Questions about important criteria in buying or ordering fiberglass tanks that need to be answered

Important things in buying or ordering fiberglass tanks

Important things in buying or ordering fiberglass tanks



1- How much liquid or substance should be stored in it?

To determine the required capacity and dimensions of a , there are a number of factors to consider. These factors include the following:

FactorDescription
Type UseThe use of the tank determines the required capacity. For example, for the storage of potable water, fuel, or different chemicals, the capacity requirements will be different.
space availableThe dimensions of the place where the tank is going to be installed are very important. Sufficient space should be considered for the installation and maintenance of the tank.
Limitationsof carriage and QuotationThe dimensions of the tank should be such that it is possible to transport it to the installation site.
Amount ConsumptionThe daily or monthly consumption of the contents of the tank should be taken into account in order to avoid choosing a tank with an inappropriate capacity.
possibility expansion in futureIf it is predicted that you will need more capacity in the future, it is better to choose a tank with larger dimensions from the beginning.
Safety and environmental standards lifeSometimes there are specific rules and regulations for the size and capacity of tanks that must be followed.
the budgetThe cost of a tank increases with size and capacity, so available budget is also a determining factor.
Table 1 - Important factors for determining the capacity and dimensions of the fiberglass tank

For a more accurate calculation of the capacity and dimensions of the tank, it may be necessary to consult an engineer or specialist in this field. They can recommend the best size and capacity based on your needs and requirements.


2- What kind of liquids or materials are supposed to be stored in the tank?

The type of material that is stored in the fiberglass tank has a significant effect on the design and specifications of the tank. Here is a full explanation on this topic:

  • Chemical Compatibility: Fiberglass must be compatible with the stored material to prevent corrosion or harmful chemical reactions. Some chemicals may react with fiberglass and damage the structure of the tank.
  • Explosion and fire hazard: If the stored material is flammable or explosive, special safety measures must be taken. It includes special designs to prevent sparks and fires.
  • Density and Specific Gravity: The specific gravity of the stored material has a direct impact on weight bearing and tank design. Some materials are heavier than water and require stronger containers.
  • Physical Properties: Properties such as viscosity, freezing point, and boiling point of the stored material must be considered to ensure the selection of appropriate materials for tank construction.
  • Environmental effects: Consideration should be given to whether the stored substance has specific environmental hazards. This includes the leakage of toxic substances or contaminants.
  • Internal Coating Necessity: Some materials may require a special internal coating in the tank to prevent direct contact of the material with the fiberglass.
  • Regulations and standards: Depending on the type of material, there may be specific storage regulations and standards that must be followed.

In summary, the selection of a suitable fiberglass tank is strongly influenced by the type of material to be stored and all aspects related to its chemical, physical, safety and environmental characteristics should be considered.


3- What kind of environmental conditions will the tank be in?

Environmental conditions for fiberglass tanks are another important criteria in ordering fiberglass tanks and play a vital role in determining their specifications and durability. Here is a full explanation of these conditions:

  • Temperature:

Temperature tolerance: Tanks must be able to withstand a wide range of temperatures, from extreme cold to extreme heat. This is especially important in cases where tanks are installed outdoors.

Effects of temperature changes: Sudden changes in temperature can cause contraction or expansion of materials, which should be considered in tank design.

  • UV radiation and sunlight:

Resistance to UV radiation: Fiberglass must be resistant to ultraviolet rays (UV) so that it does not erode over time.

Paint and protective coating: Using protective paints and coatings can help protect the tank from direct sunlight.

  • رطوبت و بارندگی:

Resistance against rust and corrosion: In areas with high humidity or heavy rainfall, the resistance of tanks against corrosion becomes more important.

Evacuation and drainage: The design of the tank should be such that the water collected on it can be easily drained.

  • Wind pressure and snow load:

Resistance against wind: In windy areas, tanks should be designed so that they are not destroyed or deflected under wind pressure.

Snow load bearing: In snowy areas, the tank must be able to withstand the weight of snow accumulated on it.

