How much torque or pressure should be used for tightening manway knobs?
ANSWER
In general, manway knobs are meant to be hand tightened. Contact the Sales or Parts Dept. and provide the tank serial number for information specific to your tank.
Do you provide agitators?
ANSWER
For the tanks we build, SFI can also assist with designing an agitator suitable for your process. We design agitation to provide mixing and blending of a variety of product viscosities. We will provide the agitator and gearmotor or you may choose to provide these components. Learn more here:
What materials do you offer for ladders and platforms?
ANSWER
SFI only provides ladders, platforms, handrails, etc. for tanks we build. Materials of construction are: Stainless steel, carbon steel, galvanized, and aluminum (ladders only – we do not build aluminum tanks).
Based on your tank serial number, we can tell you what gasket material was provided originally with the tank. SFI doesn’t recommend gasket materials based on application or product. That information must be obtained from your process engineer.
Do you put load cells on the tanks you build?
ANSWER
Yes, when specified, SFI will provide load cells for your tank.
I need a liquid level gauge on my tank. Will that be a problem?
ANSWER
No problem, when specified, SFI will provide a liquid level gauge for your tank.
Do you have experience with magnetic mixers?
ANSWER
Yes, we’ve built many vessels that were outfitted with magnetic mixers. Contact Tank Sales for more information.
What sizes of internal pipe coil do you offer?
ANSWER
Read about our capabilities on our heat transfer surface page.
Until cannabis is legalized in all states in the U.S., we can only build tanks for facilities processing industrial hemp.
Does SFI build aseptic tanks?
ANSWER
We have experience with building tanks according to ASME BPE Bioprocessing Equipment Standard. The BPE Aseptic standard is now the industry-accepted standard for Bioprocessing equipment.
I need a tank with 3 equal compartments.
ANSWER
SFI is an experienced fabricator of stainless steel multi-compartment tanks. Contact Tank Sales to discuss
Yes, SFI builds pressure vessels that can be used for making sparkling wines.
We need some large storage tanks built on-site for our new facility.
ANSWER
Call the office at 1-800-397-8265 or send a message using a website contact form. You’ll be directed to the Regional Manager in Tank Sales that will assist you with your quote.
Yes, we have many customers from the food and beverage industries and have built thousands of tanks for them since opening in 1985.
Can I buy an ice cream freezer from SFI?
ANSWER
If you’re looking for the freezers you see in grocery stores, then no we don’t sell that type of equipment. We build custom stainless steel freezer enclosures (tunnels) that are like huge stainless steel rooms designed to house the cooling equipment and conveyors that move the food from one end to the other, quick freezing the food as it is conveyed along.
SFI builds custom stainless steel tanks to customer specifications. We have no standard sizes or stock tanks.
What is a stainless steel storage tank?
ANSWER
Simply stated, storage tanks are containers of sizes ranging from small to enormous that are designed to hold/store a bulk material. They can be heated or cooled and can be outfitted with agitation to keep the product stirred. They will have appropriate fittings for the application and if they are large enough, they will have manway(s) to allow personnel access to the interior for maintenance and cleaning.
What is a stainless steel reactor vessel?
ANSWER
A reactor is a process tank that uses temperature to cause the ingredients in the tank to react and change. Often times, reactors are named for the process they perform, such as mixing, distillation, crystallizer, extraction, etc. Reactors are very common in the chemical industry.
What is a stainless steel pressure vessel?
ANSWER
A pressure vessel can be a storage tank or a process tank. Its purpose is to hold the contents (liquids or gases) at a specified pressure above or below atmospheric pressure.
What is a process tank?
ANSWER
A process tank is a vessel designed with the components necessary to complete a portion (or all) of a particular application. There may be several different tanks required in a process line to produce an end product. A process engineer will determine what kind of tank(s) will be needed to produce the desired end result.
I need a jacketed tank that can be heated and then cooled.
ANSWER
SFI regularly builds tanks with heat transfer surface, insulation, and an outer jacket.
The term “kettle” means different things to different people. SFI builds stainless steel tanks used for cooking a variety of products. They can have a dished or hemispherical bottom head. They can be supported on stationary legs, be portable with casters or be mounted in a framework that will allow them to “tip”. Many have an open top or a removable lid. We are a fabricator of custom vessels, so there are many options. We don’t make stainless steel “tea kettles”, mixing bowls or cook pots for the stove top.
Yes, we build portable custom stainless steel vessels, frequently used in pharmaceutical and food applications, that utilize casters, carts or fork skids for maneuvering in the plant. See examples in the photo gallery.
Our Sales Personnel page provides a territory map and a bio about each Regional (Sales) Manager. You can contact Tank Sales by submitting a message from that page. We’ll get back to you quickly.
We would like to get on your approved freight hauler list.
