Tank Connection’s RTP (rolled tapered panel) design approach to bolted tank construction combines the best qualities of field-weld and bolted tank construction into the highest quality modular design ever developed in the bolted storage tank industry. RTP tanks have no internal ledges, can be manufactured with up to 1/2″ plate thicknesses and are constructed with synchronized screw jacks from grade.
API-12B flanged panel designs utilize an exterior chime (flange) connection which has a long history of leaks and rust issues. This approach to bolted tank construction was originally developed by an archaic oil field specification and has been adapted for use with other products such as potable water, wastewater and dry bulk products. API-12B tanks are manufactured with up to 5/16″ plate thicknesses and are constructed with scaffolding from the bottom up, creating a very unsafe working environment for installation crews.
VFP (vertical flat panel) designs were developed to remove the problematic chime associated with API-12B construction. These tanks have similar sized panels as that of API-12B and are typically constructed with scaffolding. Their lack of ridgity makes them difficult to construct in the field due to their unstable profile and lack of rigidity.
In short, TC’s RTP tank design is superior in every way to both the API-12B and VFP designs. For a side by side comparison please click on the link below.