Fiberglass Tanks, also referred to as Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Tanks, are acquiring prominence in a variety of industries due to their exceptional storage capacities. The combination of glass fibers and resin provides these tanks with exceptional strength while also allowing for size, shape, and configuration customization. FRP tanks provide significant advantages over conventional tank materials for both above- and below-ground applications.
FRP tanks have an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The exceptional strength of these tanks, despite their light weight, allows them to withstand high internal and external pressures. This makes FRP tanks appropriate for applications requiring durable storage solutions, such as water treatment facilities, oil and gas facilities, and industrial processing plants.
How are Fiberglass Tanks Made?
The manufacturing procedure for FRP tanks involve layering glass fibers and resin to create a composite material. Here are the five stages involved in the construction of FRP chemical storage tanks:
· Mold Preparation
In accordance with the intended FRP tank design, a mold or tooling is prepared. molds are typically fabricated from metal or fiberglass and are meticulously cleansed to ensure a uniform surface finish.
· Application of Gel Coat
The mold is coated with a gel coat, which functions as a protective layer and provides the FRP chemical storage tanks with a smooth and aesthetically appealing surface. Typically, the gel coat is pigmented and resistant to UV degradation.
· Layering
In the mold, layers of fiberglass reinforcement material, such as woven filaments, mats, or fabrics, are layered with resin. The fibers are then saturated with a resin such as polyester, vinylester, or epoxy to form a composite structure. This can be accomplished using manual lay-up or resin infusion techniques.
· Curing
After the fiberglass and resin layers have been applied, the FRP tank is permitted to cure. Curing is the process of subjecting the tank to specific temperature and humidity conditions in order to facilitate the resin's hardening. This procedure allows the composite to solidify and bond, resulting in a durable and sturdy tank.
· Finishing and Quality
After the tank has cured, it is meticulously removed from the mold and inspected for quality. To accomplish the desired shape and uniformity, any extraneous material or imperfections are sanded. The tank is then subjected to quality control procedures to ensure that it conforms to industry standards and customer specifications. This includes inspections, dimension reviews, and numerous performance and structural integrity tests.
