What is the Meaning of the FRP Tank?

08 Sep.,2025

 

What is the Meaning of the FRP Tank?

Meaning of the FRP Tank

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Fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks have become an increasingly popular choice across industries, from water and wastewater treatment, chemical processing, oil & gas extraction, to waste treatment. FRP tanks offer several benefits compared with traditional steel tanks: corrosion-resistance, durability and cost efficiency among them. In this guest blog post we will look into Meaning of the FRP tank, its advantages as an option and its various applications.

What is the Meaning of the FRP Tank?

FRP tanks are composed of a composite material composed of fiberglass and resin. The fiberglass provides strength while resin acts as a binding agent between fibers. Together they produce a lightweight and highly corrosion-resistant material known as FRP (fiber-reinforced plastic). FRP is an umbrella term covering numerous composites including glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) and fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP).

FRP tanks are designed to store a range of materials, such as water, chemicals, and hazardous waste. Available in cylindrical, rectangular, and square shapes and sizes for easy use, FRP tanks can also be customized to meet specific requirements such as baffle installation or specific coating applications.

Benefits or Why is FRP Tank Used:

FRP tanks have many advantages compared to traditional steel tanks.

1. Better Corrosion Resistance

These tanks are built to endure exposure to corrosive substances and conditions and are highly corrosion resistant. As a result, they are the perfect choice for sectors such as chemical processing or water/waste water treatment that demand high levels of corrosion resistance.

2. Lightweight: 

FRP tanks are lightweight, making them easier to install and transport, as well as needing less support structures than their steel counterparts – ultimately helping reduce construction costs.

3. Highly Durable: 

FRP tanks are known for being highly durable, boasting long service lives that can withstand extreme temperatures while being resistant to impact damage and abrasion – qualities which make them the perfect choice for industries requiring high levels of durability, such as oil and gas.

4. Cost-Effective: 

FRP tanks can be extremely cost-effective. Although initial costs may be higher than traditional steel tanks, their reduced maintenance needs and extended service lives make for significant long-term cost savings that add up over the lifetime of a FRP tank.

Application of FRP Tanks

FRP tanks have applications across numerous industries, from water and wastewater treatment, chemical processing, oil & gas extraction and power generation. In these fields, FRP tanks may be used to store chemicals like chlorine and sodium hydroxide as well as treating wastewater.

FRP tanks are widely utilized in chemical processing to store and transport acidic and alkaline chemicals as well as mix or blend different ones together, mixing and blending different combinations into solution. Furthermore, these FRP tanks may also be utilized in the production of plastics and synthetic materials.

FRP tanks are widely utilized within the oil and gas industries for storage and transport of crude oil and other petroleum products, production of natural gas, as well as treating produced water.

FRP tanks are widely utilized within power generation for storing and transporting chemicals such as ammonia and hydrochloric acid as well as treating cooling water.

Types of FRP Tank

There are several types of FRP tanks available on the market, including:

1. Vertical FRP tanks

Vertical FRP tanks are tall cylindrical containers designed for storing liquids like water, chemicals and oils – ideal for applications where floor space is at a premium.

2. Horizontal FRP tanks

These low-profile, wide tanks with low walls make ideal containers for liquids that tend to spill, such as chemicals and fuels. 

3. Cone bottom FRP tanks

These tanks feature a conical bottom for easy draining and cleaning. They are commonly used for mixing, blending, and processing liquids. 

4. Flat bottom FRP tanks

These flat-bottom FRP tanks can store liquids that do not settle or sediment easily. 5. Rectangular FRP tanks

5. Rectangular FRP tanks 

They’re typically used when space is at a premium or for applications where fitting the tank into a certain area is key.

6. Open-top FRP tanks 

Used to store liquids that require constant stirring such as chemicals and food products.

7. Closed-top FRP tanks

These tanks are typically used to store liquids that require little mixing or stirring, such as water and fuels.

If you want to learn more, please visit our website FRP Tank Manufacturers.

