In the domestic and international water markets there is a flood of “poor quality” bolted tank designs and products being promoted in the industry today, even by major suppliers. The simple facts are that manufacturers of bolted water tanks are trying to make their products as cheap as possible, to increase margins. This has led to a hodgepodge of tank construction and promotion rhetoric that simply “doesn’t hold water”. Many of today’s bolted steel storage tanks are being designed like today’s household appliances. They will provide a short, finite service life and then require replacement.

At Tank Connection, we receive continuous calls from new clients with horror stories on a “brand x” tank product that was installed in the past. In most cases, they selected a name brand product, but ended up with an installed product that did not meet their expectations.

In municipal water storage, subscribing to AWWA D103 “bolted water tank specification” is a good start, but even this specification includes a few bad ideas that have not been corrected.

In developing a water tank specification, can you protect yourself by utilizing a consultant? The answer is both “yes and no”. In the municipal water market, many consultants are tied to specific products, so objective reviews are in short supply. At TC, we recommend that you conduct your own product review. A little common sense and asking the right questions will go a long way in determining whether or not a storage tank product and service will fulfill your expectations.

As previously noted, AWWA D103 is a good start in developing a bolted tank specification tailored for your application. There are a few deficiencies in the AWWA D103 specification that should be addressed and answered to your satisfaction.

AWWA D103 “Factory Coated Bolted Tanks for Water Storage”

• Allows the use of .094” minimum thickness in tank sidewall.

  Commentary: It is interesting to note that AWWA D100 (the welded water tank specification) allows a minimum thickness of .1875” for the tank sidewall, but D103 allows a minimum thickness of .094” for the tank sidewall (basically, half the thickness). To be specific, the use of .094” material will fulfill design parameters. Since it is allowed, .094” or common 12 gauge (.1046”) material will be utilized by all bolted tank manufacturers.

  Fact: If you specify AWWA D103 without a minimum design thickness, you will receive .094” material on select tank sizes.

  TC Position: A design minimum of .094” is too light for a municipal water tank application. Municipal water storage should be installed as a major infrastructure investment. The minimum material thickness should be 10 gauge (.1345”) material.

  Customer Question: Is the use of .094” material acceptable for your application and will it fulfill the expectations of your client for decades to come?

• Allows the use of web stiffeners, also called web supports, web truss and/or webbies. Webbies are an “erectors set” of bolted together stiffeners that go on the outside of a bolted tank.

  Commentary: Again, it is interesting to note that AWWA D100 does not allow the use of web stiffeners. Webbies are utilized on the cheapest water storage tank designs offered in the global market place today including corrugated.

  Fact: The usage of web stiffeners in previous years was limited to a few horizontal web stiffeners on larger tank sizes. The use of web stiffeners is currently out of control in the industry. Some tank manufacturers are utilizing web stiffeners on every ring.

  TC Position: For “A” quality storage, web stiffeners should not be allowed, except for use on 304 or 316 stainless steel tanks. You can’t replace plate thickness with stiffeners and call it high quality storage containment.

  Customer Question: Are web stiffeners acceptable for your application or is increased plate thickness preferred?

• Allows the use of 5/16” plate in API 12B flanged panel tank construction.

  Fact: The original API 12B specification never intended the use of 5/16” plate material, but rather was limited to 3/16” plate material. The problem created with the use of 5/16” material is that the panel flange break has a history of inconsistency (i.e., over and under break). If the flange break is not precision at 90 degrees, a leak proof tank cannot be guaranteed.

  TC Position: API 12B flanged panels should be limited to ¼” plate material. The use of this product is outdated with today’s precision RTP (rolled, tapered panel) bolted tank technology.

  Customer Question: Is API 12B tank construction acceptable for your application?

• Allows the use of API 12B flanged panel tanks for standpipe applications.

  Fact: Flanged panel tanks have a history of continuous leaking due to hydrostat loads and excessive head pressure in standpipe applications.

  TC Position: API 12B tanks utilized in water standpipe applications are a misapplication. It is being phased out by API 12B tank manufacturers. The only reason it is still offered in standpipe applications, is that it allows subcontracted field installation crews to use archaic field construction equipment (gin pole and scaffolding) to erect the tank. There is no merit in the selection of an outdated product for a water standpipe application.

  Customer Question: Is API 12B tank construction acceptable for your application?

Bolted Steel Water Tanks — The Correct Equation!

To install a quality bolted steel water tank, there are three major component assemblies to review. This includes the DECK (top of tank), TANK SIDEWALL and TANK BOTTOM. The correct selection of these major components will determine the level of “component quality” available for field construction.

• Specify latest revision AWWA D103 specification
• Specify BSR (base setting ring) in concrete or steel bottom
• Specify aluminum dome cover or conical sloped steel deck design
• Specify 10 ga. minimum design or default to .094” minimum (per AWWA)
• Specify that no web stiffeners will be allowed
• Specify “factory certified” field installation crews

Specify the level of “component quality” required for your project:

• A product quality — RTP (rolled, tapered panel) design, LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE, no webbies & aluminum dome
• A product quality — RTP design, stainless steel, minimal webbies & aluminum dome
• B product quality — RTP design, LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE, minimal webbies, aluminum dome or steel conical sloped deck
• B product quality — Glass tanks with 2 fire process, no webbies & aluminum dome
• C product quality — Glass tanks with minimal webbies & aluminum dome or steel conical sloped deck
• C product quality — API flanged panel design, factory epoxy coated & aluminum dome or steel conical sloped deck
• D product quality — API flanged panel design, galvanized, steel conical sloped deck
• D product quality — Glass tanks with 1 fire process, excessive webbies and other stiffeners, steel conical sloped deck

Today’s product quality consists of an unlimited list of steel panel designs and available coating systems. Although the “component quality” review may be considered subjective, it is based on factual data. Additionally, there is an entire spectrum of alternative products that offer even lower quality standards than those shown. This includes trough roof designs, membrane covers, corrugated tanks and the list continues.

Based on proper maintenance, “A” product quality can provide unlimited service life. “B” product quality can provide a 30-40 year service life. “C” product quality can provide a 20-30 year service life. “D” product quality will provide a questionable service life.

In water storage applications, come to Tank Connection for the facts and correct specifications for factory coated, bolted steel tanks. We always welcome the opportunity to specify a storage tank of unmatched quality that will “stand the test of time”. Get it right the first time!

Tank Connection storage products are not just a step ahead of competitor products. We are miles ahead in products offered, technology and commitment to service the industry with real storage containment systems that will “stand the test of time”. The product differentiation we offer is significant compared to other brand products:

Shop-Welded Tanks

• Heavier tank designs
• Cylinder, deck & hopper welded both sides (double-butt full penetration)
• Increased coating mil thickness (both interior & exterior)
• Best engineering team & application expertise in integrated storage systems
• SIT (system installed tank) designs
• Economies of scale operation
• Midwest fabrication locations
• Competitive price leader due to company’s vertical integration model

Bolted Storage Tanks

• Heavier tank designs
• Best RTP bolted tank design
• Best LIQ Fusion 7000 FBE™ & EXT Fusion 5000 FBE™ coating system by Akzo Nobel
• None of the coating problems associated with glass/vitreous enamel coatings (our system is a stronger system)
• Increased coating mil thickness (both interior & exterior)
• Best field construction process (synchronized jacking)
• Best engineering team & application expertise in integrated storage systems
• Economies of scale operation
• Newest, state-of-the-art bolted tank facility worldwide
• Easily containerized & shipped worldwide
• Competitive price leader due to company’s vertical integration model
• Design, manufacture & install by one team

When you specify and procure storage tanks from TCAG, you are dealing with a company that prescribes “golden rule” customer service on every project. We lead the industry in application expertise, storage tank manufacturing technology, vertical integration of operations and field construction services. We are the #1 choice for storage containment products that are low maintenance and provide extended service life in the field.

Currently, Tank Connection is full with aluminum dome construction. We maintain aluminum dome inventory for standard diameters and we have special extrusions for special dome applications. In the marketplace, there are a number of dome suppliers. Our avenue of success in this market is providing a superior designed dome of unmatched quality for the best price in the industry.

Dome pricing in the past was represented by mid-quality suppliers that offered their products at ridiculously high prices. It is amusing to witness consistently higher prices being charged by other dome suppliers, until Tank Connection enters the picture, at which point their pricing drops 15-20%. It is safe to say, that if you want the best dome pricing, you better include Tank Connection in the bidding process. We also offer Kynar painted domes and in 2012 we will be releasing our new pressure dome design. Architectural dome applications are right around the corner.

Every project is uniquely different, which has always been to our advantage in servicing clients. In dry bulk storage, we are the leading experts in the industry. We know all types of material flow… inside and out. We can design a storage system that will allow the tank contents to empty first-in / first-out. We can fluidize, blend, convey and gently handle stored materials to minimize product degradation. We can design storage systems to minimize particle segregation, eliminating downstream process problems. In stored bulk storage, we are the solution people and we will always provide you with the right answers. When our products are not the solution for your application, we will direct you to the right source.

Understanding material flow and integrated storage systems is where we excel. Our tank designs are conservative and our integrated storage systems are built to stand the “test of time”. This is what has made us #1 in dry bulk storage systems.

At Tank Connection, our office space, facilities and even the parking lots are full to capacity. This has led to moving our construction services group back into our old building where we do have space available. TC field construction services are credited in the industry for raising the bar significantly in bolted tank field construction services. We witness other “brand x” companies trying to follow our lead, but with products and field performance efforts that fall far short of the bar we have set. There are no “me too” companies that can perform at our level. None. However, we do find a number of suppliers that want to compare their products to Tank Connection. We thank you for your indirect promotion of our products and services.

