AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tanks: Better Than Welded Steel Tanks for Water Storage

When it comes to water storage, especially for drinking water, industrial use, and municipal purposes, choosing the right tank is critical. Among the many options available, Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks stand out as a superior choice over traditional welded steel tanks. As the global leader in bolted tank solutions, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd. (also known as Center Enamel) is at the forefront of delivering AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks, which offer distinct advantages in terms of durability, maintenance, and long-term cost-effectiveness.

As a leading storage tank manufacturer worldwide. Center Enamel can provide Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs, Wastewater and Biogas Project Equipments for global customers.

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Understanding the Differences: Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel vs. Welded Steel Tanks

Both Glass-Fused-to-Steel and welded steel tanks are made from steel, but the key difference lies in their construction process and surface treatment. Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are made by fusing glass onto steel at high temperatures to create a smooth, durable, and corrosion-resistant surface. Welded steel tanks, on the other hand, are made by welding steel panels together, which can create potential weak spots and points of vulnerability, particularly where the welds are made.

1. Superior Corrosion Resistance

One of the most notable benefits of AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks is their superior corrosion resistance. The glass coating applied to the steel prevents corrosion caused by moisture, chemicals, and harsh weather conditions, which is a common issue with welded steel tanks. Over time, welded steel tanks are prone to rust and corrosion at the weld seams, where the protective coating is often compromised. This leads to the need for costly maintenance and the potential for water contamination.

Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks offer a non-porous glass surface that acts as a barrier against the elements, ensuring that the tank remains resistant to corrosion for decades.

Welded steel tanks, due to their exposed weld seams, are more vulnerable to environmental damage and may require frequent repairs to maintain their integrity.

2. Long Lifespan and Durability

When it comes to durability and long-term performance, AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks have a clear advantage. These tanks are designed to last 30+ years, making them a reliable and cost-effective solution for long-term water storage. The fusion of glass and steel creates a robust and durable structure that can withstand extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations, seismic activity, and harsh climates.

The glass coating in Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks provides extra protection against wear and tear, allowing the tank to endure without the need for regular maintenance or repairs.

Welded steel tanks are more susceptible to structural weaknesses over time, particularly in high-stress areas like weld seams.

3. Easy and Fast Installation

Another key advantage of AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks is the ease and speed of installation. These tanks are pre-fabricated in panels that are bolted together on-site, which reduces the construction time significantly compared to the welding process used for welded steel tanks. The bolted design eliminates the need for complex welding, which can be both time-consuming and costly.

Bolted tanks can be quickly assembled, allowing for faster installation and reduced labor costs.

Welded steel tanks require extensive welding and field fabrication, which can take much longer and incur higher labor and material costs.

4. Enhanced Flexibility and Scalability

Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are highly customizable, which allows them to be used for a wide range of applications. Whether you need a small storage solution for a municipal water supply or a large-scale industrial water storage system, Center Enamel’s bolted GFS tanks can be tailored to meet your specific requirements. The modular nature of these tanks means they can easily be expanded or resized if needed.

Bolted tanks offer superior flexibility, allowing for modular expansion if your storage requirements grow over time.

Welded steel tanks may be more difficult to modify or expand once they are constructed, requiring costly reconstruction and modifications.

5. Lower Maintenance Costs

The maintenance requirements for Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are minimal, thanks to their smooth and non-corrosive glass surface. This surface prevents the buildup of debris, algae, and bacteria, which can lead to contamination and poor water quality in traditional welded steel tanks. Furthermore, Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks do not require regular painting or coating to prevent rust and corrosion, unlike welded steel tanks, which need frequent re-coating or touch-ups to protect against environmental damage.

AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks save on long-term maintenance costs due to their durable surface, reducing the need for cleaning, re-coating, or repairing.

Welded steel tanks require more frequent maintenance, particularly around the welded joints, which can be vulnerable to wear and tear.

6. Improved Seismic and Structural Integrity

Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are designed with enhanced structural integrity, making them a safer choice for seismic zones or areas prone to extreme weather events. The modular bolted construction of these tanks provides better flexibility and the ability to withstand earthquakes, high winds, and other environmental stressors. The fusion of glass and steel ensures a strong bond that improves the tank's overall stability.

AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks meet rigorous structural standards and are often more resistant to earthquakes and other natural disasters.

Welded steel tanks, while strong, are more susceptible to weld failure in extreme conditions, which can lead to catastrophic damage.

7. Compliance with International Standards

Center Enamel’s AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are manufactured in accordance with the highest international standards, including AWWA D103-09, ISO 9001, NSF/ANSI 61, and ISO 28765, ensuring they meet stringent safety, quality, and performance requirements. This ensures that our tanks are not only safe for drinking water storage but also meet the most demanding industrial and municipal needs.

Welded steel tanks often do not adhere to the same international standards for corrosion resistance, making them less reliable in certain applications, particularly for potable water storage.

Why Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel Tanks are the Better Choice

When comparing AWWA Standard Bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks with welded steel tanks for water storage, it is clear that Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks offer superior corrosion resistance, longer lifespan, faster installation, lower maintenance costs, and greater flexibility. They are designed to provide safe, reliable, and cost-effective storage solutions for a wide range of water storage applications, including municipal, industrial, and drinking water storage.

By choosing Center Enamel’s bolted Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks, you are investing in a long-term, sustainable solution that will provide decades of reliable service. Our commitment to quality, backed by 30+ years of experience, makes us the global leader in bolted tank manufacturing.

Contact Center Enamel today to learn more about how our Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks can meet your water storage needs and provide the best possible solution for your business or community.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd is a professional manufacturer dedicated to the design and fabrication of bolted storage tanks since 1989. Our products range includes Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs. With professional enameling R&D team and more than 20 enameling patents, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd has become the leader in bolted tanks industry of Asia. Our products are certified to ISO 9001, CE, NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, ISO 28765, LFGB, BSCI, ISO 45001 and other international standards.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd is not only the first manufacturer in China which produces Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks, but also the most experienced professional bolted tanks manufacturer in Asia. The engineering & design, product testing and quality system of Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks is in strict accordance with AWWA D103-09, OSHA, ISO 28765, NSF/ANSI 61, NFPA and other international standards. Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are wildly used in drinking / potable water, industrial effluents, municipal sewage, bio-energy, landfill leachate, agriculture and other applications. Until 2023, Center Enamel bolted tanks have been exported to more than 100 countries including USA, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, UAE, Panama, Brazil and South Africa etc., the superior tank quality and prompt service gains us worldwide recognition.

As an outstanding containment and cover system provider with more than 30 years of experience, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd sincerely expects to establish long-term cooperation with the local partners throughout the world and make continuous contribution to the development of the industry.