  • Soil conditions:

Ground stability: To prevent the tank from settling or moving, the ground and soil conditions of the installation site must be checked.

Earthquake resistance: In earthquake-prone areas, tanks should be designed to be resistant to ground vibrations.

  • Chemical and industrial environments:

Resistance to chemicals: In industrial environments where chemicals may vaporize or leak, tanks must be resistant to these substances.

  • Local rules and regulations:

Compliance with standards: Some regions may have specific standards and rules for installing and using tanks in different environmental conditions.

Finally, these environmental conditions must be carefully considered to ensure that the selected fiberglass tank has the most appropriate specifications and resistances.


4- To what level of pressure and temperature should the tank be resistant?

Pressure and temperature are another important criteria in ordering fiberglass tanks. The resistance of fiberglass tanks against pressure and temperature are two critical factors in the design and application of these tanks. Here is a complete explanation of these two factors:

A) pressure resistance

1
Internal and external pressure:
- Internal pressure: Fiberglass tanks must be able to withstand the internal pressure caused by stored liquids or gases. This pressure can be caused by high volume of liquid or temperature changes.
- External pressure: In some cases, tanks may be subjected to external pressure caused by the surrounding soil (if they are buried) or wind pressure in external environments.
2
Structural reinforcement:
Tanks are often made with reinforced layers of fiberglass or other materials such as carbon or Kevlar to increase pressure resistance.
3
design based on standards:
– There are industry standards such as ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) for pressure vessels that must be followed.

b) Temperature resistance

1
High and low temperature tolerance:
Tanks must be able to withstand high temperatures (such as storing hot chemicals or in tropical environments) and low temperatures (such as storing materials in cold regions or cold liquids).
2
Resistance to temperature changes:
Tanks must be resistant to sudden changes in temperature, because these changes can cause contraction and expansion of materials and, as a result, structural stresses.
3
Selection of resistant materials:
- It is important to choose materials that have good resistance to different temperatures, such as special resins used in the process of making fiberglass tanks.
4
Coverings and thermal insulation:
- In some cases, the use of thermal covers or insulators can help maintain the optimal temperature inside the tank.
As a result, it is very important to pay attention to resistance to pressure and temperature in the design and construction of fiberglass tanks to ensure their long-term safety and efficiency. These factors become more important especially in cases where tanks are used to store dangerous substances or in harsh environmental conditions.

5- To what extent should the tank comply with national or international safety and quality standards?

Other important criteria in ordering fiberglass tanks is compliance with standards. Safety and quality standards for fiberglass tanks have been developed to ensure their safety, durability, and efficiency throughout their useful life. These standards include the following:

  • Material and construction standards

- Standards related to materials: Determining the quality and characteristics of materials used in the construction of tanks, such as resins, fiberglass fibers and additives.

Quality control in the manufacturing process: standards for manufacturing processes such as manual lamination, resin spraying, or other manufacturing methods.

  • Design standards

Engineering Design: Ensuring that the design of the tank is suitable for the type of use, pressure, temperature, and stored materials.

- Stress and durability analysis: Checking the resistance of the tank against mechanical, thermal and chemical stresses.

  • Testing and inspection standards

- Hydrostatic tests: Performing pressure tests to ensure the tank's resistance to operating pressure.

Visual and non-destructive inspections: Periodic inspections to detect defects, cracks or structural damage.

  • Safety and environmental standards life

User safety: Ensuring that tanks are safe for users in operational conditions.

- Environmental protection: Preventing material leakage and protecting the environment.

  • Compliance with international and national standards

International standards: such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials).

National standards: such as local standards and national laws that may be specific to the country or region.

  • Industry specific standards

- For specific industries such as oil and gas, chemical, water and sewage, there are specific standards that must be met.


6- What additional features are needed such as valves, ladders, level sensors or other equipment?

Among the important criteria in ordering fiberglass tanks is paying attention to additional design features for fiberglass tanks, which can include various items that help increase efficiency, safety and access to the tank. Here are some of these features:

  • Valves and ports

Access hatches: for inspection and cleaning inside the tank.

