Horizontal FRP Vessel

1. Basic Concepts and Definitions

Fiberglass horizontal storage tanks are made of glass fiber reinforced plastic and installed with their main axis parallel to the ground . They are typically manufactured as a single unit in the factory and then transported to the site for installation and use. The main manufacturing process involves fixed-length winding combined with hand lay-up to produce end caps and installation accessories.

2. Structural design features

Tank body :

Cylinder : Typically manufactured using a winding process, primarily circumferential winding, to provide circumferential strength against internal pressure. Axial strength is provided by the superposition effect of multiple layers of cross-winding or circumferential winding.

Heads : Typically elliptical or dished heads . This streamlined design facilitates stress distribution and provides significantly better pressure resistance than flat heads. Heads are mostly produced by hand lay-up or compression molding.

Support system : This is one of the most critical components of a horizontal storage tank.

Saddle bearing : the most commonly used type of support, usually consisting of two bearings.

Fixed end support : One of the support has round bolt holes to secure it completely.

Sliding end support : The anchor bolt holes of the other support are elongated holes, which allow the storage tank to expand and contract with temperature changes, preventing excessive thermal stress.

Outrigger support : Used for small storage tanks.

Skirt support : Less common, used in specific working conditions.

Accessories such as manholes, feed inlets, discharge outlets, vents, level gauge ports, and cleaning ports are typically located at the top and bottom of the tank.

Because it is horizontal, the selection and installation of level gauges (such as magnetic float level gauges) are very convenient.

3. Main features and advantages

1. Good pressure resistance : Due to its cylindrical structure and elliptical head design, horizontal storage tanks are generally more suitable for use as pressure vessels (such as pressurized storage and reaction processes) than vertical storage tanks of the same volume.

2. Small footprint and low height : Ideal for installation indoors or in spaces with limited height.

3. Thorough material discharge : By rationally designing the outlet location and tank slope, almost no dead corners can be emptied, making it particularly suitable for viscous materials or materials that require complete discharge.

4. Easy to maintain and observe : Due to its low height, the manholes, valves and instruments at the top are easily accessible for operation and maintenance.

5. Possesses the general advantages of fiberglass : corrosion resistance, long service life, light weight, and easy cleaning.

4. Comparison with vertical storage tanks

5. Application Areas

The unique shape and structure of horizontal storage tanks make them particularly common in the following fields:

Chemical process flow : as a pressurized or atmospheric pressure intermediate process tank , reaction tank, or temporary storage tank.

Environmental water treatment : PAC/PAM and other reagent storage tanks , pressure water storage tanks for filtration systems.

Food brewing : fermentation tanks, liquid preparation tanks, saccharification tanks.

Transportation and transshipment : It serves as a fixed receiving or distributing tank , docking with tank trucks.

**HVAC system**: Expansion tank, water storage tank.

6. Summary

Fiberglass horizontal storage tanks are an extremely important and flexible solution for process industries and small- to medium-sized storage applications. They perfectly combine the corrosion resistance of fiberglass with the advantages of horizontal containers in terms of pressure resistance, venting, and space utilization.

For standardized needs, factory-manufactured standard products can be selected; for special working conditions, non-standard customized design and production are required.

Fiberglass Horizontal Container

● Horizontal containers are mostly cylindrical with ellipsoidal end caps. When used as truck tankers, they can be machined into elliptical shapes.

● Horizontal containers are mostly used for overhead applications. When used for underground applications, specific designs are required based on the burial depth and installation requirements .

● Horizontal vessel supports are called saddle supports. They are mostly made of steel, but FRP ( fiberglass reinforced plastic) can also be used. The saddle wrap angle is 180 °, overcoming the shearing effect of the saddle on the vessel. They are safe and reliable to use. When the customer provides their own concrete saddles, the saddle span must meet the design requirements.

● When installing the container, soft material should be placed between the horizontal saddle and the tank wall.

Container Specifications Table: