UPR successfully manufactures monoblock fiberglass megatank

Source | UPR/JEC Composites

Originally reported by JEC Composites, UPR (Rio Claro), a Brazilian manufacturer of composite and glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) tanks and pipes, recently completed the production of a monoblock composite megatank for the food industry.

According to UPR, this tank is the largest ever manufactured in Brazil — 22 meters long, 5 meters in diameter and as high as a seven-story building — and is capable of storing 400,000 liters of drinking water.

The megatank required 2 months of work as well as structural adjustments to the factory layout to make production possible. UPR’s engineering team said that the most significant challenge was adapting the production process without interrupting other ongoing projects. To achieve this, stages such as alignment and structural reinforcement of the megatank were divided into phases. This ensured operational safety and dimensional accuracy. In total, 12 tonnes of raw materials were used.

In addition, the megatank required additional hot air post-curing to be adapted to food storage. It also included a hydrostatic test performed at UPR’s facilities to control potential leaks.

UPR considers the production of the megatank as a practical demonstration of its expertise. “Manufacturing equipment of this size is a milestone for any composite producer,” says Guilherme Loterio, UPR’s industrial director. “It shows that we master every process stage — from engineering to execution — meeting the highest technical standards.”

UPR offers a variety of products and services, including stationary tanks, transport tanks, pipes and fittings, assembly of FRP tanks and pipes and even anti-corrosion coating. Other successful projects have addressed:

• The sugar and ethanol sector: Supply of 56 30-square-meter GFRP tanks for Biosev; 44 30-square-meter GFRP tanks to Usina Cocal; and 106 vinasse transport tanks to Raízen.
• Chlorine soda plants: Supply of 20 stationary tanks (from 40-80 square meters) for the storage of  ferric chloride, hydrochloric acid and sodium hypochlorite in a wide variety of concentrations.
• Sanitation: UPR has manufactured more than 200 GFRP tanks to companies like Sabesp, Sanepar and Casan.
• Chemical: The assembly of a liquid fertilizer plant for Indústria Mineira de Fertilizantes, supplying 23 storage tanks and ~500 meters of FRP pipes.