Each type of FRP tank offers unique advantages and drawbacks; therefore, it’s essential that your application’s specific needs and requirements be taken into consideration before selecting an ideal model of FRP tank.

What is the Thickness of FRP Tanks?

FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) tanks vary greatly in terms of their size, shape and intended use. Generally speaking, FRP tanks feature wall thickness ranging from 3mm to 25mm (0.12 inches to 1 inch). As tank capacity increases, wall thickness generally also does; but exact requirements depend on several factors including chemical concentration of stored material as well as temperature/pressure conditions/mechanical stress potential of each application – thus it’s wise to consult a qualified engineer/manufacturer before choosing any FRP tank option! For best results it is wise to consult a qualified engineer/manufacturer in order to identify an appropriate thickness for specific FRP tank application.

What is the Maximum Height of FRP Tank?

The maximum height of an FRP tank depends on a variety of factors, including its diameter, wall thickness and materials used during its construction.

FRP tanks can generally be designed with heights up to 30 meters (100 feet); this will depend on their particular application and design needs.

For best results in selecting an FRP tank height suitable to any given application, it is advisable to seek advice from an experienced manufacturer or engineer of FRP tanks who can assess your individual requirements and help in setting design parameters that fulfill them.

What is FRP vs PVDF tank?

FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) and PVDF (Polyvinylidene Fluoride) are popular materials used in tank manufacturing.

FRP tanks are created by reinforcing plastic with glass fibers to form a lightweight yet durable material that’s resistant to corrosion, impact and temperature changes. FRP tanks are often used for storage of chemicals, water or other liquids.

PVDF tanks, on the other hand, are made up of thermoplastic polymers with excellent chemical and UV radiation resistance as well as temperature change regulation properties – making these storage containers an excellent way to safely store aggressive chemicals such as acids and alkalis.

FRP and PVDF tanks each offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, and selecting one ultimately depends on your application needs. FRP tanks tend to be cheaper and easier to install while PVDF tanks offer greater chemical resistance for more aggressive uses. When selecting a material for storage purposes it is important to take into account properties, type of liquid being stored, operating conditions and material properties when making this choice.

FRP Tank Manufacturer:

As you know we explained the meaning of the FRP tank, now you are looking for a FRP tank manufacturer, it is vital that you choose one with experience in the industry and can produce high-quality products that adhere to industry standards and customer specifications. An established FRP tank maker should have an impressive track record in meeting such demands while exceeding them.

Manufacturers should seek the assistance of experienced engineers when developing custom tanks to meet specific customer requirements. Furthermore, cutting-edge technologies and manufacturing techniques should be utilized in producing tanks of the highest quality.

Crosslinked Polyethylene Vs. Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic Tanks

Purchasing a high-performance chemical storage tank is a significant investment for your company, and choosing the right tank for your needs isn’t always an easy decision. If you’re deciding between a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tank and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) tank, be sure you understand the differences between them and know what to expect in terms of cost, maintenance, service, delivery times, and protection.

FRP tanks are coated with an interior chemical resin. Their structural layer is composed of chopped glass fiber or filament-wound fibers and resin. XLPE is a thermoset resin specifically engineered for critical applications like chemical storage.

Let’s explore seven important benefits of XLPE over FRP chemical tank systems. Evaluate these benefits thoughtfully as you select your next chemical storage tank system.

XLPE Offers Seamless Construction for Greater Strength

Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic tanks are filament-wound or hand laid up. Fibers are intertwined into a nexus veil that is wound onto a spool. In this spool, the fibers create a fiberglass layer with added resin, which keeps them bound together. Fiberglass tanks are constructed with seams (due to the winding).

This method of manufacturing inherently creates the opportunity for weak points that are vulnerable to leaks. In addition, FRP tank manufacturers  add the top and bottom of the tank post-production, further increasing the risk of leaks.

