New Design Choices in Steel Storage Tanks

 

Flat Panel

 

Superior Tank Co., Inc. is proud to announce the newest design addition to our line of bolted steel storage tanks. We now offer bolted steel tanks with the flat panel design as an alternative to our traditional steel storage tanks with the chime panel design.

The new flat panel steel tank design allows us to manufacture bolted tanks up to 3,500,000 gallons. Our traditional, chime panel API 12B design tanks are limited to 2,000,000 gallons. These new larger flat panel steel tanks feature extra thick carbon steel panels for additional strength and rigidity.  Unlike other flat panel designs on the market, our steel tank panels do not taper at the edge, therefore maintaining maximum strength. As our conventional bolted steel tanks with chimes, our new bolted storage tank design benefits from our advanced factory powder coating technology.  The steel staves are prepared to “Near White” then sprayed with liquid SiZr seal to prevent corrosion and undercutting if the coating is damaged by a dropped tool or thrown rock. The powder coating is electrostatically applied for 100% coverage and edges receive double coating for durability. Unlike other manufacturers, we apply powder coating to both interior and exterior sides of the panels resulting in unsurpassed durability. Our steel tank panels pass through special ovens and the heat permanently sets the powder coating. Other companies use very high temperatures to fuse the coating to the panels. This extreme temperature can cause steel tank panels to decrease in strength as much as 30%. For customers preferring galvanization, we also manufacture flat panel steel tanks and components with a hot dipped galvanized finish.

Our flat panel bolted steel tanks are equipped with single, double or triple rows of high tensile steel bolts for improved strength. We use single, double or triple row gaskets to provide a continuous seal and prevent leaks.  All of our bolted steel tanks use heavy duty EPDM, Viton or Buna-N gaskets for extraordinary longevity. The gaskets will not shift or ooze over time and remain flexible.

Similar to the chime panel design, our new flat panel bolted tank design is well suited to water and oil storage as well as dry bulk storage. All of our bolted steel tanks assemble in 1/3 of the time compared to other types of tanks and provide decades of service.

Now our customers have the ability to select their favorite design: chime panel API 12B configuration which has withstood the test of time, or new larger capacity Flat Panel Design. It’s your choice….

Announcing New Tank Leasing Program

STCI Announces Tank Leasking Program for Steel Tanks

As capital improvement budgets are squeezed, funding for new storage tanks to expand infrastructure or replace aging water tanks becomes a significant obstacle. Superior Tank Co., Inc. recently announced a new steel storage tank leasing program. Water districts, municipal utilities and private companies can now lease bolted steel storage tanks for terms ranging from 24 to 60 months at VERY attractive rates. The leasing program allows purchasers to conserve cash and spread payments out over several years. Revenue from operations is used to make lease payments instead of using scarce capital funds. At the end of the lease term the storage tank ownership is seamlessly passed to the buyer.

Commonly, rates and terms will vary depending on the funding source and tank purchaser.  One funding source will be considerably more competitive than others based on the particular project. Our tank leasing agency works with numerous funding sources and will customize a package most advantageous to the buyer. The higher volume of leases ensures our buyers are getting the best possible terms.

A wide range of bolted steel storage tanks from 10,000 to 3,500,000 gallons can be leased under the terms of the program. Many types of steel tanks can be funded via leasing including tanks used for storage of potable water, water for fire protection, rain water harvesting and wastewater. In addition to the cost of the bolted steel tank, the installation expenses can be included in the lease.

EPDM, Viton or Buna-N Gaskets – What’s in a name?

Bolted Storage Tank, Storage Tank Gasket, Bolted Tank, Bolted Steel Storage Tank When purchasing a Bolted Steel Tank from Superior Tank, customers have several choices of gaskets. We offer three different premium gasket materials for our steel storage tanks: EPDM, Viton or Buna-N. Selecting the proper gasket material can make a significant difference in the lifespan of the tank.

EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer) is a specially designed synthetic rubber for water applications. The general operating temperature for EPDM is -70 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit making it well suited to most water storage applications. In addition to outstanding water resilience, EPDM is very resistant to damage caused by heat, compression, sunlight, acetones, alkalis and ozone. However, it is not recommended for use with acids or hydrocarbons.

