Pressure tanks are vital to the ongoing industrial and manufacturing processes that keep the overall economy moving. This essential role makes their procurement a key factor in many projects and thus it is even more crucial to consider all aspects of their fabrication. Of primary importance in fabrication material selection is material costs, the expertise of both the material and the resulting fabrication, and the delivery of the final product to the location. While there are different materials that can be applicable for a range of settings and projects, only the right selection will provide the stability and the longevity of the vessel that fits your specific project requirements.
Three Important Considerations
There are three top considerations when selecting a material for a pressure or tank vessel.
- Fabrication and Material Costs
- Expertise Required
- Transportation and Delivery of the Fabricated Vessel
Fabrication and Material Costs
Of the three considerations listed, the most obvious is that of the cost of materials. However beyond just the specific monetary amount of the material, the actual physical fabrication of the material must be a considered factor. Some materials are easier to manipulate and thus fabricate than others, thereby resulting in a significant cost differential.
Expertise Required
As previously mentioned, each material employed in pressure vessel and or tank construction allow for varying degrees of difficulty. Additionally, each material requires its own specialized expertise or technique to ensure the overall quality and reliability of the resulting fabrication. Since each fabrication project has its own unique aspects and requirements as well, the expertise required to successfully fabricate the material into the desired end result must be a top consideration.
Transportation and Delivery
Transportation from the fabrication facility to the project site is significantly affected by the material of the vessel. Larger, heavier vessels require specialized transportation thus increasing the costs, beyond that of fabrication. Material selection must take into consideration the logistics involved in not only the fabrication of the vessel, the expertise required for fabrication but also in the ultimate delivery of the vessel.
The material selection of a pressure vessel or tank, regardless of scale, must appropriately address these three considerations in order to avoid potential problems, delays and any future issues. Only a qualified and experienced fabricator can properly manage these considerations, thus resulting in a successful project.