The Complete Lifecycle of a Fiberglass Storage Tank for Oil and Gas

The demand for reliable storage equipment in the energy sector continues to grow as operators focus on safety, product integrity, and long term value. Fiberglass Storage Tanks for oil and gas have become a preferred solution for many operators who want corrosion resistant equipment with predictable performance in harsh environments. At Smith Industries, we take this expectation seriously. Every fiberglass tank we produce follows a disciplined lifecycle that begins with raw materials and ends with safe delivery and placement at the customer’s site.

This full lifecycle matters. A fiberglass tank is more than a vessel. It is a critical part of a production system that must maintain structural integrity under variable temperatures, chemical exposure, intense UV radiation, and challenging field conditions. A tank that is not fabricated correctly can lead to leaks, contamination, environmental risk, and costly downtime. Smith Industries prevents these issues by controlling each stage of the production process with precision, documentation, and field ready preparation.

Below is an inside look at how Smith Industries transforms raw fiberglass materials into durable, operator ready equipment. This overview covers design, fabrication, blasting, coating, and the final delivery that sets us apart as a dependable partner.

Understanding the Value of Fiberglass Storage Tanks for Oil and Gas

Fiberglass has earned a strong reputation across the energy sector because it is inherently resistant to corrosion, lightweight compared to steel, and capable of supporting long service life in brine, crude oil, and water handling systems. The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that corrosion is one of the most significant contributors to storage tank failures, and fiberglass significantly reduces that risk due to its non conductive and non corrosive structure. The EPA provides extensive information on corrosion control programs to support safer tank operations.

To help operators meet compliance needs, Smith Industries also offers both monogrammed and non monogrammed fiberglass tanks. Monogrammed tanks follow specific American Petroleum Institute manufacturing standards, which give operators confidence in traceability and specification control. Non monogrammed tanks offer flexibility for clients who do not require API certification but still want high quality storage built under the same controlled environment.

Regardless of the specification, every tank we build follows the same disciplined lifecycle.

Step One: Tank Design and Capacity Planning

The lifecycle begins with defining the correct tank size and configuration. Smith Industries builds fiberglass storage tanks in sizes ranging from 20 bbl to 1,500 bbl, which gives operators flexibility for produced water, oil, chemicals, and saltwater disposal applications. Tank dimensions, nozzle placements, manways, and internal coating requirements are customized to fit the client’s production system.

This stage also includes guidance on whether the project requires an API monogram or if a non monogrammed tank is suitable. Our engineering and fabrication teams work with the customer to confirm specifications before construction begins.

Step Two: Material Selection and Structural Layout

Fiberglass tanks are built from layers of resin and fiberglass reinforcement that are combined to form a strong, corrosion resistant shell. The choice of resin, reinforcement schedule, and laminate thickness depends on the intended use of the tank.

Oil and gas applications require higher chemical resistance and structural durability. Industry guidance from the American Composites Manufacturers Association at acmanet.org outlines how reinforcement schedules and cured laminates influence strength and long term behavior. These principles guide how we select and apply resin and fiberglass layers.

Once materials are chosen, the structural layout is prepared, and fabrication begins under controlled indoor conditions.

Step Three: Controlled Indoor Fabrication

Smith Industries fabricates fiberglass tanks indoors to maintain consistency and quality. Indoor fabrication prevents temperature swings, humidity spikes, and airborne contaminants from affecting resin cure times or laminate bond strength. Controlled environments also allow for more predictable production schedules, which helps operators avoid unexpected delays.

Each tank progresses through winding, curing, installation of structural supports, and the addition of nozzles or fittings. Fabricators follow precise manufacturing plans and document key milestones to maintain quality control throughout the build.

Step Four: Indoor Steel Shot Blasting for Surface Preparation

Before coatings and paint are applied, every fiberglass tank is blasted indoors using steel shot. This process creates a uniform surface profile that helps coatings and linings bond securely to the tank shell.

Surface preparation is one of the most important steps in the lifecycle of Fiberglass Storage Tanks for oil and gas. Without proper blasting, coatings may blister, flake, or fail prematurely, which exposes the tank to UV degradation and chemical intrusion. Indoor blasting gives Smith Industries complete control over dust, humidity, and temperature. It also prevents weather or airborne contaminants from interfering with coating adhesion.

The shot blasting process prepares both the exterior surface for paint and the interior surface for the application of specialized linings.

Step Five: Application of Internal Linings

Some storage applications require internal linings to protect the stored product and extend tank life. For example, produced water and certain chemicals require linings that resist chloride, scale, and corrosive reactions. Smith Industries applies internal linings indoors under temperature controlled conditions to promote uniform coverage and correct curing.

Improperly cured linings can result in irregular texture, soft spots, or areas where the product contacts the underlying laminate. Our controlled environment and skilled coating technicians help eliminate these risks.

Step Six: Temperature Controlled Painting and Coating

After surface preparation and lining installation, each tank moves to one of our two indoor paint and coating shops. These shops are climate controlled to maintain proper temperature and humidity for consistent curing. Paint adhesion and coating performance are directly influenced by environmental conditions, so our controlled environment gives each tank predictable durability.

A high quality exterior coating protects the tank from UV radiation, weather, and operational wear. This improves service life and helps operators reduce long term maintenance costs.

Step Seven: Final Inspection and Quality Review

Every fiberglass tank undergoes a final inspection before it is approved for delivery. This inspection includes reviewing surface finish, coating thickness, curing results, structural components, nozzle placement, manway seal quality, and dimensional verification.

For monogrammed tanks, documentation is reviewed to confirm all required manufacturing steps follow the applicable API specification. Non monogrammed tanks receive the same level of review to maintain consistent quality across all products.

Step Eight: Delivery and Setting with Knuckleboom Trucks

A tank is only useful when it is safely installed where the operator needs it. Smith Industries manages this critical final stage with our own knuckleboom trucks, allowing us to transport and set fiberglass tanks without relying on third party equipment.

This service helps operators reduce coordination challenges and potential safety risks. Our team places the tank precisely where the customer directs, which shortens project schedules and prevents unnecessary delays.

Because fiberglass tanks are lighter than steel, they can often be set more efficiently, especially in remote locations or uneven terrain.

A Lifecycle Built for Long Term Performance

Fiberglass Storage Tanks for oil and gas continue to grow in popularity because they offer a reliable combination of strength, corrosion resistance, and long service life. Smith Industries adds value by controlling every step of the lifecycle from fabrication to field delivery. Indoor production, steel shot blasting, precise coating application, and dedicated delivery equipment create a consistent, high quality product that supports safe and efficient operations.

Whether a customer needs a 20 bbl tank or a 1,500 bbl tank, monogrammed or non monogrammed, Smith Industries provides equipment that meets demanding field conditions and long term expectations.