Material Characteristics of Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tanks
🔩 Low Carbon, High Strength, High Titanium
The steel substrate employed in the construction of glass-fused-to-steel tanks is a special high strength enamelled steel with a unique design and superior properties. Its mechanical properties, including yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation, far exceed those of conventional steel sheets.
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
(enamel plate)
The epoxy coated steel bolted tanks (FBE tanks) are made of steel panel which coated with the fusion bonded epoxy internally and externally. High-strength bolts were used for on-site connection and sealing assembly, so that it can achieve efficient corrosion protection and rapid construction, and is widely used in the field of environmental water treatment.
(Manufacturing process of FBE tank)
Features of Epoxy Coated Steel Tanks
🛡️ Excellent Corrosion Resistance
Wide chemical resistance: It can withstand corrosion from various acids, alkalis, salts, organic solvents, and some oxidants, making it suitable for storing corrosive media in industries such as chemical, electroplating, and pharmaceutical.
Long-term stability: It is not easily aged or degraded in complex chemical environments, resulting in a long service life.
💪 High Mechanical Strength and Wear Resistance
Robust structure: The epoxy resin material has high hardness, good impact and compressive strength, and can withstand certain external loads.
Wear and scratch resistant: The smooth and wear-resistant inner wall is suitable for storing suspensions containing solid particles. Aesthetics: The smooth, uniform surface of FBE steel tanks improves the appearance of the tank and surrounding area.
⚙️ Lightweight and High-Strength, Easy to Install
Lightweight: Weighs significantly less than steel or concrete tanks of the same volume, reducing transportation and installation costs.
Modular design: Partially assembleable on-site, adaptable to large or special site requirements.
⚡ Excellent Insulation Properties
Electrical insulation: Non-conductive, suitable for special storage applications in the electronics and power industries (such as insulating oil and electrolytes).
Anti-static design: Anti-static function can be achieved by adding conductive materials, suitable for flammable and explosive environments.
🔧 Flexible Customization and Adaptability
Flexible shape and size: Vertical, horizontal, and irregularly shaped structures can be customized to suit different spaces.
Reinforced lining: Can be composited with fiberglass (FRP) or modified resin to further improve temperature and pressure resistance.
💰 Low Maintenance Costs
No coating required for corrosion protection: Unlike metal tanks, no regular application of anti-corrosion coatings is needed.
Easy cleaning: The smooth inner wall prevents material buildup, making cleaning simple and reducing residue.
🌿 Environmental Protection and Safety
Non-toxic and Pollution-Free: Food-grade epoxy resin can be used for the storage of drinking water and food additives.
Flame Retardant Option: Flame retardant properties can be achieved through formulation adjustments to meet fire safety requirements.
Fire Water Storage Tank Made by Epoxy Coated Steel
📐 Size: D15.28m × H11.87m | Volume: 2,000 m³
💡 In short, if the layout is sufficient, transportation conditions are good, and maximum corrosion protection is desired, GFS tanks (enamel tanks) can be chosen; however, given current trends and technological maturity, epoxy resin tanks are a more suitable choice for high-tonnage fire-fighting water storage tanks.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the difference between a GFS tank and an epoxy coated steel (FBE) tank for fire water storage?
GFS (Glass-Fused-to-Steel) tanks use a high-temperature fused inorganic glaze layer offering a service life of 30+ years and a hardness of 6.0 Mohs, making them ideal when maximum corrosion protection is required. FBE (Fusion Bonded Epoxy) tanks use an organic epoxy coating with a service life of 15+ years and are better suited for high-tonnage applications due to their cost-effectiveness and modular assembly advantages.
Q How long do fire water storage tanks last?
GFS tanks are designed for a service life of more than 30 years, while epoxy coated steel (FBE) tanks offer a service life of more than 15 years. Both tank types require minimal maintenance compared to traditional steel or concrete tanks, significantly reducing long-term operational costs.
Q Are these tanks safe for storing fire-fighting water over long periods without use?
Yes. Both GFS and FBE tanks are specifically designed to handle the challenges of long-term stationary water storage, including microbial growth, sediment accumulation, and increased water corrosivity. Their inert coating systems prevent corrosion and water pollution, ensuring the water remains ready for emergency use at all times.
Q What is the pH tolerance range of these fire water storage tanks?
Both GFS and FBE tanks support a standard pH range of 3 to 11. For special-grade applications requiring more aggressive chemical environments, both tank types can be configured to handle a pH range of 1 to 14, making them versatile for a wide variety of industrial and municipal water storage needs.
Q Can these tanks be relocated or expanded after installation?
Yes. Both GFS and FBE tanks use a bolted modular construction, which makes them highly flexible. They can be disassembled and relocated to a different site, expanded in capacity by adding additional panels, or reconfigured to suit changing site requirements — a significant advantage over concrete or welded steel tanks.
Q Which tank type is recommended for large-volume fire water storage projects?
For high-tonnage fire water storage, such as the 2,000 m³ project (D15.28m × H11.87m) shown above, epoxy coated steel (FBE) tanks are generally the more suitable choice. They offer a favorable balance of corrosion resistance, structural strength, modular installation, and cost-efficiency at large scales. GFS tanks remain an excellent option when site conditions allow and maximum long-term corrosion protection is the priority.
