WaterWorld - March 2014

Bolted steel water storage tanks are nothing new and have been used for decades with great levels of success. These tanks are sometimes referred to as a “Tank in a Box” due to the modular design of bolted steel tanks, which allows them to be packed and easily shipped anywhere in the world. Commonly, tanks are shipped via truck or standard shipping container. Tank kits come complete with hardware and fttings, and are ready to erect upon arrival. When properly designed, manufactured and installed, a “Tank in a Box” meets a wide variety of applications.

The unique modular “Tank in a Box” design is based on the use of individual heavy gauge steel plates, which are used to form the tanks. These plates are prefabricated in dedicated facilities using a variety of specialized equipment such as press breaks, robotic welding arms, drill presses and coating machinery. The fnal fnish is applied to all tank components before they are packed for shipping. The components are preci-sion-manufactured for longevity and a well-crafted bolted steel tank can provide over 60 years of service.

Once on site the tanks quickly bolt together with minimum
site work. The erection time of a bolted tank can be as little
as 1/3 of the time required to construct a similar size welded
tank. In addition, the plates arrive to the job site complete
with fnal fnish already applied, eliminating the need to sand-
blast and paint on site. As the tanks only need to be assem-
bled, they can be erected in various weather conditions and
are resistant to adverse weather delays.

The tank kits can be delivered to a wide variety of locations and are well suited to spaces with limited access, high fre danger areas and remote locations. The tanks are comprised of a number of smaller plates, therefore avoiding the need for a large staging area. Bolted tanks can be installed quickly within a tight infrastructure or even inside an existing building. To reach remote sites the individual panels can be transported by smaller trucks. In addition, welding and other “hot work” common with welded tanks is eliminated, increasing safety around fammable materials.

The application also makes an impact on the decision to source a bolted steel tank. Bolted steel tanks are well suited for a variety of water applications. The most common is potable water storage for water municipalities or rural water districts. Use of bolted steel tanks is increasing at wastewater facilities, as well, to store recovered wastewater or stormwater for treatment and reuse. Bolted steel tanks are also common in fre protection systems found in large facilities or in remote wilderness areas.

Although bolted steel tanks are delivered in a box, they are THE UNIQUE MODULAR ‘Tank in a Box’ design is based on the use of individual heavy gauge steel plates, which are used to form the tanks.