GFS Hydrolysis Tanks: Advanced Corrosion-Resistant Solutions for Modern Waste Treatment by Center Enamel

GFS Hydrolysis Tanks: Advanced Corrosion-Resistant Solutions for Modern Waste Treatment by Center Enamel

As the global demand for sustainable waste management and resource recovery grows, hydrolysis technology has become an essential part of modern wastewater and biogas treatment systems. Hydrolysis tanks are critical components designed to break down complex organic materials into simpler compounds, supporting subsequent fermentation, digestion, and treatment stages. These tanks must endure extremely harsh conditions, including high temperatures, variable pH levels, and corrosive compounds.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel), a recognized leader in storage engineering, provides Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) hydrolysis tanks—engineered to deliver outstanding corrosion resistance, durability, and hygiene. These tanks represent an innovative, sustainable, and long-lasting solution for wastewater utilities, industrial treatment plants, and biogas production.

As a leading storage tank manufacturer worldwide. Center Enamel can provide Glass Lined Steel(GLS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks, welded steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs, Wastewater and Biogas Project Equipments for global customers.

WasteWater Treatment Project Equipment Supply

1. The Role of Hydrolysis in Waste and Biogas Treatment

Hydrolysis is a vital first step in the anaerobic digestion process, during which macromolecular organic matter such as fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are converted into simpler soluble compounds through enzymatic reactions. It prepares feedstock for downstream digestion and enhances efficiency and biogas yield.

Typical Hydrolysis Tank Applications:

• Municipal wastewater treatment: Breaking down organic solids for efficient sludge digestion.
• Biogas plants: Enhancing substrate biodegradability for improved methane yield.
• Food and beverage industry: Pre-treating organic-rich wastewater with high COD or BOD levels.
• Agricultural waste management: Processing manure or crop residues before anaerobic fermentation.
• Industrial sludge treatment: Ensuring chemical stability and reduced pollutant loads.

The environment inside a hydrolysis tank—characterized by heat, acidity, and corrosive biochemicals—demands materials with exceptional chemical and structural endurance.

2. Why Choose Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Tanks for Hydrolysis

GFS technology fuses industrial glass to specially prepared steel plates at extremely high temperatures (820°C–930°C), resulting in a permanent bond that unites the mechanical strength of steel with the chemical inertness of glass. The result is a strong, resilient, and non-porous coating capable of enduring aggressive environmental and chemical conditions.

Key Technical Advantages

a. Exceptional Corrosion Resistance

• The fused enamel provides complete protection against acids, alkalis, sulfides, and organic volatiles generated during hydrolysis.
• The coating’s permanence prevents any permeation of liquids or gases that could corrode steel or compromise the stored material.

b. Extended Service Life

GFS tanks maintain integrity and performance for over 30 years without the need for interior recoating or repainting—significantly extending operational reliability and reducing downtime.

c. Hygienic, Non-Porous Surfaces

The glossy, ceramic-like surface is smooth and inert, preventing sludge adhesion, microbial colonization, and scaling. It simplifies cleaning, enhances process sanitation, and prevents contamination.

d. Structural Strength and Stability

The steel core ensures structural reliability even under high hydrostatic pressure, impacting forces, and fluctuating loads during aeration or agitation cycles.

e. Modular Bolted Construction

Prefabricated steel-glass panels allow rapid on-site assembly, minimizing construction schedules. Repairs or expansion can be achieved by replacing sections without decommissioning the entire tank.

f. Environmental Protection

Manufactured with recyclable materials and an eco-friendly firing process, GFS tanks support sustainable design, energy efficiency, and low carbon footprints.

3. Specifications and Engineering Design

• Material: Low-carbon steel with proprietary glass enamel coatings.
• Enamel Layer: 0.25–0.45 mm, applied on both interior and exterior surfaces.
• Operating pH Range: Standard pH 3–11; special coatings support pH 1–14.
• Hardness: Mohs 6.0 – high resistance to abrasion and impact.
• Adhesion Strength: ≥3450 N/cm² bonding between glass and steel.
• Gas/Liquid Impermeability: Complete barrier against water, vapor, and chemicals.
• Service Life: Over 30 years in aggressive wastewater and industrial environments.
• Temperature Range: Operational stability from -50°C to +80°C and resistant to high-temperature reactions.

Every GFS tank produced by Center Enamel is rigorously tested to meet ISO 9001, AWWA D103, EN 1090, WRAS, and NSF/ANSI standards.

4. The Process of Manufacturing GFS Hydrolysis Tanks at Center Enamel

Center Enamel’s production follows a meticulous, ISO-certified workflow:

• Steel Preparation:
• Premium enamel-grade steel plates are shot-blasted and cleaned to remove oxides and ensure maximum adhesion.
• Enameling:
• Panels are double-coated—inside and outside—with high-performance enamel and kiln-fired at 820°–930°C for perfect fusion.
• Fabrication:
• CNC machining ensures precision holes for bolts, inlets, and instrumentation equipment.
• Testing:
• Spark testing (>1,500V), acid/alkali soak, and adhesion strength verification ensure zero defects before shipping.
• On-Site Assembly:
• Modular bolted construction with silicone gaskets guarantees quick installation, flexibility, and leak-proof performance.
• Final Inspection:
• Comprehensive commissioning checks for airtightness, leak resistance, mechanical integrity, and process readiness.

