Fab Tank water storage solutions are made to order according to customers’ requirements. However, there are general specifications that apply to all tanks:
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SPECIFICATIONS OF FAB TANK COMPONENTS
Fab Tank plates
Fab Tank plates undergo a reasonable amount of stress due to water pressure exerted from within the tank. The thickness of the zinc coating on the design panel and not the thickness of the steel is the key to withstanding the water pressure and this all depends on the depth of the tank.
Fab Tanks uses the recommended thickness of zinc coating according to the South African National Standard (SANS) to protect the lifespan of hot-dipped galvanised tanks.
- maximum depth of the standard tank: 5 panels (6.1 m)
Tank plate specifications
Dimensions: almost any size tank can be constructed using our standard panel size and range of thickness
- Standard panel size: 1220 x 1220 mm
- Thickness: 3 mm, 4.5 mm and 6 mm
Tank plate guidelines
The following guidelines apply for using the appropriate panel thickness to withstand maximum water pressure.
| Maximum water pressure |
(m head) |
1.22 |
2.44 |
3.66 |
4.88 |
| Panel thickness |
(mm) |
3.0 |
3.0 |
4.5 |
4.5 |
Roof Design and Features
Fab Tanks Africa designs its water storage tanks with robust roofing systems to ensure durability, safety, and optimal performance across various applications.
Each tank is equipped with custom fitted roof sheeting that spans the entire tank diameter, increasing its sealability and protecting the stored water from external contaminants. The roofing is constructed from hot-dip galvanized steel, adhering to SANS 121 standards, which provides excellent corrosion resistance and longevity.
For tanks exceeding three panels in width, individual roof sheets are overlapped and bent to ensure optimal sealing. Standard roof sheet dimensions include thicknesses of 0.5 mm or 1 mm and widths of 610 mm or 305 mm, with the 1 mm/305 mm combination being the most affordable.
Safety and maintenance access are facilitated through lockable access manholes integrated into the roof design. These manholes allow authorized personnel to perform inspections and maintenance tasks securely.
Screened vents are also incorporated to promote proper ventilation within the tank, preventing pressure build-up and ensuring the stored water remains fresh.
This comprehensive roof design underscores Fab Tanks’ commitment to providing reliable and secure water storage solutions tailored to diverse industry needs.
Internal bracing
Fab Tanks Africa prioritizes structural integrity in its water storage solutions by incorporating robust internal bracing systems. These braces are crafted from high-quality carbon steel and are hot dip galvanized to meet SANS 121 standards, ensuring exceptional corrosion resistance and longevity.
The internal bracing is strategically designed to counteract the outward pressure exerted by stored water, maintaining the tank’s shape and stability under various load conditions.
By welding angle iron to base plates and bolting them to the tank panels, Fab Tanks ensures a secure and durable connection that enhances the overall strength of the structure.
This meticulous approach to internal support not only reinforces the tank’s structural integrity but
also contributes to its adaptability across diverse applications, including agriculture, mining, and fire protection.
Clients can rely on Fab Tanks’ engineering expertise to deliver water storage solutions that withstand the demands of their specific environments.
Sealing Methods and Gasket Materials
To ensure watertight assembly, Fab Tanks employs pre-punched rubber gaskets between the bolted steel panels. These gaskets are complemented by non-toxic sealants, creating a secure barrier against leaks. This combination not only bolsters the tank’s integrity but also ensures the stored water remains uncontaminated and safe for various applications.
Customised tank specifications
Fab Tanks can design smaller customised tanks such as L-shaped or partitioned tanks that require only half panels. External bracing is also an option for custom designs.
Elevated tanks
Standard elevated water storage tanks that require support tower steelwork include our standard components. Should the customer request walkways around the base of the tank or access ladders rest platforms, the general specifications can be adapted accordingly.
Specifications for maintenance and safety
Safe access all around pressed steel tanks is required for the purpose of tightening bolts.
The recommended minimum space around the four sides and above the roof is 600 mm and 450 mm beneath the tank.
Except for standard components and specifications for Fab Tanks water storage solutions, most of our designs can be custom made. This means general specifications can be adapted according to the designs and requirements of the customer.
What is hot-dip galvanisation?
Hot-dip galvanisation is the process of coating iron and steel with zinc, which blends with the surface of the base metal when the sheet metal is immersed in a bath of molten zinc. The temperature required for this process is about 450°C.
How hot-dip galvanisation works is the pure zinc reacts with oxygen to form zinc oxide, which in turn reacts with carbon dioxide to form zinc carbonate. This produces a robust coating that protects the steel beneath it from corrosion.
Hot-dip galvanisation replaces the need for stainless steel tank panels which are prohibitively costly. It works perfectly by protecting steel by creating a barrier between the metal and the atmosphere. Zinc is a more active metal in comparison to steel so even when the galvanised coating is damaged, the zinc in the coating continues to protect the metal from corrosion.
How does hot-dip galvanisation work?
Hot-dip galvanisation protects the surface of the carbon steel from deteriorating which is caused by oxidisation, weathering and rust. It does this in two ways; firstly, the zinc coating as like a barrier that shields the carbon steel from atmosphere and secondly, the electronegative properties of zinc provides extra protection if the carbon steel is scratched or damaged.
Benefits of galvanised water storage tanks
The internal bracing in Fab Tanks is manufactured from carbon steel which is coated using the hot-dipped galvanisation process. This is primarily to protect the water storage tanks from corrosion but there are several other benefits to this process.
All steel components, including panels, internal bracing, bolts, nuts, and washers, undergo hot-dip galvanization in compliance with the South African National Standard (SANS) 121.
This process involves immersing the steel parts in molten zinc, forming a metallurgically bonded coating that offers exceptional resistance to corrosion. The zinc coating serves as a protective layer, shielding the steel from environmental factors and extending the tank’s service life.
By integrating these sealing techniques and adhering to stringent galvanization standards, Fab Tanks delivers durable and reliable water storage solutions suitable for diverse industries and challenging environments.
Protection against corrosion
Fab Tanks Africa prioritizes the longevity and reliability of its water storage solutions through meticulous sealing methods and robust corrosion protection.
In harsh environments where Fab Tanks are typically needed, it’s critical to coat the carbon steel to protect it against corrosion. The three levels of corrosion resistance that hot-dipping galvanising provides is the following:
- Barrier protection
- Cathodic protection
- Zinc patina
Long-lasting protection
Hot-dip galvanising provides cathodic protection which means the zinc will sacrifice itself to protect the underlying steel. If the coating is damaged, the zinc that surrounds the scratched area continues to resist corrosion. Hot-dipped galvanised steel corrodes at approximately 1/30th the rate of uncoated steel does in equally harsh environments.
Unmatched durability
Durability is guaranteed with hot-dip galvanisation. The process creates layers in the zinc coating that provided abrasion resistance that is incomparable to non-galvanised carbon steel. Every component of water storage units manufactured by Fab Tanks are hot-dipped galvanised which means coverage is completely uniform and there are not weak spots for corrosion to attack.
Maintenance-free service life
The beauty of hot-dip galvanisation is the water tanks are virtually maintenance free or at least the maintenance periods are extended. No additional resources are needed to treat corroded patches and the galvanised steel is easy to clean.
Contact us today to find out more information about our popular customizable water tank specifications and deals from FAB Tanks.
