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Phillips Tank & Structure provides repair of bolted steel tanks in the United States and throughout the Pacific Ocean islands. Because every tank is unique, we work with clients to determine the best solution for their project.
Bolted tank repair services we offer include:
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Foundation Repair
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Bottom Replacement
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Piping Repair
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Shell Repair
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Roof Repair
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Mechanical Repair
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Platforms, Stairs, & Handrail
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Aluminum Geodesic Domes
Extend the life of your bolted steel and welded steel storage tanks - Contact Phillips Tank & Structure to create a repair and maintenance plan.
Glass-Fused-to-Steel Bolted Shell Repair
To extend the life of the tank, PTS removed corroded panels that had exceeded their useful life, installed new panels, and applied a new floor coating. The existing geodesic dome and caged ladder were reinstalled.
See more on the full project profile.
Bolted steel tanks store liquids such as water, oil, and chemicals, as well as solid products such as grains, fertilizers, and salt. These tanks are durable and long-lasting, but they can still develop problems over time that require repair.
Inspection
It is critical to regularly inspect bolted steel storage tanks to identify potential problems. Regular inspections can help prevent small problems from becoming larger and more expensive to fix. If an issues is identified, it should be repaired promptly to ensure the continued operation of the tank.
Issues to Repair
Corrosion
Storage tank corrosion can occur due to a variety of factors, including coating failure or chemical contamination. Corrosion can occur on the topside or underside of the tank bottom, as well as on the piping, shell, and roof. When corrosion occurs, it can weaken the structural integrity of the tank and may lead to leaks. Bolted water tank repair is critical to prevent potable water contamination.
Tank Damage
Another issue that may require repair is damage to the tank itself. This can include impact from a vehicle or other object, vacuum implosion due to blocked vents, or damage from natural disasters such as storms. In these cases, the damaged areas of the tank must be repaired or replaced, depending on the severity of the damage.
Uneven Settlement and Tank Displacement
A tank may settle unevenly when the supporting soil is not adequate for the load placed on it, if the tank is not fully supported by rocky layers, or movement caused by an earthquake. Tank displacement can be caused by flooding or by earthquake.
Repair Solutions
Coatings
To repair corrosion or other coating damage, the affected areas of the tank must be cleaned and treated with a corrosion-resistant primer. The best choice of coating will depend on the tank's usage. Typical coating repair materials for bolted steel storage tanks include epoxy resin, polyurethane, and rubber. Epoxy coatings are known for durability and chemical resistance. Polyurethane is used as a topcoat on the tank exterior to provide UV resistance. Rubber lining is commonly used in tanks that store or process abrasive materials.
Weld Repair of Holes, Cracks, or Other Defects
Patch plates and puddle welding can be used to repair small areas of damage on a bolted tank, such as holes, cracks, or corrosion pitting. Welding can be difficult for panel tank repairs because the bolting seam is easily damaged. However, appropriate weld repairs can be effective in extending the life of a bolted steel storage tank and maintaining performance.
Shell Panel Replacement
In some cases, bolted storage tanks may be severely corroded or damaged. If the corrosion is limited to the tank shell, replacement of the tank shell can be a cost effective way to extend the life of the tank. This process involves removing the old tank shell and installing a new one in its place. After unbolting the existing shell panels and lowering the roof to the ground on jacks, a new shell ring is attached to the roof angle. As each shell ring is completed, the tank is elevated on jacks to install the ring below it.
Foundation Repair
If the foundation for a bolted tank settles unevenly, or a tank is moved due to flooding or earthquake, the tank or foundation may need repair. Where a foundation settles only on one side, the tank can be elevated on jacks while the foundation is repaired. If tank jacking isn't viable, derating the stored volume is also an option. If a tank is shifted off of its foundation, the tank can be deconstructed and rebuilt, or can be moved back to the foundation by constructing a pool to float it to the foundation.
Conclusion
Bolted steel storage tanks can last decades if they are well-maintained. Regular inspections will identify potential issues. Common problems include corrosion, damage to the tank, uneven settlement, or displacement from the foundation. Repair solutions include rust removal to apply coatings, minor weld repairs, shell panel replacement, and foundation repair. Whether the best option is repair or replacement, Phillips Tank & Structure has a solution to your tanking needs.