Advantages of Field-Erected Tank Fabrication vs. Transporting Fully Assembled Equipment

When planning the infrastructure of a processing plant, project engineers face a critical question: Should we purchase shop-built tanks or construct them directly at our facility? The answer depends on balancing dimensions, logistics costs, and installation schedules. enwe offer both solutions, but understanding when field fabrication is the superior option can save thousands of dollars in transportation permits and specialized lifting operations.

1. The Size Limit: The Logistics Barrier

The primary advantage of field fabrication is the elimination of transportation restrictions.

• Shop-Built Tanks: Their dimensions are limited by road width and bridge clearances. Generally speaking, a tank exceeding 5 meters (16.4 ft) in diameter becomes an extreme logistical challenge requiring oversized-load permits, escort vehicles, and, in some cases, temporary removal of overhead power lines.
• Field Fabrication: There are virtually no dimensional limits. Grain or liquid storage silos exceeding 20 meters (65.6 ft) in diameter and 30 meters (98.4 ft) in height can be constructed because the materials (stainless steel plates) are delivered on standard transport trailers.

2. Reduced Lifting and Insurance Costs

Transporting large process equipment is expensive not only because of freight costs, but also because of the associated risks.

1. Cargo Insurance: Insurance costs for oversized equipment are significantly higher due to the increased risk of collision or structural damage during transportation.
2. High-Capacity Cranes: Installing a prefabricated 50-ton tank requires extremely large cranes. With field fabrication, the tank is erected in sections (rings), allowing the use of smaller, more economical cranes or hydraulic jacking systems.

3. Integration into Confined Spaces or Existing Buildings

During plant expansion projects, it is sometimes necessary to install a tank inside an existing industrial building.

• The Challenge: A prefabricated tank may not fit through the building entrance, requiring the removal of roofs or walls.
• The Field Solution: Materials enter through standard access points, and the tank is assembled inside the building. This is the preferred solution for breweries and dairy facilities seeking to increase production capacity without altering the existing plant structure.

4. Quality and Certification: Is Quality Reduced Outside the Shop?

Un mito común es que los tanques hechos en sitio tienen menor calidad. En en, replicamos las condiciones del taller en campo:

• Qualified Welding: We use the same welders certified under ASME Section IX.
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Radiographic inspections, liquid penetrant testing, and vacuum testing are performed directly at the construction site to ensure complete leak tightness.
• Finishing: Mechanical polishing and chemical passivation are carried out on-site to ensure the stainless steel maintains its sanitary properties.

5. Technical Comparison for Equipment Selection

Which Option Is Best for Your Plant?

If your project requires large-capacity storage tanks or your facility has restricted access, field fabrication is the smartest strategy. It reduces risks, optimizes transportation costs, and enables seamless integration with your existing process.

Are you planning a large-scale expansion?

At Falco Latino, we have specialized field crews and mobile equipment to fabricate tanks anywhere in the region while guaranteeing the same quality standards as our main manufacturing facility.

Request a quotation for field fabrication here.