Similar to EPDM, Viton is also an elastomer with high yield strength for outstanding durability. Viton is manufactured by DuPont and is specifically formulated for use with most hydrocarbons including corrosive liquids such as crude oil and biodiesel. However, Viton is not recommended for storage of ketones and organic acids. It is also very resistant to compression, heat, acids, alkalis, ozone, sunlight and salt solution. With this tolerance to many harsh liquids and a very wide temperature range of -15 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, Viton can be used with almost all steel tanks and most storage applications. Viton has years of proven success in the field and provides outstanding durability.

Buna-N is another option when outstanding resistance to oil, hydrocarbon and chemicals is required. Buna-N tank gaskets are comprised of a synthetic rubber copolymer and are very well suited to storage of crude oil and other petrochemicals. When storing ketones, esters and aldehydes in steel tanks, other gasket material is recommended for better longevity. Buna-N gaskets for steel tanks can withstand lower temperatures ranging from -40 to +212 degrees Fahrenheit.

We have found using a formed gasket instead of putty or mastic provides significantly better tank longevity. All gaskets used by Superior Tank are formed to a precise thickness to fit between bolted steel tank panels and remain flexible for many years. The high yield strength of the gaskets ensures they do not tear or leak when the steel expands and contracts with temperature variations. The gasket is a solid material and will not ooze or creep out of place. Our precision manufacturing process places bolt holes in the exact location to prevent bunching up or over stretching of the gasket resulting in leaks. In addition, bolt holes in the gasket are intentionally slightly smaller than the bolts to eliminate gaps and prevent leaks.

The cost of gaskets will vary depending on the material selected and the width required by the tank design. The bolted steel tank experts at Superior Tank can provide guidance regarding the best gasket material for your application and the liquid stored.

Is El Nino Coming and Are You Prepared?

California and the Western US have been in the midst of a severe drought with water storage supplies becoming dangerously low. Fortunately there may be relief coming in the way of an El Nino weather pattern. As of June 2014 the International Research Institute for Climate and Society (IRI) predicts the chance of an El Nino for the Northern Hemisphere this summer to be 70% and increasing to 80% during the winter.

The effects of El Nino throughout the US could be dramatic. For example in parts of Southern California rain totals could equal 172% of Normal Precipitation. For parts of Northern California totals could reach 145% of Normal Precipitation. Other areas such as Washington D.C. could experience decreased snowfall amounts and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts hurricane season to be near or below normal levels. El Nino has not arrived yet and the situation is still unpredictable but conditions continue to be favorable.

Many utilities and water districts are already preparing for a wetter than usual winter. Routine maintenance such repairs, washouts, dry inspections and coating rehabs have been postponed for several years due to high fire danger and low water supplies. An El Nino winter is the perfect time to catch up with maintenance and repairs so upkeep is not required during the next drought.

In addition, some districts are installing storm water storage tanks to recapture water and reduce overflowing of treatment plants.

Superior Tank Company, Inc. can provide replacement parts and new bolted steel tanks for storm water storage.

Visit our parts page!

Contact us for more information to see how we can help you prepare for El Nino!

 

Superior Tank builds Steel Storage Tank for Biogas Production

Bolted Steel Tank Superior TankIn 2009 Superior Tank Co., Inc. (STCI) supplied a stainless steel storage tank used in biogas production. The bolted steel tank has a capacity of 76,000 gallons and is used for storage of corrosive liquids used in biogas generation. The biogas production system is part of an award winning Waste-to-Energy project which converts onion waste into ultra clean electricity.

The biogas facility processes up to 300,000 lbs of onion waste daily, enough electricity to power 460 homes, saving the company $700,000 in annual electrical cost. In addition, generating biogas saved the company $400,000 in waste disposal cost.

The bolted steel storage tank was manufactured at the STCI Southern California facility using 316 stainless steel. The stainless steel was resistant enough to withstand the corrosive fluid created during the process. All fittings and components were also fabricated of stainless steel to prevent corrosion in the harsh environment associated with biogas production. As the tank was prefabricated offsite, no expensive site welding of the stainless steel was needed. In addition, the storage tank was erected in 1/3 of the time of a welded steel storage tank and did not interfere with current plant operations.  Special heavy duty gaskets were used to withstand the harsh environment of the project.

After four years in use with biogas production, the steel storage tank is still performing well and is expected to provide many more years of service.

Bolted Steel Tanks Immune to Shortage of Welders

Bolted Steel TankSince 1988, the United States has experienced a significant decline in the number of welders. According to the American Welding Society there is a potential shortage of 200,000 skilled welders resulting in project delays and increased costs.

