China GFS Tanks for Sludge Storage - Durable, Corrosion-Resistant Solutions from Leading Suppliers & Factory
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
Tank Spec: GFS storage tanks for subway slurry project — D9.93 × 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.
Tank Spec: 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
Q
What is a Glass Fused to Steel (GFS) tank and how is it made?
A Glass Fused to Steel (GFS) tank is a bolted storage tank that combines high-strength TRS (titanium-rich steel) plates with enamel coatings. The two materials are fused together at high temperatures, forming a highly inert inorganic glaze layer on the steel surface. This process merges the structural strength of steel with the superior corrosion resistance of glass into a single unified material.
Q
Why are GFS tanks the ideal choice for sludge storage?
Sludge typically contains sand, salt, acidic and alkaline substances, and microbial metabolic products that can cause severe wear and corrosion. GFS tanks offer excellent anti-corrosion properties, wear resistance, and the ability to contain odors and harmful gases, making them fully compliant with environmental protection requirements for sludge storage in wastewater treatment, subway construction, and oil drilling applications.
Q
How long does it take to install a GFS bolted tank on-site?
One of the key advantages of GFS bolted tanks is their fast installation time. For example, LIDA's subway slurry project in Beijing — consisting of three 500m³ tanks — was completed in just 5 days. The modular panel design and self-locking bolt assembly significantly reduce construction time compared to traditional welded or concrete tanks.
Q
What is the expected service life of a Glass Fused to Steel tank?
GFS tanks are engineered for long-term durability. With simple and routine maintenance, the service life of a properly installed GFS tank exceeds 30 years. The enamel coating provides a permanent protective barrier that does not degrade over time under normal operating conditions.
Q
Can GFS tanks be relocated or expanded after installation?
Yes. The bolted modular design of GFS tanks makes them highly flexible. They can be disassembled, relocated to a new site, and reassembled with minimal effort. The tank capacity can also be expanded by adding additional panels. This flexibility makes them a cost-effective long-term solution, especially for projects that require mobility such as subway construction or oil drilling operations.
Q
How does LIDA's GFS tank handle high-viscosity subway slurry without a traditional foundation?
LIDA uses a unique design where the storage tank is directly fixed to the ground via reinforcing stiffeners, eliminating the need for a conventional poured foundation. Because subway shield slurry has very high viscosity, once it accumulates inside the tank, it will not leak through panel gaps. This foundation-free approach significantly reduces civil construction costs and installation time on subway project sites.