Bolted GFS Tanks for Sludge Storage – China Factory Suppliers Offering Corrosion-Resistant Solutions
Description
The Glass fused to steel (GFS) tank is a kind of bolted storage tank made from two materials: glass and steel. High-strength TRS (titanium-rich steel) plates and enamels are perfectly fused at high temperatures to form a highly inert inorganic glaze layer. Based on the coating technology, it combines the advantages of both materials — the strength and flexibility of steel and excellent anti-corrosion properties of glass.
Sludge storage tanks' requirements are different from the different application. For sewage water treatment, the storage tanks pay more attention to corrosion prevention, heat preservation, and extending service life. For subway sludge, oil drilling and other fields, it places greater emphasis on wear resistance, explosion prevention, and rapid relocation.
Why Choose Us
LIDA's glass fused to steel (GFS) bolted tanks are the classical choice for sludge/mud storage. They are composed mainly of enamel panel, special sealant and self-locking bolts, etc. The steel plates are overlapped, bolted together and sealed with high performance seals. All the bolt heads are plastic-capped to provide protection against corrosion in the process environment. Mastic is extruded between the panels and the bolt heads seal the bolt shank to prevent contact with process fluids.
Sludge often contains sand, salt, acidic and alkaline substances, and microbial metabolic products, which can easily cause wear and corrosion to the tank. Meanwhile, sludge may produce odors, leachate, and harmful gases during storage, and must meet environmental protection requirements. GFS tanks are an ideal choice to meet all the requirements.
Features of Glass Fused to Steel Tanks
Fast installation and short construction period
Excellent anti-corrosion properties
Low construction environment requirements
Strong temperature adaptability
Wide range of applications, seamlessly integrated to form assembled reactors
Aesthetically pleasing appearance
Flexible for relocation, expansion and recycling
Simple maintenance and service life in excess of 30 years
Project
GFS storage tanks for subway slurry project: D9.93 x H7.2m | Volume: 500m³ × 3 pcs
Location: Beijing City, China
Installation Period: 5 Days
The Design of Subway Sludge Storage Tank
Subway slurry (mainly shield slurry) is a fluid formed by mixing rock and soil with water, bentonite, foam and other additives during shield tunneling. The core characteristics are high sand content and high viscosity. LIDA employs a design where the storage tank is directly fixed to the ground via reinforcing stiffener. Once the sludge accumulates in the storage tank, it won't leak out from the cracks without foundation as its high viscosity.
Epoxy coated steel tanks for slurry/mud storage project: D10.7×4.8m × 5 pcs | D6.11×4.2m × 2 pcs
Volume: 393m³ × 5 | 109m³ × 2 | Total Volume: 2,183m³
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Glass Fused to Steel (GFS) tank?
A Glass Fused to Steel (GFS) tank is a bolted storage tank that combines high-strength TRS (titanium-rich steel) plates with enamel glass fused at high temperatures, forming a highly inert inorganic glaze layer. This fusion delivers both the structural strength of steel and the superior corrosion resistance of glass in a single storage solution.
Why are GFS tanks ideal for sludge storage?
Sludge typically contains sand, salt, acidic and alkaline substances, and microbial metabolic products that cause wear and corrosion. GFS tanks provide excellent anti-corrosion protection, odor containment, and resistance to leachate and harmful gases, making them perfectly suited for all types of sludge storage applications — from sewage treatment to subway and oil drilling operations.
How long does it take to install a GFS bolted tank?
One of the key advantages of GFS bolted tanks is their rapid installation. For example, LIDA's subway slurry project in Beijing involved three 500m³ tanks (D9.93 × H7.2m each) and was completed in just 5 days. The modular panel design and pre-fabricated components significantly reduce on-site construction time.
What is the expected service life of a GFS tank?
GFS tanks are engineered for long-term durability. With simple and routine maintenance, they offer a service life in excess of 30 years. The enamel glaze coating protects the steel substrate from corrosion, UV exposure, and chemical attack, ensuring consistent performance over decades.
Can GFS tanks be relocated or expanded after installation?
Yes. The bolted panel construction of GFS tanks makes them highly flexible for relocation, capacity expansion, and recycling. Individual panels can be disassembled, transported, and reassembled at a new site, making them a cost-effective and sustainable storage solution for projects requiring mobility or future scalability.
What special design is used for subway slurry storage tanks?
For subway slurry (shield slurry) storage, LIDA employs a design where the tank is directly fixed to the ground via reinforcing stiffeners, eliminating the need for a traditional foundation. Because subway slurry has high viscosity and high sand content, the accumulated sludge will not leak through the base connection area, making this a practical and cost-saving foundation-free installation approach.