What is the lifespan of a Fiberglass Tank?
FTS fuel tanks include a standard 30 year Limited Warranty, and most FTS water tanks include a 1 year Limited Warranty. The tank warranty is not an expiration date – a properly installed and maintained FTS-supplied tank storing products as described in the original tank warranty may provide useful service well past the warranty period. Some fiberglass tanks that have been in service for 50+ years have shown no visible wear and tear.
What is the anti-flotation design?
For tank projects in areas with a high water table, FTS offers both prefabricated concrete and fiberglass secondary anchorage systems (“deadmen”). The deadmen are efficient because the weight of the backfill above the deadmen provides additional overburden to hold down the tank if the tank is empty in high water conditions. Combined with hold-down straps, turnbuckles, and anchor points, the anti-flotation design using deadmen is the preferred option for most installations where there is a concern about flotation. The IMOG also describes an anchoring system involving casting a concrete slab (designed by others) at the excavation that is installed under the tank (the slab is then covered by 12” of Primary Backfill bedding material). Refer to the Installation Manual for more information on anchor slabs.
What is a suitable backfill material?
The Installation Manual describes “Primary Backfill Materials” of a certain size and grading, commonly referred to as “pea gravel” and “crushed stone”. Proper backfill materials, like pea gravel or crushed stone, provide support and protect the tank from external pressures. The right choice ensures the tank’s longevity and performance which can be found in our IMOG.
Can you use sand as a backfill material?
Sand cannot be used as Primary Backfill. Sand can be used as Secondary Backfill material if compacted properly. It’s important because improper backfill can lead to tank damage, failure, or a floating tank. Refer to the Primary Backfill and Secondary Backfill requirements shown in the Installation Manual.
What is a typical top slab design?
A typical top slab design involves reinforced concrete that is at least 6” thick and the width and length extend past the tank footprint at least 12” in both directions. A top slab protects the tank from external loads and may be required in areas with H-20/HS-20 (normal highway traffic).
How do these tanks stay in the ground?
Tanks stay in the ground through the soil column weight directly above the tank and anti-flotation systems, following FTS’s IMOG, and proper backfill material. This ensures they remain stable and functional over time.
What sizes are your tanks?
All our tanks are custom-built from diameters of 4’, 6′, 8′, 10′, & 12’ and dimensions tailored to specific needs. Volumes on a single tank can range from 500-60,000 gallons. Tanks can also be manifolded together to get an unlimited nominal storage capacity. Knowing the size is important for fitting the tank to the intended application.
What is the minimum/maximum bury depth?
The maximum burial depth for our standard tank is 7 feet, when measured from the top of the tank to finished grade. By special order, tanks can be designed for deeper burials. The minimum burial depth depends on several factors, including the presence or absence of water in the excavation and/or standard highway vehicle traffic in the area, along with requirements for the particular application/product being stored. Refer to the Installation Manual for more information on minimum burial depths.
How does a fiberglass tank compare to other materials?
Fiberglass tanks offer superior corrosion resistance and durability compared to steel, concrete, or other materials, making them ideal for long-term storage. FRP tanks are 100% watertight, light weight, and non-corrosive compared to other materials
How do you install a fiberglass UST?
- Installation involves specific guidelines for bedding, anchoring, and backfilling. Proper installation is critical for the tank’s performance and longevity.
- It is required that you follow the FTS (IMOG) Installation Manual and Operating Guidelines for the entire tank installation.
How to offload tank, equipment, and deadman?
How much does the deadman system weigh?
When to put water in the tanks?
If there is no water in the excavation during the installation process, do not ever add water to the tanks until the backfill level outside of the tank is at the same elevation as the top of the tank – it is considered best practice to add ballast water to the tanks after the backfill level is at the same elevation as the top of the tank, with or without the use of deadmen. If there is water in the excavation during the installation process, follow the instructions in the IMOG for a “wet hole” installation.
Are these tanks H-20 traffic rated?
Yes, but the burial depth requirements described in the Installation Manual must be followed. In traffic areas (defined as “normal highway traffic” or “H-20/HS-20 traffic rating”), the Installation Manual describes scenarios for burial depths with/without a concrete slab at finished grade.
Can you put a pumphouse on top of a fiberglass tank?
Normally, a pumphouse is a small structure – less than 300 pounds per square foot – that is placed above the tank (on top of backfill and/or a concrete slab at grade), and that is not a problem for the tank. Placing a pumphouse in contact with the tank is not allowed.
Can you put a fiberglass tank under a building?
Tanks should be placed away from the footings of a large building as described in the Installation Manual. Normally, the tank should not be placed within a 45-degree angle drawn from the base of a large building footing; refer to the IMOG for more information and diagrams.
Are these FRP tanks corrosion-resistant?
Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) tanks are highly resistant to corrosion and 100% watertight, which is crucial for preventing internal and external leaks while ensuring environmental safety.