To counteract this shortage and thereby save customers time and money, Superior Tank Co., Inc. (STCI) offers a full range of large capacity bolted steel storage tanks. Unlike other storage tank designs which are welded and require a significant amount of welding, bolted steel tanks eliminate the need for costly onsite welding. The limited amount of steel welding required for STCI tank fittings is performed by a robotic welding arm ensuring 100% accuracy.  Steel panels are crafted using precision machinery inside the STCI modern production facility then shipped to the job site. The advanced bolt together design of STCI steel tanks allow for quick and simple assembly on site.

By performing steel fabrication in the factory, the amount of noise and air pollution on site is dramatically reduced. The steel tank panels are delivered to the site via one or two trucks lessening local traffic and negative impact.  In addition to saving welding costs, STCI bolted steel storage tanks reduce onsite painting costs as the steel panels are prefinished with durable powder coating.

With the high cost and shortage of welders forecast to continue for the foreseeable future, bolted steel storage tanks are certain to continue to increase in popularity.

Is a ‘Tank in a Box’ Right For Your Next Project?

Tank

Bolted steel water storage tanks are nothing new and have been used for decades with great levels of success. These tanks are sometimes referred to as a “Tank in a Box” due to the modular design of bolted steel tanks, which allows them to be packed and easily shipped anywhere in the world. Commonly, tanks are shipped via truck or standard shipping container. Tank kits come complete with hardware and fittings, and are ready to erect upon arrival. When properly designed, manufactured and installed, a “Tank in a Box” meets a wide variety of applications.

The unique modular “Tank in a Box” design is based on the use of individual heavy gauge steel plates, which are used to form the tanks. These plates are prefabricated in dedicated facilities using a variety of specialized equipment such as press breaks, robotic welding arms, drill presses and coating machinery. The final finish is applied to all tank components before they are packed for shipping. The components are precision-manufactured for longevity and a well-crafted bolted steel tank can provide over 60 years of service.

Once on site the tanks quickly bolt together with minimum site work. The erection time of a bolted tank can be as little as 1/3 of the time required to construct a similar size welded tank. In addition, the plates arrive to the job site complete with final finish already applied, eliminating the need to sandblast and paint on site. As the tanks only need to be assembled, they can be erected in various weather conditions and are resistant to adverse weather delays.

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Superior Tank Receives Initial FM Certification

TankBlogSuperior Tank Co., Inc. (STCI), the most trusted name in bolted factory powder coated steel storage tanks, announced today it has received its initial FM certification. After a final audit to certify the manufacturing facilities as FM compliant, STCI passed with the highest score possible.

The initial certification covers the calculation and drawing size 47′-6 3/8″ x 24′-1 1/2″ high. STCI’s Rancho Cucamonga facilities are qualified at the High QCFM rate which will allow for a lower certification cost for future diameters, as well as different matrix system to mass certify for STCI’s Bolted Steel Storage Tanks.

“This is the result of 3 years of hard work, discipline, patience and commitment to a new system based on quality standards and technology driven processing,” said Jhon Godoy, CIO. “Our efforts were highly celebrated by the FM Auditor.”

Superior Tank Co., Inc. has been manufacturing and installing a complete line of bolted and welded steel storage tanks for the potable water, wastewater, fire protection, rain harvesting and crude oil industries since 1984. Superior Tank was the first to apply Thermoset Fusion Bonded Powder Coatings to bolted steel storage tanks. STCI’s Storage Tanks conform to standards set by American Water Works Association (AWWA) and National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Superior Tank Co., Inc. also follows the standards and specifications set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). STCI can manufacture bolted steel storage tanks in capacities of 4,000 gal to 2.2 million gal. and can be shipped and erected bolted to anywhere in the world.

Superior Tank Co., Inc. offers the following services: engineering, design, manufacturing, maintenance, service agreements, fabrication, installation, dismantling, tank rehabilitation and seismic retrofits. In addition, STCI also performs site work preparation and foundation design, i.e. grading, excavating, structural concrete.

About Superior Tank Co., Inc.

Superior Tank Company, Inc. is a family-owned business started by Jess E. Marquez in 1984. Mr. Marquez has 60 years worth of experience in managing oilfield and water tank construction and installation. All together the family has over a 100 years of experience in the bolted and welded steel storage tank business. Next year will mark STCI’s 30th year of business and the opening of its second manufacturing facility in Texas.

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