For the highest quality tank field installation, we offer the following:

• Tank Connection Construction – Non-union field installation services for bolted RTP (rolled, tapered panel), hybrid, field-weld and shop-weld storage tanks. The TC construction services group are recognized as the top bolted tank erection services available in the domestic and global market. Larry Palmer is the General Manager.
• Alliance Constructors – Union field installation services for bolted RTP (rolled, tapered panel) and hybrid storage tank construction. This is the #1 union bolted tank field installation company available in North America. Kevin Hill is the General Manager.
• ATEC Steel – Provides premier non-union field installation services for field-weld tank construction in North America. Jeff Heck is the VP of Construction Services.

Excellence

It is a word that has a positive ring to it. It means: “The quality of being outstanding or extremely good; an outstanding feature or quality.” Excellence is the opposite of mediocrity, apathy or laziness, and it all starts with a positive mindset. We were treated to a glimpse of the pursuit of excellence during the recent company TCAG strategy meeting. It was exciting to see the “vision” our Sales, Engineering, Project Management, Accounting, Operations, Construction and Quality departments had for the future development of our organization. It is even more exciting to see the momentum building as we accomplish goals and move forward. I count myself to be very fortunate to be able to work with such a dedicated, hardworking and talented group of people who give their best effort each and every day. They are people who go the extra mile to do the right thing and won’t settle for less than their best.

Continuous improvement

The idea is to fundamentally improve the way we do everything… all the time. It is clear that at every opportunity we are moving to continuously improve in every corner of our organization. Tank Connection is not waiting to see where the bar is going to be set in the tank industry so we can follow a trend; we are pushing the limits of excellence within our organization so we can be the trend. As a business in today’s ever changing world, it matters more than ever that each person in our organization maintains a mindset to pursue excellence every single day. Systems such as ISO 9001 are very good, but they are not a replacement for quality people, doing a quality job. Our people will make the difference. The TC Quality Policy says it very well, “Tank Connection personnel are committed to the relentless pursuit of continuous improvement in all of our business operations to fulfill the needs of our customers.”

Enjoy the journey!

This the best bolted liquid storage tank offered in the world today, without exception. It is Tank Connection’s “A” quality RTP (rolled, tapered panel) product line. TC designs, manufactures and installs this liquid storage tank design for water and wastewater worldwide. “A” quality bolted storage tanks do not utilize external web stiffeners, also known as webbies.

We also offer a lighter tank design that utilizes webbies. It is called our “B” quality product line.

Any bolted tank products offered by competitors that utilize web stiffeners are at best “B” quality storage tanks. As an example, bolted tanks that utilize glass or vitreous enamel coatings and 1-2 webbies are considered “B” quality. The more webbies used, the lower the product rating for liquid storage containment applications. Glass tank designs that utilize more than 3 webbies will rate no higher than “C” or “D” quality.

Need facts? Call the experts at TC and always “Specify the Best!”

FENASAN XXII Feira Nacional de Saneamento e Meio Ambiente, Sao Paulo, Brazil – August 1st through 3rd.

The growing demand for Tank Connection products throughout Latin America, and more specifically in Brazil, prompted our recent participation at the FENESAN in collaboration with our regional affiliate, O-tek. The three day event fostered tremendous interest in our RTP (rolled, tapered panel) product line, with special emphasis given to our proprietary LIQ FUSION 7000 FBE coatings. Tank Connection selected the world’s leading coating experts at Akzo Nobel to develop the LIQ FUSION 7000 FBE system as a direct replacement for traditional glass/porcelain enamel coatings – offering 40 times the impact resistance; and more importantly, the ability to be recoated in the field which results with extended service life.

We wish to extend our sincere appreciation to all of those who visited with us during this event. Tank Connection continues to gain recognition in the global marketplace as the most innovative storage containment specialist, and the Fenasan is an ideal environment for sharing these latest developments with our valued customers.

An example of the top performance dry bulk storage systems offered in the world today. Yes, they are aesthetic in appearance, but more importantly they are designed for long life and low maintenance requirements.

The adjacent picture is bolted RTP (rolled, tapered panel) construction. These tanks were all erected
from grade level, utilizing a specialized jacking process. It is the safest tank construction available on the face of the planet.

These systems come in all shapes and sizes to meet your project requirements. TC also offers the same designs in field-welded and hybrid tank construction for select storage applications.

Webbie / Web Stiffener / Web Truss

Call it by whatever name you prefer, but it is still just a cheap “erectors set” of bolt-together stiffeners.

At Tank Connection, we only prescribe a very limited use of webbies on stainless steel bolted tanks. There is no justification of its use that makes it a good choice for the customer, outside of this application. It is the cheapest type of support utilized on the cheapest liquid tanks offered in the industry today. To make this situation worse, the
use of webbies is out of control by tank suppliers trying to increase their profits by making the tank PDT (plate design thickness) lighter. In some cases, we are witnessing webbies used on every horizontal ring!

The adjacent picture is a “brand x” tank that utilizes a webbie support.

Does this look like a “well engineered support system” to you?