In most cases, installation costs for steel tanks are lower than fiberglass tanks.
For more glass fibre storage tanksinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.
Generally, FRP tanks are known for their ability to resist corrosion in all types of climates. That being said, some steel tank fabricators construct their tanks with a fiberglass or other type of corrosive-resistant armor or lining which provides an extra level of protection between the steel structure of the tank and the environment surrounding it.
The ethanol to gasoline ratio in common use today (approximately 10%), required to meet the 1990 Clean Air Act requirements, poses no problems for most modern UST systems. However, higher ethanol, E85 for example, may create cause for concern. Various soft metals (aluminum, brass, zinc) are incompatible with E85. Many components constructed of these metals are common in UST Systems. In addition to soft metals, many non-metallic materials may undergo accelerated degradation due to ethanol exposure. These materials include natural rubber, fiberglass adhesives, polyurethane, and various polymers/elastomers used in flex piping, bushings, gaskets, etc. Some states have regulations that require a UST system that will store E85 to be certified compatible with E85 by the manufacturer or by Underwriters Laboratories
Irrespective of lifespan expectations for the type of tanks are evolving regulatory update requirements. Every state, and sometimes areas within states, have different regulations. At a minimum, states must meet federal regulations.
1988 Federal Requirements – Regulated UST systems that were constructed of steel and installed before December 22, 1988, had to be upgraded to meet one of the following corrosion protection options (or be properly closed):
NOTE: Prior to adding cathodic protection, the integrity of the tank must have been ensured using one of the following methods:
All USTs that were installed after December 22, 1988, had to meet one of the following performance standards for corrosion protection:
2015 Federal Requirements – Not later than April 11, 2016, all new and replaced tanks and piping must meet the secondary containment requirements, including interstitial monitoring, according to the new requirements for secondary containment. EPA considers piping replaced when 50 percent or more of the piping is removed and other piping is installed. In addition, owners and operators must install under-dispenser containment for new dispenser systems.
The 2015 UST regulation changed certain portions of the 1988 underground storage tank technical regulation in 40 CFR part 280. The changes established federal requirements that are similar to portions of the Energy Policy Act of 2005. In addition, EPA added new operation and maintenance requirements and addressed UST systems deferred in the 1988 UST regulation. The changes:
The new federal regulations put more responsibility on owners and operators – to know what is expected of them at both the state and federal levels.
UST replacement represents an opportunity to upgrade equipment and address future fueling business objectives.
Equipment manufacturers are addressing the importance of secondary and even tertiary containment systems and corrosion prevention in new product releases. Suppliers are redesigning components such as fittings, spill containers, manholes and tank sumps to eliminate potential leak points. Advances in automated tank gauging and leak monitoring systems have greatly reduced environmental impacts from spills.
If you choose to replace your UST system, seek the advice of a trusted advisor to explain spill prevention and tank construction options. The right solution for a given fuel site will help eliminate the early replacement of damaged or failing UST components.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Fiberglass Tank Manufacturers.
The complex aspects of tank replacement require project planning and specific expertise. A tank removal expert can help guide you with:
For a more detailed discussion of tank replacement procedures, see my article Understanding the Tank Removal Process.
Technology advances such as hydrogen fuels or rechargeable electric vehicles are on the horizon. As I write this article, CA is set to vote on a measure to ban the sale of new gasoline powered cars and SUVs after 2035. Technology advances and/or government mandates may make your new tank investment obsolete before the tanks reach the end of their useful life. Consider interim fueling options such as those provided by Booster to bridge the gap between tank removal and selection of long-term fueling solutions.
About the author: Allan Blanchard leads Ambipar Response’s technical consulting group in the US. He and his team of Geologists, Engineers, Environmental Scientists and Technicians specialize in UST removal and rehabilitation of properties contaminated with petroleum and other hazardous chemicals.
The average life expectancy of a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tank is 20–30 years. Compare that to the average life expectancy of a polyethylene storage tank (10–15 years), and you can see why agricultural producers, commercial industries and government agencies prefer using FRP tanks over polyethylene tanks to store and transport water, petroleum products, fertilizers, and everything in between.
That said, it’s not a given that a FRP tank will always complete its expected service life. There are several factors that can reduce the expected lifespan of a FRP tank. Here are the main ones.
FRP tanks react to corrosive or oxidizing chemicals. Long term exposure to these chemicals can damage the structure of FRP tanks and cause them to fail prematurely.
Higher operating temperature can also reduce the life expectancy of a FRP tank. Higher temperature affects the way the chemical stored inside a FRP tank reacts with its resin chemical-barrier layer, making the FRP tank more susceptible to chemical damage.
Rough handling can cause the weather-barrier resin layer of a FRP tank to gradually wither away, leaving the tank vulnerable to UV and environmental damage. FRP tanks with compromised weather barrier resin layer are prone to developing microcracks.
Improper venting by far is the most commonly overlooked factor in FRP tank failures. “It’s just a storage tank” and “I have a low feed rate” are excuses used by tank owners to answer why their tanks are not vented properly. Over-pressurized FRP tanks or tanks placed under vacuum always fail earlier than expected.
Poor maintenance can also keep FRP tanks from functioning at their best and reduce their expected service life. A robust FRP tank maintenance program entails periodic cleaning and disinfecting and regularly inspecting for leaks and repairs.
So, if you want to get the most from your FRP tank, make sure that you use it appropriately, store it in a controlled environment, handle it with care, provide proper ventilation for it, and keep it clean and maintained. Rest assured your investment will serve you for years to come.
Hudson Fiberglass is your leading industrial FRP solutions provider in Florida. We specialize in FRP tank repairs, installation, inspection, field welding for tank, and modification.
Our 50 years of industry experience allow us to guarantee the best services at the best price. Get in touch with us today at (386) 758-0057 to discuss your industrial FRP needs.
Learn more about field welding services
Contact us to discuss your requirements of Fiberglass Tank Manufacturing. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.