FRP water tanks

The fiber yarn mainly uses alkali-free glass fiber, which enhances the strength and performance of the water tank. In addition, there may be reinforcements,

which are generally made of corrosion-resistant hot-dip galvanized (or chrome-plated) anti-corrosion materials.
FRP water tanks are made of food-grade resin and have many excellent characteristics such as high strength, light weight, corrosion resistance, beautiful appearance,

long service life, and convenient maintenance and management. They are widely used in industrial and mining, enterprises, institutions, residences, hotels,

restaurants and other buildings as drinking water, reclaimed water treatment, fire water and other water storage facilities.

(II) Classification

Characteristics of two types: FRP assembled FRP water tanks and SMC water tanks.

FRP assembled FRP water tanks:

provided in the form of panels, easy to assemble on site, suitable for areas with limited passages.

It is resistant to UV rays, chemicals and extreme weather conditions, with a long service life and low maintenance costs.

SMC water tanks:

light weight, no rust, no leakage, good water quality, wide range of use, long service life, good thermal insulation performance,

beautiful appearance, easy installation, simple cleaning and maintenance, and strong adaptability. It is an ideal product for public life,

fire water and industrial water storage facilities.
According to the use, it can be divided into SMC FRP water tanks, FRP integral water tanks and other types.

SMC FRP water tank:

widely used in industrial and mining, enterprises, institutions, residences, hotels, restaurants and other buildings as drinking water,

reclaimed water treatment, fire water and other water storage facilities. It has the characteristics of good water quality, clean and pollution-free, high strength,

light weight, corrosion resistance, beautiful appearance, long service life, convenient maintenance and management.
FRP integral water tank: can be assembled into water tanks of different tonnages according to user needs, with the advantages of no leakage, no deformation, no pollution,

long service life, easy assembly and beautiful appearance.

FRP assembled water tank:

convenient construction, easy overall assembly and disassembly, the plate structure adopts spherical surface reinforcement,

which is unique and creative compared with steel plate water tank and concrete water tank. Although the initial investment is larger than that of traditional water tanks,

it is welcomed by users due to its advantages of small dead weight, easy installation, easy maintenance and cleaning.

FRP domestic water tank:

used for domestic water storage in ordinary residences, commercial and residential buildings, office buildings, residential communities,

government agencies, schools, hotels, etc., with good water quality, clean and pollution-free, and easy to use.

FRP fire water tank:

It has the characteristics of high strength, light weight, and corrosion resistance, providing reliable water storage facilities for fire water.
FRP insulated water tank: It can better maintain water temperature and is suitable for various water use scenarios that require insulation.

Insulated Water Storage Tank

III. Characteristics of FRP water tank

(I) Material advantages

High strength and light weight, with obvious advantages over traditional water tanks.
The relative density of FRP water tanks is between 1.5-2.0, which is only 1/4-1/5 of carbon steel. The tensile,

bending and compressive strengths of some epoxy FRP can reach more than 400Mpa. Compared with traditional metal or concrete water tanks,

it is easier to transport and install. It has achieved outstanding results in the fields of aviation, rockets, spacecraft, high-pressure vessels, etc.,

which shows its high strength.
Corrosion resistance, good resistance to atmosphere, water and various chemicals.
FRP is a good corrosion-resistant material. It has good resistance to the atmosphere, water, and general concentrations of acids, alkalis, salts,

and various oils and solvents. It has been applied to various aspects of chemical corrosion protection and is replacing carbon steel, stainless steel,

wood, non-ferrous metals, etc.
It has good thermal properties and is an excellent thermal insulation material.
FRP has low thermal conductivity, which is 1.25-1.67kJ/(m・h・K) at room temperature, which is only 1/100-1/1000 of metal.

It is an excellent thermal insulation material. Under instantaneous ultra-high temperature conditions, it can protect spacecraft from high-speed airflow above 2000℃.

(II) Design flexibility

FRP water tanks can be flexibly designed into various structural products according to needs to meet different usage requirements and make the product have good integrity.

Whether it is shape, size or purpose, it can be customized. For example, it can be designed to suit various capacities, from small household water tanks to large industrial storage systems,

and can also be adjusted according to specific space requirements to meet the usage needs of different scenarios.

(III) Process excellence

The molding process is flexible, and the appropriate process can be selected according to the product shape, etc.
The molding process can be flexibly selected according to the product shape, technical requirements, purpose and quantity.

The hand lay-up molding process is suitable for manufacturing complex and non-stereotyped products. It is not limited by product size and shape,

has simple equipment, low investment and quick results; SMC compression molding process has high efficiency, low cost, strong product integrity and stable quality.
The process is simple, one-time molding, and outstanding economic effect.
The process is simple and can be molded in one time, especially for products with complex shapes and small quantities that are difficult to mold,

which further highlights its process superiority. It reduces production links and costs and improves production efficiency.

