Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Equalization Tanks: Essential Solutions for Efficient Wastewater Management by Center Enamel

Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Equalization Tanks: Essential Solutions for Efficient Wastewater Management by Center Enamel

In the modern wastewater treatment landscape, equalization tanks play a critical role in stabilizing the variable flow and composition of wastewater, ensuring efficient and effective downstream treatment processes. Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) offers industry-leading Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) equalization tanks, engineered to meet the rigorous demands of municipal and industrial wastewater treatment environments. Combining the durability and strength of steel with the corrosion resistance and hygiene of fused glass enamel coatings, GFS equalization tanks deliver long-lasting, sustainable, and cost-effective solutions for the equalization stage of wastewater management.

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 and aluminum geodesic dome roofs, Wastewater and Biogas Project Equipments for global customers.

WasteWater Treatment Project Equipment Supply

Understanding Equalization Tanks in Wastewater Treatment

An equalization tank is a large basin or reservoir designed to collect, mix, and store incoming wastewater or effluent, smoothing out fluctuations in flow rate and pollutant concentration. This homogenization protects treatment processes from sudden surges or extreme variations, improving reliability and treatment efficiency.

In industries and municipalities worldwide, equalization tanks must handle highly corrosive, abrasive, and biologically active wastewater streams. Hence, tank material selection and construction quality are paramount to operational safety, longevity, and environmental compliance.

Advanced Glass-Fused-to-Steel Technology: The Core of Center Enamel Equalization Tanks

Center Enamel’s GFS equalization tanks are fabricated using premium steel panels coated on both sides with a layer of glass enamel fused at extremely high temperatures (820°C to 930°C). This dual-sided enameling establishes a superior chemical and mechanical bond between glass and steel, creating a composite material with unmatched corrosion resistance and structural integrity.

The enamel coating is inert, smooth, and non-porous — it resists chemical attacks from acids, alkalis, sulfides, and other aggressive wastewater constituents that can rapidly degrade conventional materials. The fusion process ensures the enamel will not delaminate or degrade under physical or chemical stress, securing the tank’s long-term reliability.

Technical Specifications and Customization

• Steel Substrate Thickness: Generally 3 mm to 12 mm for optimal mechanical strength
• Enamel Coating Thickness: Between 0.25 mm and 0.45 mm on both interior and exterior tank surfaces
• pH Resistance Range: Standard coatings effective across pH 3 to 11, with specialized coatings available for extreme pH 1 to 14 conditions
• Tank Volumes: Customizable, from a few cubic meters to tens of thousands of cubic meters depending on site demands
• Bolted Modular Construction: Prefabricated panels bolted together on-site with high-quality gaskets providing secure and leak-proof joints
• Surface Finish: Smooth, glossy enamel facilitating easy cleaning and biofilm prevention
• Service Life: ≥30 years with minimal maintenance

Advantages of Glass-Fused-to-Steel Equalization Tanks

• Superior Corrosion and Chemical Resistance

The robust glass enamel coating effectively isolates the steel substrate from wastewater and chemicals, preventing corrosion—one of the leading causes of tank failures and costly repairs. This property is vital for equalization tanks which endure continuous exposure to harsh effluent.

• Structural Strength and Flexibility

The underlying steel provides exceptional mechanical strength and flexibility, enabling tanks to withstand hydrostatic pressure, seismic activity, and environmental stresses. This protects the structural integrity during both installation and operational life.

• Hygiene and Maintenance Benefits

The enamel surface is non-toxic and resistant to microbial growth, reducing biofilm accumulation and odors that are common challenges in wastewater management. The ease of cleaning ensures regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

• Modular, Fast, and Cost-Effective Installation

Prefabricated GFS panels allow rapid onsite assembly without heavy machinery or specialized labor, shortening project timelines and cutting installation costs. The modular design also permits future expansions or relocations with minimal disruption.

• Long-Term Economic and Environmental Sustainability

With a life expectancy of over three decades and negligible repainting or repair needs, GFS equalization tanks minimize total cost of ownership. The inert coating and absence of harmful emissions during production and operation contribute to sustainable water infrastructure development.

Applications Across Sectors

Municipal Wastewater Facilities

GFS equalization tanks are extensively used to stabilize variable sewage inflows from residential and commercial areas, providing consistent feed to biological treatment units and protecting expensive downstream equipment.

Industrial Effluent Management

Factories producing chemicals, textiles, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and other wastewater-intensive products deploy GFS tanks to smooth effluent inconsistencies, minimizing pollutant shocks and facilitating compliance with discharge regulations.

Landfill Leachate Buffer Tanks

The tanks safely contain fluctuating leachate volumes and concentrations before treatment or disposal, leveraging their chemical resistance to handle aggressive landfill byproducts.

Agriculture and Food Waste Processing

Equalization tanks help balance flows from agricultural runoff, livestock operations, or biogas plants, preventing overloads and supporting anaerobic digestion and water recycling efforts.

Global Project Experience and Case Studies

Center Enamel’s GFS equalization tanks have successfully supported water management projects worldwide — from municipal plants in Costa Rica and Namibia to industrial wastewater facilities in China and Europe. These installations underscore tank performance in diverse climates, waste compositions, and regulatory settings.

Commitment to Quality and Innovation

Center Enamel’s strict adherence to international standards such as ISO 9001, NSF/ANSI 61, EN1090, ISO 28765, WRAS, and FM ensures reliable product quality. Their nearly two decades of research and 200 enamel patents guarantee continuing advancements in tank materials, coatings, and fabrication techniques.

Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel equalization tanks combine innovative material science with practical engineering to deliver superior solutions for handling variable wastewater flows. Their unmatched corrosion resistance, structural strength, hygiene, and ease of installation make them indispensable in modern wastewater treatment infrastructures.By choosing Center Enamel’s GFS equalization tanks, municipalities and industries worldwide can ensure safe, efficient, and sustainable wastewater management—promoting environmental protection and operational resilience for generations to come.

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.