Investing in a high-quality chemical storage tank is a big deal for your business, and picking the correct tank for your needs isn't always straightforward. If you're thinking about getting a fibreglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tank, make sure you're aware of the issues and problems you'll encounter if it has to be repaired. Let's look at the issues of fibreglass tank maintenance to see if fibreglass tanks are the best option for chemical storage at your site in the long run. Contact Petron Thermoplast, one of the best FRP Tank Manufacturer in India.
What Is Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic?
Filament-wound or hand-laid fibreglass storage tanks are available. A nexus veil made of entangled fibres is coiled onto a spool. The fibres in this spool form a fibreglass layer with additional glue that keeps them linked together. Fibreglass tanks are inherently created with seams in the tank walls because of the winding manufacturing procedure. As a result, there is the potential for leaky weak spots.
Concerns About Fiberglass Storage Tanks
When employing fibreglass tanks to contain some severe chemicals, the mechanical qualities of fibreglass present issues. While fibreglass reinforced plastic is ideal for storing petroleum-based materials like gasoline and kerosene, it has problems when it comes to storing strong chemicals. In fibreglass reinforced plastic tanks, the space between the filament layer and the resin is intrinsically weak, making FRP more vulnerable to oxidizing or corrosive substances like sodium hypochlorite or sulfuric acid.
Additional concerns with fibreglass reinforced plastic tanks include:
- Seams – With fibreglass-reinforced plastic, hand-laid fittings are a big drawback. Additional seams are required in the manufacturing process because the fittings are inserted after the tank shell is completed. Attachment bond failure can also occur as a result of later-installed fittings.
- More rigid, brittle material – While FRP is lighter than polyethene or steel tanks, it is stiffer and requires particular care during shipment and installation. If the tank is not handled with extreme caution, impact damage can be a serious problem.
- Prone to scratching – Scratches on the outside resin layer of the fibreglass tank might compromise it. Any hit with the tank's exterior shell that causes a scratch might cause micro-cracking and jeopardize the tank.
- Limited UV Protection – While UV inhibitors are built into polyethene tanks, and storage tanks may be made with a carbon black resin to give additional UV protection, you must select this option with FRP tanks.
- Etching of the Glass Resin – Certain chemicals, such as Hydrofluosilicic acid, can etch the glass, jeopardizing the tank's structural integrity.
Challenges of Repairing Fiberglass Storage Tanks
Microcracks can occur in fibreglass reinforced plastic tanks. The cause of the fracture is typically difficult to pinpoint due to the interlaced strands of the glass layer utilized in FRP tanks. Tank leakage, probable tank failure, and catastrophic exposure can all be caused by microfractures in FRP tanks. When tiny fractures appear in fibreglass reinforced plastic storage tanks, it is extremely difficult to restore the whole damaged region.
Repairing FRP tanks can be costly and disruptive to your business. In most circumstances, the tank will need to be drained and the leftover chemical placed in a temporary storage tank. The inside and outside of the damaged FRP tank must be cleaned and pressure washed before it can be restored. Repair charges might be costly depending on the severity of the problem. Downtime, personnel expenditures, and interruptions in your production schedule are all examples of indirect repair costs.
Polyethylene Storage Tanks
Consider the benefits of a crosslinked polyethylene chemical storage system for storing harsh and corrosive chemicals when weighing your chemical storage alternatives. Crosslinked poly storage tanks lessen the danger of catastrophic tank failure and save money on maintenance and repairs. They can be substantially less expensive than FRP tanks throughout the course of their useful lives. Contact Petron Thrmoplast if you are looking for the best FRP Tank Manufacturer in India.
No comments:
Post a Comment