IV. Manufacturing process of FRP water tank

(I) Welding channel steel

The channel steel needs to be welded according to the size of the FRP water tank to ensure that its size matches the size of the water tank bottom plate.

After welding, the diagonal measurement size should be controlled within ±0.5cm, and all welds should be connected evenly and the seams should be consistent.

When welding the channel steel, try to put as many screws and washers as possible, because many screws will be used in the subsequent installation process.

Preparation in advance can be done in one step.

(II) Connecting the floor

Arrange and connect the bottom plate of the FRP water tank according to the print number and instructions on the FRP water tank single board.

Add a sealing strip between the two single boards and connect them with φ10 bolts. When adding force to the bolts, add force evenly at one time, and add force to each bolt 3-4 times.

Do not apply too much force at one time, otherwise it will cause cracking of the board due to uneven force. To improve the efficiency of installing the floor, you can connect 10 pieces at a time,

then assemble 10 pieces, and finally connect the two large pieces together. In this way, the floor of the FRP water tank is preliminarily connected.

(III) Connecting the side panels

The method of connecting the side panels is similar to that of connecting the floor, but the difference is that the side panel seams should be connected with iron sheets.

It is best to open the flange mouth and connect it before connecting, so as to avoid opening the flange mouth after the water tank is assembled and the glass glue is applied,

reducing the irritation of odor.

(IV) Add tie bars and plugs

Apply glass glue to all cross corners of connecting tie bars. The screw holes of the inner and outer iron sheets connecting the tie bars should

be opened slightly larger to facilitate the connection of tie bars later. When connecting the tie bars, tighten the outer screws first, then tighten the screws inside the water tank,

and finally tighten the screws on the outside close to the water tank. After adding tie bars, remember to add plugs to the four corners of the

water tank and the 14 corners where the bottom plate and side plate are connected, and apply more glass glue.

(V) Assembling the top plate of the water tank

Assembling the top plate of the water tank is a relatively simple step in the whole process. Start from one side of the water tank and assemble it piece by piece.

As long as each assembled board is parallel and neat, it will be fine. Otherwise, when assembling a few boards in the later stage, they may not fit in,

and they need to be disassembled and reassembled. When assembling the top plate of the water tank, there is no need to add rubber pads and too many screws.

(VI) Tighten the water tank screws and apply glue to the glass glue seams inside the tank

There is a sequence for tightening the water tank screws and applying glue to the glass glue seams inside the tank.

Tightening the screws must be done after the top plate is installed and before applying the glass glue. Tightening the screws is crucial to whether the water tank leaks.

If they are loose, they will leak, and if they are too tight, the rubber pad will be squeezed, so it must be just right, which requires feeling and experience. Glue each seam to the right place,

not too much or too little, otherwise it will not be sealed tightly and cause leakage. It is best for staff to wear masks because the glass glue has a strong smell in a closed space.

Insulating GRP Water Tank

V. Uses of FRP water tanks

(I) Municipal water supply system

FRP water tanks play an important role in municipal water supply systems.

It is used to store water supply and can effectively balance water pressure to ensure that the water needs of residents and enterprises can be met during peak water use.

When the city’s water consumption suddenly increases, the FRP water tank can provide reserve water in time to avoid insufficient water pressure.

Its good sealing and corrosion resistance ensure that the stored water is not polluted by the outside world, providing safe and reliable domestic water for urban residents.

(II) Industrial water system

In the industrial field, FRP water tanks provide process water for cooling, cleaning, fire fighting and other industrial production. Due to its corrosion resistance,

it can adapt to various industrial environments and will not be corroded by industrial wastewater and chemicals. For example, in the manufacturing industry,

FRP water tanks can provide cooling water for production lines, ensure that equipment operates at normal temperature, and improve production efficiency.

In the chemical industry, water tanks can store water for cleaning equipment to ensure the hygiene and safety of the production process. At the same time,

in emergencies such as fires, FRP water tanks can also provide fire fighting water for industrial enterprises to ensure the safety of personnel and property.

(III) Farmland irrigation system

As a water source storage device for farmland irrigation, FRP water tanks have many advantages.

t can collect rainwater or divert water from water sources and store it to provide sufficient irrigation water for crops.

In arid areas or areas with seasonal water shortages, FRP water tanks can effectively solve farmland irrigation problems and meet the growth needs of crops.

Its lightweight characteristics make installation and movement more convenient, and it can be flexibly arranged according to the distribution of farmland and irrigation needs.

Moreover, FRP water tanks will not rust or leak, and can ensure the quality of stored water without polluting crops.

(IV) Commercial buildings and residential areas

In commercial buildings and residential areas, FRP water tanks meet the residents’ domestic water needs. It can provide residents with domestic water for bathing,

drinking, cleaning, etc., ensuring that residents’ daily lives are not affected. Its beautiful appearance will not affect the overall beauty of the building. At the same time,

FRP water tanks are easy to install and maintain, which can bring convenience to property management. In some large commercial buildings, such as office buildings,

hotels, etc., FRP water tanks can also provide cooling water for central air-conditioning systems to improve energy efficiency.

