How we Support Custom Oilfield Tank Fabrication Without Delaying Projects

Custom oilfield tank fabrication is often viewed as a tradeoff. Operators assume that when a tank needs to be customized, project timelines will slip, costs will increase, and coordination challenges will grow. In reality, customization does not have to slow a project down when it is handled by an experienced fabricator with proven processes.

At Smith Industries, custom oilfield tank fabrication is approached as a structured, controlled process that integrates engineering, fabrication, coating, and delivery into a single workflow. This approach allows customers to meet site specific requirements without sacrificing schedule certainty or build quality.

This article explains how Smith Industries supports custom oilfield tank fabrication while keeping projects on track from design through installation.

Why Custom Oilfield Tank Fabrication Is Often Necessary

Oil and gas production environments rarely operate under identical conditions. Variations in fluid composition, production volumes, site layout, regulatory requirements, and operating pressures often demand more than a one size fits all tank design.

Common reasons customers request custom oilfield tank fabrication include:

• Space limitations that require adjusted tank dimensions

• Unique separation requirements for oil, water, and gas

• Integration with existing production equipment

• Regional compliance considerations

• Special coating or lining needs based on process fluids

• Modified nozzle locations or connection sizes

While API 12F and 12D standards provide a strong baseline for tank design, real world operating conditions frequently require thoughtful customization to achieve reliable long term performance.

The Risk of Delays in Custom Tank Projects

Customization can introduce delays when fabrication shops lack experience, capacity, or internal coordination. Common issues include incomplete engineering at the start of fabrication, late changes to drawings, misaligned procurement schedules, and rework caused by unclear requirements.

These challenges often result in:

• Extended fabrication timelines

• Increased costs due to rework

• Delivery delays that impact field operations

• Installation challenges once the tank arrives on site

Smith Industries addresses these risks by treating custom oilfield tank fabrication as a managed process rather than a deviation from standard production.

Early Design Coordination Sets the Foundation

The first step in avoiding delays during custom oilfield tank fabrication is early coordination. Smith Industries works closely with customers to define requirements before fabrication begins.

This includes reviewing:

• Tank capacity requirements ranging from 500 BBL to 1150 BBL

• API 12F or 12D design criteria

• Nozzle sizes and locations

• Waterleg and outlet configurations

• Gas boot and flume requirements

• Site access and delivery considerations

By resolving these details early, Smith Industries reduces the likelihood of mid fabrication changes that can disrupt schedules.

Proven Base Designs Reduce Engineering Time

One advantage Smith Industries brings to custom oilfield tank fabrication is the use of proven base designs. Standard gunbarrel and storage tank configurations with years of field performance serve as the starting point for customization.

Rather than designing every tank from the ground up, Smith Industries modifies established designs to meet customer specific needs. This approach shortens engineering timelines while maintaining reliability and compliance.

Customizations may include alternate internal components, modified nozzle arrangements, or adjustments to separation features without compromising the core structure of the tank.

In House Fabrication Keeps Projects Moving

Fabrication delays often occur when work is fragmented across multiple vendors. Smith Industries minimizes this risk by performing fabrication in house with experienced personnel and controlled workflows.

Key fabrication capabilities include:

• API compliant welding and inspection

• Indoor steel shot blasting for surface preparation

• Temperature controlled paint and coating application

• Quality control inspections throughout fabrication

Because fabrication, coating, and inspection are coordinated internally, schedules are easier to manage and adjust when custom requirements are involved.

Indoor Blasting and Coating Prevent Rework

Surface preparation and coating are critical steps in custom oilfield tank fabrication. Poor environmental control during blasting or coating can lead to adhesion issues, curing delays, and rework.

Smith Industries addresses this by performing blasting indoors using steel shot to properly prepare surfaces for exterior paint and internal linings. Two temperature controlled coat and paint shops allow coatings to be applied and cured under consistent conditions.

This controlled environment reduces variability, improves coating performance, and helps projects stay on schedule.

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, proper surface preparation and coating application are critical to long term equipment integrity and worker safety in industrial environments.

Integrated Quality Control Supports Schedule Confidence

Quality issues discovered late in a project are one of the most common causes of delays. Smith Industries integrates quality control throughout the fabrication process to identify and resolve issues early.

This includes:

• Visual inspections during fabrication

• Verification of nozzle placement and dimensions

• Coating thickness checks

• Documentation aligned with API requirements

By maintaining quality control at each stage, Smith Industries avoids last minute corrections that can impact delivery timelines.

The American Petroleum Institute emphasizes the importance of documented inspection and fabrication practices to maintain compliance and operational reliability in oilfield equipment.

Logistics Planning Is Part of Fabrication

Custom oilfield tank fabrication does not end when the tank leaves the shop. Delivery and installation planning are integrated into the fabrication schedule from the beginning.

Smith Industries operates knuckleboom trucks that allow tanks to be delivered and set efficiently at the job site. Knowing delivery requirements early allows fabrication timelines to align with site readiness and reduces the risk of storage or handling delays.

This integrated approach is especially valuable for remote or space constrained locations where installation windows are limited.

Custom Does Not Mean Unpredictable

A common misconception is that custom oilfield tank fabrication introduces uncertainty. In practice, uncertainty comes from poorly defined processes rather than customization itself.

Smith Industries manages custom projects by:

• Defining requirements early

• Modifying proven designs

• Fabricating and coating in house

• Maintaining continuous quality oversight

• Coordinating delivery and installation

This disciplined approach allows customers to receive tanks that meet their exact needs without disrupting project schedules.

Experience Makes the Difference

Custom oilfield tank fabrication requires more than technical capability. It requires experience in anticipating challenges before they impact the project. Smith Industries has built gunbarrel tanks and API storage tanks that perform reliably across a wide range of operating environments.

That experience allows the team to identify potential issues early, recommend practical design adjustments, and keep fabrication moving efficiently.

Conclusion

Custom oilfield tank fabrication does not have to delay projects when it is handled by a fabricator with proven designs, disciplined processes, and integrated capabilities. Smith Industries supports customization by combining early design coordination, in house fabrication, controlled coating environments, and integrated logistics planning.

The result is custom tanks that meet site specific requirements while maintaining schedule confidence and long term reliability. For operators who need flexibility without added risk, this approach makes custom oilfield tank fabrication a strategic advantage rather than a liability.