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  • Writer's picturePlasTech Services Inc.

Fiberglass Tanks: Repair or Replace?

Updated: Jan 18, 2023


Professional Fiberglass Tank repair and maintenance is an ongoing need in the industrial industry. Fiberglass Tanks are known for their chemical resistance and durability. When we repaired a Fiberglass Tank at the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant in Maryland, the tank surpassed its 20-year life span and was 30 years old!


WHERE ARE FIBERGLASS TANKS UTILIZED?

Fiberglass Tanks (FRP Tanks) are used in Chemical Manufacturing Facilities, Chemical Processing buildings, Water Treatment Facilities, Waste Water Treatment Plants, Dairy Farms, Oil and Gas rigs, Pulp and Paper Manufacturing Facilities, and dozens of commercial and industrial operations.


WHAT MATERIALS ARE USED IN FIBERGLASS TANK REPAIR AND RELINES?

PlasTech Services use industry-specific raw materials to combat the corrosive products stored in fiberglass tanks. Without proper maintenance, these storage containers will reach critical failure and lose their containment integrity.


However, our field service crews are equipped with industry-critical materials that drive sustainability for tank repair and relines: polyester, vinyl ester, epoxy resins, fiberglass chopped strand, Nexus/veil surfacing material, and carbon veil laminates.


In many cases, a failing fiberglass tank maintains its structural integrity and therefore can be serviced and repaired, resulting in decreased downtime, cost savings, and facility sustainability.


HOW ARE FIBERGLASS MATERIALS USED IN TANK REPAIR AND RELINES?

When it comes to tanks, we can perform:

  • Internal Fiberglass Tank Repairs

  • External Fiberglass Tank Repairs

  • Fiberglass Tank Relines

  • Fiberglass Tank Repair Patch

  • Fiberglass Tank Modifications

  • Fiberglass Tanker Trailer Services

  • Fiberglass Tank Nozzle Repair & Replacement

  • Fiberglass Tank Manway fabrication and Repair

  • Fiberglass Tank Manway Box Repair

  • Fiberglass Tank Color Match for Repairs

  • Fiberglass Tank Flange Repair

  • Fiberglass Tank Inspections

We can service the outside of the tank or drain the tank of its materials and perform a reline on the inside of the tank. We can also make field modifications to existing tank structures and fiberglass piping systems.


We can also perform mobile FRP Tank Trailer relines for chemical delivery companies. We were thrilled to have one customer from Michigan and Texas referred to our company by a DOT Tank Inspector in Lancaster, PA. He told them, "I have never seen a tank reline this good."

Fiberglass Tanker Trailer Reline and Repair
Fiberglass (FRP) Tanker Trailer Reline

SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE MY FIBERGLASS TANK?

Maintenance managers and Process Engineers make calculated decisions when deciding to repair or replace their fiberglass tank. In some cases, repairing and relining the tank equals in cost of a new tank, enticing the purchase a new tank. After all, why not purchase a new tank that lasts 20 years rather than a tank that needs relined and repaired every five years?


Importantly, even new tanks will need to be serviced and relined from the effect of the corrosive chemicals. So, it's essential to know that as long as the tank maintains structural integrity, it can be serviced and repaired.


Furthermore, project managers must consider:

  • Production Downtime Costs

  • Crane Rental Costs

  • Crew Safety

  • Logistical Management and critical scheduling demands

  • Installation risks

  • Tank removal costs

  • Supply chain-related delays

Fiberglass Tanks
Large Fiberglass Tanks

CASE STUDY: Water and Wastewater treatment Chemistry Customer repaired several tanks and replaced one. What was the result?


One of our customers requested our field service crew to reline and repair several 80,000-gallon fiberglass tanks at their Chemical Processing facility.


Our team responded and relined several of their tanks. However, they decided to replace one of their tanks and experienced a costly logistical challenge. They had to remove the roof, ship the tank to their location, and rent a crane for installation. Unfortunately, the tank was cracked and damaged during installation. They called the Tank Manufacturer and Tank Installation company, who in turn called PlasTech as an authorized service provider, and our emergency field technicians responded to repair the newly installed tank.


In the long run, the new tank installation had a higher risk, more extended downtime, and was less cost-effective. Additionally, the new tank will need future maintenance due to the effects of the corrosive chemicals.


In some instances, a tank replacement is a right decision. However, project managers must consider the logistical and risk aspects of the tank replacement. While a tank replacement may be just as cost-effective as a tank reline, a tank reline can make an existing tank just as functional as a new one.


WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT MY FIBERGLASS TANK?

We suggest contacting our specialty trade division and requesting a free inspection and quote for your fiberglass tank reline and repair. Please click the link below to contact us:


You can also call us at 410-737-4700 or email us at quote@plastechservices.com.

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