(V) Military, field and emergency water sources

In military bases, field camps and emergency rescue sites, FRP water tanks provide necessary water for emergencies. In military operations,

water tanks can provide soldiers with domestic water and firefighting water to ensure the smooth progress of military operations. In field exploration and camping,

FRP water tanks can store enough water to meet people’s survival needs. In emergency situations such as natural disasters,

FRP water tanks can be used as emergency water sources to provide clean drinking water for the affected people and protect people’s lives.

6. Maintenance methods of FRP water tanks

(I) Regular cleaning

During use, FRP water tanks will accumulate some dirt and sediments, such as scale and impurities.

These dirt and sediments will not only affect the water quality, but also accelerate the aging and damage of the water tank.

Therefore, regular cleaning is one of the important measures to maintain FRP water tanks.
When cleaning, you can use a soft brush or sponge to scrub, and avoid using hard brushes and acidic detergents to avoid scratching and corroding the FRP water tank.

The frequency of cleaning can be determined according to the use of the water tank. It is generally recommended to clean it every six months to one year.

(II) Prevent exposure to the sun

Long-term exposure to the sun will cause the color of the FRP water tank to turn yellow and brittle, and even crack and deform. Therefore, try to avoid exposure to the sun.

You can choose a shaded location to install the FRP water tank, or use a sunshade to block it when the sun is strong.
In addition, FRP water tanks are afraid of the sun because if there is no water in the water tank, direct sunlight will accelerate the aging of FRP and reduce its service life.

In order to protect the FRP water tank, there should be enough water in the water tank to reduce the heat of the sun and reduce the possibility of FRP deformation due to heat.

(III) Prevent freezing cracks

In the cold winter, FRP water tanks are vulnerable to freezing cracks. In order to prevent freezing cracks,

an appropriate amount of antifreeze can be added to the water tank to reduce the freezing point of water.

At the same time, insulation materials can also be used to insulate the water tank to improve its antifreeze performance.
For FRP water tanks used in northern regions, special attention should be paid to insulation measures. Rubber and plastic sponge insulation,

polyurethane foam insulation or polystyrene board insulation can be used, and appropriate insulation materials can be selected according to actual conditions.

(IV) Regular inspection

It is very important to regularly check the sealing performance and safety performance of FRP water tanks. You can check whether the joints,

valves, drains and other parts of the water tank are leaking or loose. If there is a problem, repair or replace it in time to ensure the normal operation of the water tank.
The frequency of inspection can be determined according to the use of the water tank. It is generally recommended to inspect it once a quarter. During the inspection,

pay attention to observe whether the appearance of the water tank is damaged. If there is any damage, it should be repaired in time.

(V) Pay attention to the use environment

During the use of FRP water tanks, avoid contact with corrosive substances, such as acid and alkali solutions, organic solvents, etc. At the same time,

pay attention to prevent external force collision, avoid friction and extrusion, and protect the surface integrity of the FRP water tank.
When installing FRP water tanks, choose a suitable location and avoid installing them in places susceptible to corrosion or external force collision. During use,

be careful to avoid welding operations with fire next to the water tank to avoid sparks splashing the water tank board. If construction is required around the water tank,

protective measures should be taken to avoid damage to the water tank.

Fiberglass water tank

VII. Conclusion

FRP water tanks occupy an important position in the field of water storage with their many advantages.

First of all,

their advantages are significant. In terms of material, they have the characteristics of high strength and light weight.

Compared with traditional metal or concrete water tanks, they are more convenient to transport and install.

Their successful application in high-tech fields such as aviation also proves their excellent strength. At the same time,

it has good corrosion resistance and can resist erosion by the atmosphere, water and a variety of chemicals. It is widely used in chemical anti-corrosion and other fields.

It has excellent thermal properties and is an excellent insulation material that can protect spacecraft under instantaneous ultra-high temperature conditions. In terms of design,

it is flexible and can customize various structural products according to different usage requirements to meet the capacity, shape and size requirements of different scenarios.

In terms of process, the molding process is flexible, and the appropriate process can be selected according to the shape of the product, etc., and the process is simple,

one-time molding, and the economic effect is outstanding.

Secondly,

it has a wide range of uses. In the municipal water supply system, it can store water supply, balance water pressure,

and ensure that residents’ living water is safe and reliable. In the industrial water system, it provides industrial production with process water such as cooling, cleaning, and fire fighting,

and adapts to various industrial environments. In the farmland irrigation system, rainwater can be collected or water can be diverted for storage to provide irrigation water for crops,

and its light characteristics facilitate flexible layout. In commercial buildings and residential areas, it meets the living water needs of residents,

has a beautiful appearance and is easy to install and maintain, and can also provide cooling water for central air-conditioning systems.

In terms of military, field and emergency water sources, it provides necessary water for emergencies to ensure people

1. Introduction

2. What is FRP water tank

(I) Definition and composition