Deutsch Filament Winding technology
SILOTANK have introduced the first 3 Axis Filament
Winding Technology in the UK and Ireland.
The process by which our fiberglass tanks are manufactured speaks volumes
about their quality, integrity, safety and longevity.
Our
tanks are made on steel moulds from the inside out. Steel moulds provide
us with a firm and consistent surface upon which we apply materials to
make our tanks. The rotation of the mandrel and the application of the
materials are controlled by a computer. As the mandrel rotates, resin,
glass are precisely metered onto the mandrel. The result is a closely
controlled process and a very consistent tank wall composition and thickness.
After the tank wall is made, its thickness is precisely determined. An
instrument that magnetically senses the metal mould surface through the
fiberglass reinforced plastic laminate is used to accurately measure the
thickness of the laminate at many points all over the surface of the tank
wall. This method of thickness measurement with a metal mould is quick,
easy and more exact than the ultrasonic methods used by other manufacturers.
Stronger tanks, inside and out:
The inside-out approach to building the tank wall has some other advantages
as well. The first layer of materials forms the inside surface of the
tank. Because of the smooth steel mould, the inside surface of the tank
is very smooth and free of surface variations. The inside surface is not
exposed to air as it cures, which eliminates the air inhibited surface
cure problems sometimes associated with other methods. The result is a
well-cured and very smooth tank interior surface.
By applying materials to the outside of the tank, we can easily add additional
thickness, reinforcing ribs, filament winding glass in tension, glass
woven roving, glass mat, or any other materials in specific locations
on the tank wall. With this capability, we use the most efficient materials
in the most efficient locations to meet the design requirements of the
finished tank. Additional wall thickness is added exactly where it is
needed. Ribs are applied in optimal locations, made in the most efficient
shapes, and constructed of the most efficient reinforcing materials. If
a different rib shape or height or location would be better, the form
or the location of the rib can be changed. If the rib form shape was a
part of the mandrel, these changes could not be made without changing
the mandrel itself.
Our laminate has been thoroughly tested to meet the requirements of BS4994-1987.
Additional long-term corrosion testing continues with our Research and
Development Partners. This results in data that can be used to accurately
predict the long-term properties needed for accurate tank designs.
Range of mould sizes: 1.0 metre, 1.7 metre, 3.0 metres, 3.5 metres, 4.0
metres and 4.5 metres