5. Design Flexibility and Customization

Center Enamel’s hydrolysis tanks can be engineered to suit site-specific and process-specific needs:

• Capacity Range: From small pilot projects (50 m³) up to large-scale industrial facilities exceeding 60,000 m³.
• Roof Options: Aluminum geodesic domes, fixed steel roofs, or open tops based on project and process requirements.
• Color and Aesthetics: Standard colors include dark blue, grey, green, tan, and white, with custom finishes available.
• Instrumentation: Integrated pH, temperature, and level sensors, along with sampling ports and access manways.
• Foundation Adaptability: Compatible with concrete ring foundations or steel bases.
• Accessories: Platforms, ladders, guardrails, mixing systems, gas domes, and insulation depending on climatic conditions.

6. Performance Benefits Over Conventional Tanks

7. Real-World Applications

a. Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plants

GFS hydrolysis tanks serve as key pre-treatment units that improve digestion efficiency, reduce sludge volume, and enhance organics breakdown before anaerobic reactors.

b. Industrial Wastewater Facilities

In chemical, pharmaceutical, food-processing, and electronics industries, these tanks safely handle corrosive wastewater with high organic load, providing energy-efficient biological treatment.

c. Biogas and Renewable Energy Projects

Integrated within Combined Heat and Power (CHP) biogas systems, hydrolysis tanks accelerate substrate hydrolysis, increasing methane yield by up to 25%.

d. Agricultural Waste Management

Reliable treatment of livestock manure and organic residues transforms waste into bioenergy and organic fertilizer while mitigating odors and environmental pollution.

e. Food and Beverage Production

Handles high-strength effluents and solid organic waste streams, supporting sustainable operation and compliance with environmental discharge standards.

8. Sustainable and Economic Outcomes

• Reduced Carbon Footprint: Enables renewable energy generation and organic waste valorization.
• Optimal Cost Efficiency: Rapid installation, minimal maintenance, and lower energy consumption yield a lower total cost of ownership.
• Environmental Protection: Prevents leaks, contamination, and emissions for long-term ecological safety.
• Enhanced Resource Recovery: Facilitates the production of reusable digestate, reducing dependence on chemical fertilizers.
• Operational Reliability: Proven durability minimizes downtime and maximizes process continuity.

9. Why Choose Center Enamel

• Global Expertise: Over 30,000 GFS tanks installed across 100+ countries in wastewater, biogas, and industrial sectors.
• Technological Leadership: Nearly 200 patents and continuous R&D dedicated to improving enamel performance and tank design.
• Comprehensive Services: End-to-end project support including design, fabrication, logistics, installation, commissioning, and maintenance.
• Compliance and Certification: Meets all major international tank standards (AWWA, ISO, WRAS, NSF, ANSI, EN).
• Environmentally Responsible: Manufacturing processes prioritize recyclability, energy efficiency, and global sustainability.

In a world demanding safer, more efficient, and more sustainable waste treatment systems, Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel hydrolysis tanks provide an unmatched combination of strength, corrosion resistance, adaptability, and durability. Engineered for challenging industrial and municipal conditions, these tanks are a proven, long-term investment in reliability and environmental responsibility.

For facilities seeking superior operational efficiency in hydrolysis, digestion, and anaerobic processes, Center Enamel tanks deliver stability, performance, and peace of mind that lasts for decades.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd is a professional manufacturer dedicated to the design and fabrication of bolted storage tanks since 1989. Our products range includes Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) tanks, fusion bonded epoxy tanks, stainless steel tanks, galvanized steel tanks and aluminum geodesic dome roofs. With professional enameling R&D team and more than 20 enameling patents, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co.,Ltd has become the leader in bolted tanks industry of Asia. Our products are certified to ISO 9001, CE, NSF/ANSI 61, WRAS, ISO 28765, LFGB, BSCI, ISO 45001 and other international standards.

Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd is not only the first manufacturer in China which produces Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks, but also the most experienced professional bolted tanks manufacturer in Asia. The engineering & design, product testing and quality system of Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks is in strict accordance with AWWA D103-09, OSHA, ISO 28765, NSF/ANSI 61, NFPA and other international standards. Center Enamel Glass-Fused-to-Steel tanks are wildly used in drinking / potable water, industrial effluents, municipal sewage, bio-energy, landfill leachate, agriculture and other applications. Until 2023, Center Enamel bolted tanks have been exported to more than 100 countries including USA, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, Indonesia, Russia, UAE, Panama, Brazil and South Africa etc., the superior tank quality and prompt service gains us worldwide recognition.

As an outstanding containment and cover system provider with more than 30 years of experience, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd sincerely expects to establish long-term cooperation with the local partners throughout the world and make continuous contribution to the development of the industry.