Welded Steel Tanks: Types, Uses, and Applications

Welded steel storage tanks are durable, cost-effective, and designed for long-term use. Their seamless construction minimizes leaks, improves reliability, and allows for maintenance savings, making them a smart choice for many applications. A diverse range of industries rely on welded steel tanks, including water treatment, oil and gas storage, agricultural storage, chemical production, and dry bulk storage.

Manufactured by welding steel plates together to form a cylinder or box, shop-fabricated tanks typically range from 1,500-gallons to 50,000-gallons, and field-erected above-ground storage tanks (ASTs) typically range in size from 40,000 gallons to 5 million gallons. Manufacturers can cater to specific project requirements, delivering customized solutions that align with industry standards.

Coatings can be added to extend the lifespan of carbon steel tanks. These coatings, such as epoxy, polyurethane, and zinc-rich primers, protect the tanks from the outside environment. Other options like polyurea and acrylic coatings can provide resistance to chemicals and weathering. Specialty coatings, such as ceramic and rubberized coatings, can also offer enhanced protection for specific applications.

Materials for Welded Storage Tanks

Carbon steel tanks are widely used for their lower cost and robust construction, ideal for storage of crude oil, wastewater, and other industrial liquids. Their longevity and superior structural integrity make them a popular choice.

Stainless steel tanks, on the other hand, excel chemical or potable water storage tanks, offering exceptional durability against corrosion and contamination.

Advantages of Welded Steel Tanks Over Other Storage Solutions

Welded steel tanks are engineered to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring a longer life cycle compared to alternatives such as concrete tanks or fiberglass systems. Additionally, welded tanks can be customized through advanced fabrication techniques to meet specific requirements. Tailored modifications can enhance features like fire protection and corrosion resistance.

Common Industrial and Municipal Uses

Municipalities often rely on these tanks for the storage of potable water, ensuring a reliable supply to meet community needs. Their design adheres to strict industry standards, enabling safe containment of drinking water while preventing contamination.

In industrial settings, welded storage tanks store crude oil, chemicals, or dry bulk materials. Their characteristics, including corrosion resistance and structural integrity, provide the durability necessary for long-term use.

Select a Reliable Steel Tank Manufacturer in the United States

It is important to pick the right partner for your project. When searching for a steel tank manufacturer, look for a company with a strong history.

As a design-build contractor, Phillips Tank & Structure has the engineering and construction experience needed for successful installation of welded steel storage tanks. Our tanks are designed, constructed, and repaired per codes including API 650, API 620, and API 653, AWWA D100, AWWA D103, and industry specifications. Let us advise you on the most economical tank for your storage needs.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Manufacturer

When you choose a tank manufacturer, consider their reach. If they have resources across the country, the company can get to you faster - whether you need help at the start or later for upkeep. In addition, key factors include the manufacturer's reputation, business expertise, availability of customer support, compliance with industry standards, and ability to meet your project timeline. Proximity to one of the manufacturer's locations can significantly impact transportation costs, project timelines, and after-sales service.

Phillips Tank & Structure has locations in Pennsylvania, Texas, California, Kentucky, and Hawaii. No matter where your project is, they can send a skilled team to help with building and putting everything in place. This service makes the process simpler and keeps the work quality steady, whether your site is in a busy city or far from town.

Our locations serve clients needing both field-erected tanks and factory-made tanks. Field-erected welded steel tanks are constructed on-site, making them ideal for large-capacity or custom projects and challenging locations. In comparison, factory-made welded tanks are fabricated in controlled environments, shipped to the site, and are best for smaller, standard applications. Both options provide reliable storage, with choices available per project size and site requirements.

In-House Custom Coatings

Choosing a compatible coating will improve the longevity of a steel tank, underscoring the importance of selecting a coating that aligns with the intended use. A strategic approach to coating selection can reduce maintenance costs over time.

Coatings such as epoxy, polyurethane, and zinc-rich primers protect tanks from the outside environment. Other options like polyurea and acrylic coatings can provide resistance to chemicals and weathering. Specialty coatings, such as ceramic and rubberized coatings, can also offer enhanced protection for specific applications.

Conclusion

Whether it's for the storage of potable water or crude oil, custom fabrication allows for modifications tailored to specific project requirements, making them suitable for both large and small-scale endeavors.