Stainless Steel Welded Tanks

Overview

Stainless steel welded tanks are constructed to provide superior durability, exceptional corrosion resistance, and structural integrity. These tanks are extensively used in industries requiring high standards of hygiene and long service life, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, and chemical storage.

Technical and Engineering Details

1. Material Specifications

   • Stainless Steel Grade: Commonly used grades include SS304 and SS316, known for their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. SS316 is preferred in environments exposed to harsh chemicals or saltwater due to its higher molybdenum content, which enhances its resistance to corrosion.
   • Sheet Thickness: Typically ranges from 2mm to 12mm, depending on the size and application of the tank. Thicker sheets are used for larger tanks or those subject to higher pressures.

2. Design and Manufacturing

   • Custom Design: Each tank is custom-designed to meet specific requirements, including volume, pressure, temperature, and site conditions. Design parameters are calculated using finite element analysis (FEA) to ensure structural integrity.
   • Precision Welding: Panels are welded using advanced welding techniques such as TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding and MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding. TIG welding is preferred for its precision and the high quality of the welds, which are critical for preventing leaks and ensuring long-term durability.
   • Seamless Construction: Welded tanks provide a seamless construction, eliminating the risk of leaks that might occur at bolted joints. This seamless design is particularly important in applications requiring the highest levels of hygiene.

3. Surface Treatments

   • Passivation: After welding, the stainless steel surfaces are passivated to remove surface contaminants and enhance the natural corrosion resistance of the stainless steel. Passivation typically involves treating the surface with a nitric acid solution.
   • Polishing: For applications requiring high levels of cleanliness, such as food and beverage processing, the interior surfaces can be polished to a mirror finish (Ra < 0.5 micrometers) to minimize the risk of bacterial growth and facilitate easy cleaning.

4. Structural Components

   • Reinforcement: Tanks are reinforced with internal baffles and external stiffeners to withstand internal pressures and external forces. The design of these reinforcements is based on detailed stress analysis to ensure they provide adequate support without causing stress concentrations.
   • Support Structures: Depending on the installation requirements, tanks can be supported by concrete foundations, steel cradles, or saddles. The support structure is designed to distribute the load evenly and prevent localized stresses.

5. Fittings and Accessories

   • Nozzles and Manways: Tanks are equipped with various nozzles for inlet, outlet, overflow, and venting, as well as manways for maintenance access. These fittings are welded to the tank body and designed to meet process requirements.
   • Agitators and Mixers: For tanks used in processing applications, internal agitators or mixers can be installed. These are designed to provide uniform mixing and are driven by external motors mounted on top of the tank.
   • Instrumentation: Tanks can be fitted with various instruments, including level indicators, pressure gauges, temperature sensors, and sampling ports, to monitor and control the process conditions.

6. Design Standards and Compliance

   • ASME and API Standards: Tanks are designed and manufactured to comply with relevant standards such as ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Section VIII for pressure vessels and API (American Petroleum Institute) standards for storage tanks.
   • FDA and GMP Compliance: For tanks used in food, beverage, and pharmaceutical applications, design and manufacturing processes comply with FDA (Food and Drug Administration) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) standards to ensure product safety and quality.
   • ISO 9001: Manufacturing processes adhere to ISO 9001 quality management standards, ensuring consistent quality and reliability.

7. Hydrostatic and Non-Destructive Testing

   • Hydrostatic Testing: After fabrication, tanks are subjected to hydrostatic testing, where they are filled with water and pressurized to check for leaks and structural integrity.
   • Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Techniques such as radiographic testing (RT), ultrasonic testing (UT), and dye penetrant testing (DPT) are used to inspect welds and ensure they are free from defects.

8. Installation and Commissioning

   • Site Preparation: Ensure a stable and level foundation designed to support the tank's weight. The foundation design considers factors such as soil bearing capacity, seismic activity, and site-specific conditions.
   • Transport and Handling: Tanks are transported to the site in sections or as a whole, depending on their size. Careful handling is essential to prevent damage to the tank and its surface finish.
   • Assembly and Welding: On-site assembly may involve welding sections together and installing internal and external fittings. All welds undergo inspection and testing to ensure they meet design specifications.
   • Commissioning: Once installed, the tank undergoes final inspections and testing before being commissioned for use. This includes verifying all connections, fittings, and instrumentation are correctly installed and functioning.

Maintenance and Longevity

• Regular Inspections: Conduct periodic inspections to check for signs of corrosion, stress, or mechanical damage. Ensure that all fittings and accessories are functioning correctly.
• Cleaning: Schedule routine cleaning, especially for tanks storing potable water or food products. Interior surfaces should be cleaned and sanitized to maintain hygiene standards.
• Repairs and Upgrades: Perform necessary repairs promptly to address any issues such as leaks or corrosion. Upgrades can include adding insulation, updating instrumentation, or enhancing agitation systems.

Conclusion

Stainless steel welded tanks from Global Tankcom Sdn Bhd offer a robust, hygienic, and reliable solution for a wide range of storage needs. Their superior corrosion resistance, seamless construction, and customizable design make them ideal for demanding applications in various industries. Trust Global Tankcom Sdn Bhd to deliver high-quality tanks engineered to meet your specific requirements, ensuring long-term performance and reliability.