Conversely, crosslinked polyethylene tanks are rotationally molded, producing a one-piece construction with no vulnerable seams. As opposed to fiberglass tanks, rotationally molded tanks are a homogenous, one-layer construction. This one layer construction eliminates potential weak spots in the tank structure and eliminates wicking or delamination that can occur from chemical attack or poor construction.

Chemical Wicking into the Tank’s Walls

Because of the structure of fiberglass, harsh chemicals can wick into fiberglass tank walls over time, compromising the tank life. Eventually, the chemical resin barrier on the interior wall can be compromised, and the chemical can make its way into the structural area of the tank. This structural area usually isn’t designed to provide the chemical compatibility that the interior resin provides. As a result, the fibers can begin to break down, and eventually, the tank fails.

While there are repairs that you can sometimes make, they’re usually only temporary. Eventually you will need to replace your fiberglass tank.

That’s one of the reasons that most fiberglass tanks don’t have the same warranty Poly Processing provides for our corrosion resistant tanks. Even the harshest chemicals can’t seep into high-density crosslinked polyethylene tank walls.

Cost of Tank Ownership

Fiberglass tanks are more costly than crosslinked polyethylene tanks, sometimes three to five times more. Delivery times can be three to four times longer as well. FRP storage tanks have a higher upfront cost in general, and the lifetime cost of ownership is higher. FRP tanks require more maintenance than crosslinked polyethylene tanks, costing you time, resources and money.

Because FRP tanks are painted or have a gel coat on the outside of the tanks, they need to be recoated on occasion. This is especially true for outdoor tanks because the fiberglass requires UV protection to prevent additional wear. XLPE tanks never need to be painted or coated, because the entire wall has UV additives throughout the tank.

Special Handling Considerations

Fiberglass tanks are inflexible, which makes them vulnerable to cracking. Extreme care must be taken anytime you move an FRP tank, especially during installation. As a result, these tanks often sit on a special wicking mat so that any leaks in the bottom of the tank can be easily seen as the chemical spreads throughout the mat.

Crosslinked polyethylene tanks are much more durable, and can easily be moved at any time. In fact, our durability testing drops filled tanks from as high as 45 feet above the ground—without splitting or leak leaking.

Molded Tank Fittings vs. Traditional Attachments

All FRP fittings are added onto the tank after production, which creates the opportunity for leaks at the attachment point. Poly Processing’s IMFO® (Integrally Molded Flanged Outlet®) fitting prevents this problem because the fitting is integrally molded into the tank itself. It’s not an attachment, but a single part of the chemical tank. This innovation removes potential stress points and allows no opportunities for leaks.

NSF/ANSI 61 System Certification

Poly Processing is committed to ensuring that our polyethylene chemical storage systems meet industry standards and are NSF/ANSI 61 certified. In fact, among chemical storage tank manufacturers, Poly Processing is the only one with a complete chemical storage tank system that is NSF/ANSI-61 certified. Currently, we have NSF 61 Certification for 38 of the most popular water treatment chemicals on our XLPE tank systems. Additionally, our certifications cover XLPE tanks with the OR-® System.

Most FRP tanks hold the basic NSF/ANSI 61 certification for only one specific application, potable water.

Delivery Lead Times

We know that delivery times are critical to our customers. That's why we work diligently to ship every order within 8-12 weeks. Most FRP tank manufacturers and poly tank manufacturers are giving their customers a 24-40 week shipping window based on lack of raw material sourcing, Covid-19, etc. At Poly Processing Company, we can deliver your product in one third of that time.

Before you order an FRP tank, make sure the manufacturer gives you the price and the lead time up front. Otherwise you could be in for a rude awakening.

Trusted, consistent, and expeditious, Poly Processing’s rotationally molded crosslinked tanks are by far the toughest polyethylene tanks offered to the chemical market. With our 6-8 week delivery window, we strive to deliver peace of mind and an ease of business to each and every customer.

Learn more about FRP, XLPE and the wide range of other tank options in our tank buying guide.

Are you interested in learning more about FRP Flange? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!