Yet another successful design-to-installation industrial storage tank project by GSM Industrial is in the books. Despite a strict timeline, certification requirements, and several challenges along the way, it was another remarkable success.
Our team of professionals worked together to overcome every obstacle this job in Towson, MD, presented. We’re known for welcoming the dirty, the difficult, and the dangerous—and this project had it all.
GSM Industrial handled all aspects of the storage tanks’ design. After that design was completed and approved, GSM Industrial had to move efficiently as the tanks were required for use before the cold-weather season, which was quickly approaching.
Operating a three-person crew, our team had the tanks prepared for final quality inspection within four weeks and finished the entire project within six short weeks. We hydrostatically tested the vessel, performed dimensional checks, and conducted a visual inspection. After the tanks passed their final quality checks, we fabricated support saddles to safely transport the vessels and arranged shipment to the customer’s facility, all while preparing for the final stage—installation.
The final stage of the project required that we install the storage tanks. This part was extremely challenging. First, there were significant public safety concerns, since the area around the storage tank installation site contained a pedestrian walkway and employee parking lot. This meant we had to deliver and stage the tanks before 7 a.m., to beat the morning rush. That translated to a 5 a.m. start time for the crew, forklifts, and delivery truck. We coordinated the installation with local security, facilities, and crewmembers to isolate the unloading and staging areas.
Both tanks were 5′ diameter x 20′ overall height, which had to fit through a 7′ x 12′ overhead door. They would then have to be stood up immediately in a 20′ x 20′ room with overhead limitations. In addition to having to work in a very small room, we also had to maneuver the vessels around two 30″ diameter process pipes and unreinforced floor trenches.
The installation process was a challenging task given the relatively large size of the tanks compared to the installation space available. Due to space constraints, we quickly determined that the tanks could not be positioned using cranes or forklifts.
To overcome this challenge, GSM Industrial went to the site, took detailed measurements of the room, and documented all overhead obstructions and structural steel. With AutoCAD, we determined the best method for the successful installation of the storage tanks.
On the scheduled delivery day, we mobilized the crew to unload the tanks and install the overhead rigging. This included the layout and installation of trapeze rigging to create a safe rig point for the chain falls. We also reinforced the floor using a 5/8″ thick steel plate over the trench openings.
Next, we installed the rigging on the overhead door centerline, which was not the tank’s centerline, due to the complexity of the room. Once the industrial storage tanks were standing, each tank had to be shuffled five feet to their final location using various leverage principles.
The challenging nature of this storage tank installation project did not deter the professionals at GSM Industrial. Instead, we welcomed it—just as we do all custom jobs and unique projects. Let’s talk about yours today!
