Since the first glass-fused-to-steel structures were built in the 1950s, the terms “durable” and “long-lasting” have been synonymous with the technology. Their ability to endure a long life cycle of operation continues to save municipalities and industries millions of dollars in maintenance and repair costs, particularly fighting corrosion and the need to repaint.
“We don’t even have an expiration date for glass-fused-to-steel yet,” said Chris Price, vice president of engineering services at Engineered Storage Products Co. (ESPC), DeKalb, Ill. “They’re the Rock of Gibraltar of storage tanks.”
ESPC molecularly joins steel with glass at 1,500°F in a controlled process furnace. The process chemically alters the two materials resulting in long-term durability, maximum bond strength and long service life, a method far superior to “baking” steel and epoxy paints in order to get them to stick together. The fusing process eliminates the need to repaint the tank, which is often needed after 10 to 15 years of service for field welded or epoxy coated tanks. “There is a big difference between high temperature fusing in a high-tech furnace for a single, strong and integrated material and mechanically bonding a generic powder coating by spraying it on and melting it at 400°F,” Price said. “There is no molecular linking or fusing involved between the steel and an epoxy coating or paint.”
The durability and long-lasting characteristics of glass-fused-to-steel technology also are implemented on the inside of the tank. ESPC’s proprietary Vitrium Technology combines glass that has been enhanced with titanium with a highly engineered, ultra-fine glass bubble structure. With Vitrium process, Aquastore tanks provide on average 16 mils of interior coating thickness, while epoxy coating tanks generally run between 7 to 11 mils in interior coating thickness, Price explained.
Titanium-enhanced glass-fused-to-steel has the characteristics that make it impermeable to liquids and vapors, which eliminates corrosion undercutting and offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance, according to Price.
For quality control and cost efficiency, ESPC designs and engineers all Aquastore tanks in-house. Construction is performed by Authorized Aquastore Dealers, who offer turnkey specification, construction and service for the life of the tank.
For additional information, visit www.aquastore.com.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Tanks
Aquastore glass-fused-to-steel tanks have diverse applications, including storing potable water, wastewater, process water, fire suppression water and landfill leachate. Build an Aquastore to specifications up to 204 ft in diameter and more than 6 million gal. The tanks require minimal maintenance. Get engineered quality, service, life and value in water and wastewater tanks. For more information, visit www.aquastore.com.
Source: Engineered Storage Products Co.
