Fibreglass Tanks for Agriculture

The versatility and durability of fibreglass tanks for agriculture mean it has multiple uses including:

• Storage tanks
• Silos for grain, liquids or animal feed
• Feeding troughs and water troughs
• Poultry and meat processing
• Sludge drying beds
• Cooling Towers
• Barns and Loafing sheds

The advantage of fibreglass over steel is that it doesn’t corrode or rust and it can withstand the elements. Also fibreglass can be manufactured to specific food grades.

Concrete, on the other hand is extremely rigid and porous, making it susceptible to ground movements and acidity. Fibreglass is rigid enough to be able to hold substantial loads, yet flexible enough to not to tear/crack with, for example, ground movement.

Southern Oil (Swellendam, South Africa) – Fibreglass Projects designed a 5m high 30,000 litre cylindrical storage tank that is being used in the production of canola oil. The fluid in the tank would be at a constant heat of between 60-80 degrees Celsius with a high acidity. The mould was built using a CAD design with the mould then built with wood, shaped by a CNC machine. A detailed analysis was carried out to determine the correct fibreglass stitching lay-up and thickness of each part of the tank to ensure both tensile strength and rigidity. Finally, a vinyl ester resin was used to accommodate the high temperatures and the acidity. The flanges were manufactured to specification and cut into the cylindrical tank