Input and output ports: designed to connect pipes and equipment.

Ventilation valves: to prevent excessive pressure inside the tank.

  • Sensors and instrumentation

Liquid level sensors: To monitor the liquid level inside the tank.

Pressure and temperature gauges: to monitor the operational conditions inside the tank.

  • Safety systems

Emergency systems to prevent explosions: such as safety vents.

Fire extinguishing systems: for emergency use.

  • Mechanical components

Ladders and steps: For easy access to the top hatches of the tank.

Bases and supporting structures: To support the tank and distribute the weight evenly.

  • Coatings and insulation

Internal and external coatings: To resist corrosion or atmospheric agents.

Thermal insulation: To maintain the temperature inside the tank.

  • Modular design and flexibility

Modular design: to increase or decrease the tank capacity in the future.

Ergonomic design: to facilitate installation and maintenance.

These additional design features help improve the performance, safety and accessibility of fiberglass tanks and can vary depending on specific application and environmental needs.


7- What is your budget for this purchase and what additional costs (such as shipping and installation) may exist?

Another important criteria in ordering fiberglass tanks is to pay attention to the budget, when considering the budget and costs associated with the purchase and installation of fiberglass tanks, several important factors should be considered. These factors include the price of the tank itself, installation and commissioning costs, side costs, and maintenance and repair costs during the life of the tank.

  • The purchase price of the tank

Size and capacity: The larger the tank, the more expensive it usually is.

Materials and design: The quality of materials and the complexity of the design can affect the price.

Additional features: such as sensors, valves, special covers, and other added features.

  • Installation costs

Transportation cost: depending on the distance from the place of production to the place of installation.

Installation work: including the wages of installers and accessories needed for installation.

Site preparation: such as digging, concreting, or other infrastructure work.

  • Ancillary costs

Permits and Approvals: Costs related to obtaining necessary permits and complying with regulations.

Insurance: to cover possible risks during installation and operation.

  • Maintenance and repair costs

Regular maintenance: Costs related to periodic inspections, cleaning and repairs.

Replacement of parts or major repairs: In case of damage or wear and tear.

  • Possible future costs

Expansion or upgrade: Expenses related to increasing the capacity or improving the performance of the reservoir in the future.

Replacement: Finally, the cost of replacing the tank after its useful life.

Important note

Determining an accurate budget requires consideration of multiple factors and may require research and consultation with manufacturers and experts. Also, comparing different quotes and exploring different options can help you get the best possible value for your investment.


8- How long will the tank be needed and what is the expected delivery time?

One of the important criteria in ordering fiberglass tanks is delivery time for Fiberglass tanks is an important variable that can be determined based on several different factors. Understanding these factors will help you have realistic delivery time expectations and plan accordingly.

  • Production stages

Design and engineering: Time needed to design the tank and perform engineering calculations.

Final approval of the design: After the design is completed, approval may be required from the buyer.

  • Production and construction

Preparation of raw materials: Provide the materials needed to build the tank.

Manufacturing process: The time required to build the tank, which varies depending on the size and complexity of the tank.

  • Inspections and tests

Quality inspection: Ensuring that the tank is manufactured according to the required standards.

Performance tests: Conducting tests such as pressure testing to ensure tank performance.

  • Packaging and shipping

Preparation for shipping: Proper packaging to prevent damage during shipping.

Shipping time: Depending on the distance to the installation location, it may take a few days to a few weeks.

  • Installation

Planning for installation: Coordination with installation teams and preparation of installation site.

Installation process: The time required to install and set up the tank on site.

  • External factors

Production delays: such as lack of raw materials or problems in the production line

The answers to these questions will help you choose the fiberglass tank that best meets your needs.

In this article, we tried to provide you with comprehensive information so that you can choose the best option when buying or ordering fiberglass tanks. You can get more information from the engineers of Fajar Sablan Entrepreneurs Cooperative Company (Arta Composite). Connect

Translator and compiler: Mohammad Hassan Jafari

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