ANSWER
Our traffic manager is not currently seeking new vendors. You are welcome to send a message to info@stainlessfab.com and it will be forwarded to him for future reference.
Do you build UL-142 tanks?
ANSWER
UL-142 is a standard that covers atmospheric above ground tanks for storing flammable and combustible liquids. While we have built tanks to UL-142 standards, we don’t “advertise it” because we don’t build carbon steel tanks or fuel tanks and those are typically the vessels that specify UL-142.
Do you build to USDA or 3A standards?
ANSWER
Since our tanks are custom, we can build according to the general guidelines of 3A. These are generally accepted by the USDA for custom installations. However, we do not have a 3A symbol for specific standard products.
Are you certified to build ASME pressure vessels?
ANSWER
Yes, ASME Section VI, Division 1, U-certification.
National Board R-certification for repairs.
I need a 5000 gallon tank. What are the best dimensions for a vessel of this size?
ANSWER
The Regional Manager in Tank Sales can offer rough dimensions, but they are best determined by a process engineer.
I have no idea what kind of tank I need to make my product. Can your engineers write my spec?
ANSWER
SFI Engineers ensure the tank is structurally designed properly but we do not provide process engineering. Once you have that part of the work done, SFI will provide a quote to fabricate the tank(s) either in our shop or on-site at your facility.
Does SFI provide drawings in 3D?
ANSWER
Yes, we generate 3D models and provide the 2D drawings in PDF format by email for approval. Customers may also receive a copy of the 3D model upon request.
We bought a tank from SFI 10 years ago and now we want to use it for a different application. Can our tank be rerated for a higher pressure or temperature?
ANSWER
Contact the Parts Dept. for more information. They will need the tank serial number to get started.
Can I buy stainless sheets, pipe, or angle from you?
ANSWER
We purchase our materials by the job, so we don’t stock and sell raw materials such as this.
Can I buy your scrap material?
ANSWER
SFI has a scrap program in place and we do not sell our scrap material to individuals or other organizations.
What is the best material for food grade tanks?
ANSWER
Material selection is the owner’s decision based on information provided by their process engineer. SFI has manufactured equipment for the food industry from both 304/304L and 316/316L stainless steel, although most are made from 304/304L stainless steel.
Is all 304 stainless steel food grade?
ANSWER
304 stainless has 18% chromium and 8% nickel while 316 stainless has 16% chromium, 10% nickel and 2% molybdenum. Both materials are known for their natural corrosion resistance, which makes them a good choice for many industries, food included, but…
Certain foods (and other ingredients) may be better suited for a particular material. For example, 316 S/S may be selected for applications that include salt water. Consult a process engineer or metallurgist with specific questions.
What is the best material for chemical grade tanks?
ANSWER
Material selection is the owner’s decision based on information provided by their process engineer. SFI has manufactured equipment for the chemical industry from 304/304L, 316/316L, Hastelloy, Duplex 2205 and other nickel alloys. A metallurgist must be consulted to determine which material properties work best with specific chemicals.
What is the best material for pharmaceutical grade tanks?
ANSWER
Material selection is the owner’s decision based on information provided by their process engineer and/or metallurgist. Most pharmaceutical vessels we build are made from 316/316L stainless steel for wetted parts and 304/304L for non-wetted parts such as legs, outer jackets, etc.
What kind of gasket should I get?
ANSWER
This falls under the umbrella of your process engineer. They are knowledgeable in this area and will guide you in the selection of the proper gasket for the product in your tank.
Which is better, carbon steel or stainless steel?
ANSWER
Stainless steel is durable, corrosion resistant, easy to clean and generally has a long life. Both materials have their purpose and fill a niche. Carbon steel is much more likely to rust and require repairs compared to stainless, but the upfront expense of stainless steel is higher than C/S. Some products are suitable for one material, but not the other. When a smooth, sanitary interior is an important factor, stainless is the best choice (food, beverage, pharmaceutical). Ultimately, guidance and selection of material is the responsibility of the process engineer or a metallurgist.
Our spec calls for a stainless steel tank with an exterior paint.
ANSWER
We do offer this service, contracted to a local painter.
Do you build tanks with electropolish finish?
ANSWER
Yes. SFI has a production bay dedicated to building pharma vessels with electropolish finish. Learn more on our Pharmaceutical page.
SFI has a blasting booth where we offer various media materials to produce the desired finish.
How can I get a manway gasket for my SFI tank?
ANSWER
If you provide us with the tank serial number, we will quote a price and lead time for a new teflon bearing. This is a fabricated part and is not stocked.
We need some new scraper blades for our scrape mixer.
ANSWER
If you provide us with the tank serial number, we will quote a price and lead time for new teflon scraper blades. This is a fabricated part and is not stocked.
How quick can I get some replacement parts for my tank?
