GFS Process Water Tanks: Durable, Corrosion-Resistant Solutions by Center Enamel

In industrial and municipal water management systems, the quality and reliability of storage tanks are vital to operations. Process water tanks play an integral role in storing, treating, and distributing water used in various processes such as manufacturing, chemical processing, power generation, and wastewater treatment. Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) process water tanks from Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) offer unmatched performance, durability, and safety for these demanding applications. This article provides a comprehensive overview of GFS process water tanks, exploring the technology, advantages, applications, manufacturing excellence, and Center Enamel’s market leadership.

As a leading storage tank manufacturer worldwide. Center Enamel can provide Glass Lined Steel(GLS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs, Wastewater and Biogas Project Equipments for global customers.

WasteWater Treatment Project Equipment Supply

Understanding Process Water and Its Storage Needs

Process water refers to water used in industrial processes that often requires treatment, storage, or recycling. It may vary in quality—from potable water for food and beverage industries to chemically treated or recycled water used in manufacturing or cooling systems. These water regimes often pose challenges such as exposure to aggressive chemicals, fluctuating temperatures, and contamination risks.

Given these diverse and often harsh conditions, process water storage tanks need to exhibit:

• Superior corrosion resistance to withstand aggressive chemicals and varying pH levels.
• Structural strength to handle large volumes and external environmental stresses.
• Hygienic surfaces to prevent contamination and biofilm formation.
• Flexibility in size and installation to adapt to facility needs.
• Longevity and low maintenance for cost-efficient operations.

What Are Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Process Water Tanks?

Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are composite storage tanks manufactured by fusing a specially formulated glass enamel coating to steel panels at high temperatures between 820°C and 930°C. This process creates a robust, chemically inert, and non-porous barrier on both the interior and exterior steel surfaces.

The result is a composite tank that combines the mechanical strength and flexibility of steel with the exceptional corrosion resistance and hygiene of glass. Modular bolted construction enables ease of assembly, disassembly, and scalability suitable for industrial settings.

Technical Advantages of GFS Process Water Tanks

• Outstanding Corrosion Resistance: The fused glass coating protects against acids, alkalis, chlorides, and other corrosive chemicals often present in process water. Tanks maintain integrity and service life well beyond conventional painted or epoxy-coated steel and concrete tanks.
• Superior Mechanical Strength: The structural steel core can support large tank volumes, resist impacts, and absorb environmental stresses such as wind and seismic activity.
• Smooth, Hygienic Surface: The glass surface resists bacterial growth, scaling, staining, and biofilm formation, making it suitable for potable or food-grade water as well as industrial water needing strict hygiene.
• Water and Gas Impermeability: The glass envelope forms a liquid- and vapor-tight barrier, minimizing risk of leaks, contamination, and environmental hazards.
• Easy Maintenance: The durable, non-porous surface simplifies cleaning. GFS tanks typically do not require repainting or recoating.
• Longevity: With a service life exceeding 30 years, these tanks offer excellent long-term value with minimal repair costs.
• Flexible Installation: Bolted panel design supports quick on-site assembly without heavy welding equipment or skilled labor, reducing project timelines and costs.
• Customizable: Color finishes, tank shapes, sizes, roof types, and accessories like ladders and platforms can be tailored to project and site specifications.
• Certified Quality: Center Enamel’s tanks meet ISO 9001, NSF61, EN1090, ISO28765, WRAS, FM, LFGB, BSCI, OSHA, and AWWA D103-09 standards ensuring international acceptance and safety.

Material Composition and Manufacturing Process

• Steel Substrate: Hot-rolled steel plates with thickness typically from 3 to 10 mm, prepared through degreasing, sandblasting, and surface conditioning for optimal fusion.
• Glass Enamel Coating: A highly refined silicate-based glass is applied to steel surfaces and fused in kilns at temperatures around 850°C. This forms a permanent chemical and mechanical bond, producing a coating thickness from 0.25 to 0.45 mm.
• Double-sided Coating: Both inside and outside surfaces of steel panels are enameled for superior protection against external and internal corrosion.
• Prefabrication: Coated panels are manufactured with precision offsite, then delivered for efficient bolted assembly at project locations.

Applications of GFS Process Water Tanks

• Industrial Process Water Storage: Chemical, petrochemical, and manufacturing plants rely on GFS tanks for safe, contamination-free storage of raw or treated process water.
• Municipal and Commercial Water Systems: For potable water storage, fire suppression reserves, and irrigation water management.
• Wastewater Treatment Plants: Use of GFS tanks in intermediate storage, aeration basins, and treated water reservoirs benefits from corrosion resistance to harsh water chemistries.
• Food and Beverage Industry: Food-grade GFS tanks store process water meeting stringent hygiene requirements critical for beverages and food manufacturing.
• Power Generation: Cooling water and boiler feedwater storage tanks must resist thermal cycling and chemical additives — a strength of GFS tanks.

Why Center Enamel’s GFS Process Water Tanks Lead the Market

• Industry Pioneers: First in China to develop double-sided enameling technology for hot-rolled steel, setting benchmarks in durability and scale.
• Robust Quality System: ISO 9001 certified with additional international certifications (NSF61, WRAS, EN1090, LFGB), ensuring adherence to strict global standards.
• Global Reach: Exported tanks to over 100 countries with documented installations in highly regulated markets like the USA, Europe, Australia, Canada, and more.
• Scale and Capacity: Fabricated the largest bolted GFS tanks up to 32,000 m³ volume and heights exceeding 34 meters, demonstrating capability for high-demand industrial projects.
• Integrated Services: From design through R&D, manufacturing, logistics, installation, commissioning, and after-sales technical support, Center Enamel provides complete project lifecycle solutions.
• Innovations and Patents: Near 200 patents in enameling and tank technology, ensuring continuous improvement of corrosion protection and installation efficiency.

Real-World Success Stories

• Installation of large-scale potable water storage tanks for municipal water supply projects, enhancing water security in urban centers.
• Supplying process water tanks in chemical manufacturing plants where corrosive fluids demand superior resistance and safety.
• Partnerships with wastewater treatment facilities requiring durable tanks for reclaimed process water storage with no risk of contamination or leaks.
• Fire protection tanks in industrial parks designed to strict fire code standards, offering reliable water reserves in emergency situations.

Economic and Environmental Benefits

• Lifecycle Cost Savings: Long service life reduces replacement and maintenance expenses.
• Fast, Cost-Effective Installation: Modular design cuts construction time and labor costs.
• Reduced Environmental Impact: Durability and recyclability contribute to sustainability goals.
• Safe Water Storage: Prevents contamination ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations.

Conclusion

Glass-Fused-to-Steel process water tanks from Center Enamel offer the perfect fusion of durability, corrosion resistance, and adaptability for demanding industrial and municipal water storage needs. These tanks ensure reliable, hygienic, and safe containment of process water while minimizing lifecycle costs and maximizing operational uptime.

With decades of manufacturing excellence, extensive international certifications, and proven global installations, Center Enamel is the trusted partner for advanced GFS process water storage solutions that meet the highest standards for performance, safety, and sustainability.