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• May 31, 2022

The Versatility of Fiberglass Tanks Make Them Ideal for Commercial Fire Protection Systems

Based on decades of experience storing hazardous and combustible liquids, fire prevention system designers may easily choose fiberglass water tanks installed located above or below grade.

Municipalities and facility owners are looking for ways to better manage their water resources as concerns about water shortages develop in many regions of the United States.

Mechanical and fire protection engineers around the country are looking for safe, cost-effective storage alternatives to keep thousands of gallons of water for fire suppression systems.

Thousands of retail, government and commercial filling stations across North America have employed fiberglass underground storage tanks to properly store motor fuels and other petroleum products in the past. Most clients will only accept tanks that fulfill third-party listing requirements and have an established track record of reliability in the petroleum business. Based on decades of experience storing hazardous and combustible liquids, fire prevention system designers may easily choose a fiberglass water tank located above or below grade.

When it comes to materials of construction for water storage tanks, specifying engineers often have limited options. Choosing the right water tank is a significant long-term investment.

Material considerations

Fiberglass, whether utilized in above-ground or underground water tank applications, provides a whole spectrum of performance benefits that a tank designer would seek: a strong structural design that is also lightweight, quick to install, corrosion-resistant, and reasonably priced compared to other choices.

Fiber-reinforced thermoset resin composites (fiberglass or FRP) have been utilized in extremely corrosive conditions for decades as a material, not only for storage tanks but also for piping and handling equipment like ducts and exhaust stacks.

Fiberglass underground tanks are built for H-20 loading conditions as one measure of their structural strength, making them ideal for placement in parking lots and high-traffic areas.

• Fiberglass water tanks have a long history of being used in applications that need watertight design integrity, such as the storage of motor fuels. When it comes to fire protection water storage, leak-free performance is critical.

• Because expensive heavy-lifting equipment is rarely required, the lightweight nature of fiberglass reduces installation procedures and costs. When tank installation sites are difficult to reach, this is also a factor to consider.

• Large capacity tanks, up to 60,000 gal., are factory-manufactured goods that give superior quality control methods as compared to creating a tank on-site, which is subject to fluctuating weather conditions and production regulations.

• A dual-purpose fiberglass tank can be created, with a frequent example being a fire protection backup that also serves as a source of drinkable water. For potable purposes, a fiberglass tank with a National Sanitation Foundation listing can be supplied.

Conclusion

Fiberglass water tanks, both aboveground and subterranean, are a tried and true option for fire protection. Increasingly stringent fire standards typically mandate that firefighters have specialized standby water supplies to augment or replace a primary water supply that is either unreliable or too far away. New insurance regulations are also increasing the demand for a dedicated, dependable source of water for firefighting purposes.

Only trustworthy, watertight, corrosion-resistant, and structurally robust vessels should be utilized in these applications, especially in the case of subterranean tanks where leaks may go undetected.

Choosing a low-quality tank might be dangerous if the water supply isn’t there when you need it. You can get in touch with GSC Tanks for the best fiberglass water tanks.