The way something is designed can have lasting effects on how it functions and how long it lasts and is a concept that applies to just about everything and water storage tanks are no exception.
Water tank design has evolved over the decades as those who design water storage tanks have analyzed how these vessels decompose and what factors cause this to take place.
In order to understand how design affects things like life expectancy and how to slow down corrosion, you must first understand a little bit about water storage tank design.
Water Storage Tank Design Is Constantly Evolving
As with everything else, trial and error brings about important changes that improve a product over time no matter what that product may be.
In the realm of water storage tanks, a large concentration for tank design services has always been to find new ways to prevent or slow corrosion which is the single biggest expense that tank owners contend with.
Over the years, tank designers have learned that there’s much more to these vessels than what meets the eye because beyond the actual materials used, there are other underlying factors that contribute to tank corrosion - and this has become the focus of tank design improvements.
Design Factors That Affect Tank Life
Some of the highly recognized factors that affect water storage tank longevity are regular accurate inspections, proper maintenance, and the use of effective interior and exterior tank coatings.
Beyond these known recommendations, tank designers also recognize how certain design details can increase life expectancy by lowering the speed at which corrosion occurs:
- Construction Materials - Fiberglass tanks are corrosion-resistant and less expensive than steel but have shorter natural lifespans and require additional pumping machinery since they cannot be elevated. Steel tanks last much longer but are more expensive and can face massive corrosion based on other construction and protection factors.
- Connectivity Methods - Bolted steel tanks suffer more corrosion as the bolts are in contact with the water. Welded tanks are more labor-intensive to produce but resist corrosion much longer due to their finished, welded seams.
- Load Stressors - Load stressors come in all forms depending on the style of vessel, what it’s made from, the construction method used, and where it’s located. Stressors include environmental factors like seismic activity, wind, hurricanes, snow and ice, water mixing pumps, and other factors that create loads on different parts of the tank.
- Tank Roof Design - Roof design, especially with flat roofs, has been a significant source of many corrosion problems, leading tank design services to continually seek improvements that reduce those issues.
Consider Tank Design When Choosing Water Storage Tanks
Whether choosing a smaller fiberglass water storage tank or a much larger, more expensive steel tank for your needs, it is critical that design and not just cost and material enter into any purchasing decision.
Water storage tank design varies with relation to materials used, construction and connectivity methods, roof construction, and load stress reduction.
One or more of these factors could affect the lifespan of the tank you choose for your operation.
Make the best choice by discussing needs with an experienced tank design service!
