Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Gas Holder Tanks: The Advanced Solution for Sustainable Biogas Storage

Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) Gas Holder Tanks: The Advanced Solution for Sustainable Biogas Storage

In the global shift toward renewable energy and sustainable industrial practices, biogas production has emerged as a crucial contributor. A vital component of biogas facilities is the gas holder tank—a structure designed to safely store and manage biogas generated through anaerobic digestion processes. Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd, known as Center Enamel, pioneers in manufacturing bolted storage tanks and stands at the forefront with its state-of-the-art Glass-Fused-to-Steel (GFS) gas holder tanks. Combining the robustness of steel and the superior corrosion resistance of glass, these tanks offer unparalleled durability, hygiene, and operational efficiency tailored for biogas applications.

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

What Is a GFS Gas Holder Tank?

A GFS gas holder tank is a bolted steel tank lined inside and out with a layer of fused glass enamel. This substrate material undergoes firing at temperatures between 820°C to 930°C, creating a chemical and mechanical bond between molten glass and steel panels. The fusion forms an inert, non-porous surface that widely resists corrosion, abrasion, and chemical attack, making it ideal for the harsh, corrosive environments encountered in biogas storage operations.

Technical Specifications and Features

The GFS tanks by Center Enamel range in size and can be custom-engineered for volumes from as small as several cubic meters up to tens of thousands of cubic meters, tailored to project requirements.

• Steel Panel Thickness: Typically 3mm to 12mm, depending on tank size and height, ensuring structural integrity
• Glass Coating Thickness: 0.25mm to 0.45mm, applied to both interior and exterior surfaces for maximum protection
• Service Lifespan: Exceeding 30 years with minimal maintenance
• Corrosion Resistance Range: Suitable for pH 1 to 14 environments, with standard coatings optimized for pH 3-11
• Adhesion Strength: 3450 N/cm² ensuring the glass coating's firm bonding to steel
• Hardness: 6.0 on the Mohs scale, providing excellent abrasion resistance
• Gas and Liquid Impermeability: Ensures zero leakage of biogas and internal liquids
• Surface Characteristics: Smooth, glossy, non-adhesive, and easy to clean, minimizing microbial contamination risks

Advantages of GFS Gas Holder Tanks in Biogas Applications

Enhanced Corrosion and Chemical Resistance

Biogas production results in exposure to aggressive compounds like hydrogen sulfide, volatile fatty acids, and other corrosive agents. The fused glass enamel acts as a chemically inert barrier protecting the steel substrate, extending the tank’s life and drastically reducing repair or replacement costs compared to conventional materials.

Superior Structural Strength and Impact Resistance

While glass is notoriously brittle, the fusion of glass to a flexible steel substrate creates a composite tank wall that benefits from both strength and resilience. This construction resists physical impacts and stresses from gas pressure fluctuations, protecting structural integrity over decades.

Hygiene and Cleanability

The smooth, non-porous GFS surface prevents adhesion of residues and biofilms, critical for preventing microbial contamination inside biogas digesters or storage tanks. The surface’s ease of cleaning allows efficient disinfection and maintenance, supporting consistent biogas quality.

Modular and Convenient Installation

Center Enamel’s bolted tank design allows prefabrication of panels, shipped and assembled on-site quickly. This modular approach reduces installation time and logistical complexity compared to welded or concrete alternatives, facilitating faster project deployment and cost savings.

Flexibility and Expandability

The bolted panel configuration enables future tank volume expansions, relocations, or modifications with relative ease, providing operators with adaptable long-term infrastructure for evolving energy needs.

Wide Range of Applications

Besides serving as biogas holders for agricultural, municipal, and industrial anaerobic digesters, the GFS bolted tanks are versatile for:

• Storage of fermentation slurry, wastewater, and other biomass substrates
• Manure and filtrate containment
• Fire water storage and industrial process water tanks
• Potable water or treated wastewater reservoirs when suitably certified

Global Project Experience

Center Enamel has supplied GFS tanks to biogas projects worldwide, including agriculture biogas plants in Malaysia, anaerobic digestion facilities in Sweden, and diverse industrial wastewater treatment plants. Their tanks’ proven performance in various climates and challenging conditions underlines their global reliability.

Why Choose Center Enamel for GFS Gas Holder Tanks?

• Leading-edge double-sided enameling technology, unique in China and internationally recognized
• Compliance with stringent standards: ISO 9001, NSF 61, EN1090, ISO 28765, WRAS, FM, LFGB, and more
• Record-breaking largest GFS tank capacity designed and fabricated in Asia (32,000 m³)
• Nearly two decades of specialized R&D, manufacturing expertise, and over 200 enamel patents
• Comprehensive engineering, product testing, installation, commissioning, and after-sales service
• A global footprint spanning over 100 countries with strong local partnerships

Sustainability and Economic Benefits

GFS tanks’ durability reduces lifecycle environmental impacts by minimizing raw material consumption and waste from tank replacements. Their corrosion resistance also curtails chemical use for cleaning or repair. The reduced need for repainting or recoating lowers operational emissions and operational costs, aligning with sustainable biogas production efforts.

Center Enamel’s Glass-Fused-to-Steel gas holder tanks represent an optimal fusion of advanced material science and practical engineering for biogas storage. Their superior corrosion resistance, durability, cleanability, and modular convenience make them highly suited for biogas facilities aiming for performance longevity, operational reliability, and environmental responsibility. As biogas continues to expand as a green energy solution, GFS tanks from Center Enamel provide trusted, high-quality containment infrastructure fundamental to the industry’s continued growth worldwide.

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.