Steel water tanks provide safe and reliable solutions for storing water and various liquids, meeting high hygiene standards and making them ideal for multiple industries, including food processing, pharmaceuticals, municipal water supply, and more. Newinds specializes in supplying steel tanks in a wide range of sizes, materials, and custom fabrications to perfectly match any specific technical requirements. Read the article below to learn more about the types of steel tanks we offer.
What is a Steel Water Tank?
A steel water tank is a storage vessel fabricated primarily from steel materials (such as carbon steel, hot-dip galvanized steel, or stainless steel). Due to its exceptional durability and hygiene performance, it is widely used for storing potable water, process liquids, food-grade products, and other fluids.
Technical Specifications
- Capacity: From 1 m³ to over 6,000,000 gallons (~22,700 m³), fully customizable to meet project needs.
- Common Shapes: Bolted panel (modular), vertical cylindrical, horizontal cylindrical, rectangular.
- Installation Locations: Above-ground, underground, elevated (tower-mounted).
- Pressure Design: Atmospheric (standard for static water storage) or pressurized (up to specific ratings).
- Expected Lifespan: 30–50 years for stainless steel; 20–50 years for galvanized steel (depending on environmental conditions).
Comparison Between Stainless Steel Tank and Galvanised Steel Tank
| Technical Specification | Stainless Steel Tank (304/316/316L) | Galvanized Steel Tank (Hot-dip Galvanized) |
| Primary Material | SUS304, SUS316, SUS316L (food-grade) | Carbon steel + hot-dip galvanized coating (G90, G115, G145, G550) |
| Panel Thickness | 1.2 – 6 mm (typically 2–4 mm for modular types) | 4 – 18 mm (commonly 5–12 mm depending on height & capacity) |
| Protective Coating | Natural passivation layer, optional mirror polish/2B/BA finish | Zinc coating ≥275–600 g/m² (per ISO 1461) |
| Standard Panel Sizes |
1000×1000 mm, 1000×500 mm, 500×500 mm, 1.22×1.22 m | 1×1 m, 1.22×1.22 m, 1×0.5 m, 1×1.5 m, 1×2 m |
| Assembly Method | TIG/Argon-arc welding (welded) or bolted with seals | Bolted (high-strength bolts) + EPDM/food-grade gaskets |
| Corrosion Resistance | Excellent (especially 316/316L in chlorinated or mildly acidic environments) | Good (sacrificial zinc layer); liner recommended for potable water |
| Initial Cost | Higher | Lower to medium |
| Primary Applications | Potable water, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, clean water treatment | Domestic water, fire protection, irrigation, general industrial use |
Key Standards Applied to Steel Water Tanks
- AWWA D103 (Factory-Coated Bolted Carbon Steel Tanks) – The most widely used standard for bolted steel tanks in potable water storage (latest version: 2019).
- AWWA D100 – For welded carbon steel tanks (USA).
- BS 1564 / BS 2594 – Steel sectional water tanks (UK).
- NSF/ANSI 61 – Critical certification for drinking water safety (essential for stainless steel tanks).
- ASME Section VIII – For high-pressure vessels.
- API 12B – Bolted tanks for industrial applications (oil & gas, water).
- API 650 – Welded steel tanks for large-scale industrial use.
- ISO 1461 – Standard for hot-dip galvanizing of galvanized steel.
For steel tanks exported to specific markets, it is essential to comply with local regulations and standards from design through final commissioning.
Outstanding Benefits of Steel Water Tanks
- High Durability and Load-Bearing Capacity: Steel offers significantly greater strength than plastic or other materials, ensuring stable performance even in harsh weather conditions.
- Superior Corrosion and Rust Resistance: Stainless steel tanks provide outstanding protection against corrosion and rust, even when storing liquids with high pH or chlorine content.
- Hygiene and Safety Compliance: Non-porous surfaces prevent algae, bacteria, or mold growth (unlike concrete tanks). Stainless steel tanks deliver the highest hygiene levels.
- Flexible Customization: Most steel tank manufacturers offer fully custom designs, including diverse sizes, capacities, shapes, and installation options.
- Low Maintenance Costs: Routine inspections and cleaning 2–3 times per year are sufficient to maintain optimal performance and hygiene.
Choose Your Steel Tank Manufacturer
With over 18 years of experience, Newinds has partnered with hundreds of clients worldwide, primarily in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada, the EU, the UK, and beyond. We deliver efficient custom steel tank fabrication at the most competitive costs.
If you are looking for a steel water tank tailored to your specific project, please provide details such as required capacity, installation location, type of liquid to be stored, and operating environment. We will provide expert consultation, detailed technical data sheets, and the most suitable metal fabrication solution.