ANSWER
Very few parts are stocked and many must be fabricated prior to shipping. Buying multiples and keeping stock in your warehouse will ensure “no downtime”. Talk with the Parts Dept. for more info.
Do you have a catalog that shows your parts and pricing?
ANSWER
Since our tanks are custom designed and fabricated, the tank serial number is key to determining what parts are installed on a given vessel. Replacement parts are quoted as needed, based on the serial number.
I need to replace the spring assist device on my tank.
ANSWER
Contact the Parts Dept. Manager for a quote and provide the tank serial number.
Can you help me with replacement parts if I give you a tank serial number?
ANSWER
Yes, we should be able to identify what you need from the serial number and then accessing the drawings.
I need some parts for my manway door.
ANSWER
Contact the Parts Dept. and provide your tank serial number and let us know what you need. We’ll send you a quote for the parts and let you know the lead time.
Yes, there’s a good chance that we can help. You’ll need to speak with the Regional Manager in Tank Sales for your state. He’ll probably ask to see some photos. Send your photos and information via one of our website contact forms and we’ll put you in touch with the right person.
Generally, the approval drawing serves as the operation manual. When specified at order entry, a documentation package will be provided.
What’s the biggest tank you can build?
ANSWER
750,000 gallons is about the largest, depending on certain variables. Contact the Regional Manager in Tank Sales for your state. He will be able to discuss this with you in depth.
What’s the smallest tank you can build?
ANSWER
We’ve built portable vessels as small as 10 liters. The small vessels we build are generally complex custom pharmaceutical process vessels and often in multiple quantities.
I bought a tank 3 years ago. Can I get a documentation package for it now?
ANSWER
If you requested a documentation package when you bought the tank, then we should still have it on file and will be able to provide a copy. If you didn’t request documentation when you ordered the tank, then it’s likely that the only documentation we will have will be the drawings. If you bought the tank used, there will likely be a fee associated with obtaining documentation.
Does SFI offer FAT services for their tanks?
ANSWER
SFI supports Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) by the client for the equipment we manufacture. We want to ensure it meets or exceeds your specification of function and quality before it leaves our facility. When specified at time of order, SFI can provide a full Turn Over Package (TOP/documentation) for the equipment. Additional info can be found here:
How do I reach the Field Supervisor working on-site at our facility?
ANSWER
Call the office at 417-865-5696.
Send an email to the Field Operations Manager, Jason Crandall, at jason.crandall@stainlessfab.com.
Send a message via website contact form.
• Customer service.
• Custom designed and fabricated stainless steel tanks; no standard sizes, no tanks in stock.
• Larger stainless steel vessels, shop or field built. We can build 100 gallon tanks, but we really hit our stride in larger vessels – shop fab up to about 60,000 gallons; field fab up to 750,000 gallons.
• Multiple quantity tank orders.
• Cylindrical shaped vessels are most common.
• Tanks for chemical, pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries.
• Potable water storage tanks.
• ASME pressure vessels.
• Fermenters and storage tanks for wine and spirits.
• Electropolished pharmaceutical vessels of all sizes.
• Fully welded stainless steel freezer enclosures.
• Spray dryer chambers, bag houses, cyclones and related equipment.
Please request a copy by emailing AR@stainlessfab.com.
Do you make floating roof tanks?
ANSWER
No, we don’t build that type of tank.
I’d like to get a quote on some half-pipe.
ANSWER
SFI does not offer our half pipe for sale as a stand-alone item.
I need a tank mounted to a trailer for water or fuel transport.
ANSWER
We do not build tanks that are meant to travel on roads and highways, which are regulated by the DOT.
Do you build tote-style tanks or IBC’s?
ANSWER
There are many companies that build these tanks as their specialty, so we leave it to them. With that said, we do build portable custom stainless steel vessels, frequently used in pharmaceutical and food applications, that utilize casters, carts or fork skids for maneuvering in the plant.
How quick can I get a 12,000 gallon milk silo?
ANSWER
There are several companies that build and stock standard milk silos. This is their specialty, so we leave it to them.
Do you build underground (or above ground) fuel tanks?
ANSWER
We do not build underground storage or fuel tanks. We do build above-ground stainless steel storage tanks per API-650s.
I need a 2000 gallon tank fast. What do you have in stock that might work?
ANSWER
Everything we build is custom, so we have no tanks in stock.
Do you have tanks in standard sizes that we can get quickly?
ANSWER
Everything we build is custom, so we have no standard size tanks.
Can I get bolted stainless steel tanks from SFI?
ANSWER
No, we build only welded stainless steel and higher other alloy tanks.
Do you make double-walled containment tanks?
ANSWER
These tanks are regulated by the EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure rule (SPCC). SFI has no experience building to this standard. However, we have experience building primary and secondary containment tanks according to UL-142, but ONLY in stainless steel.
Can you make a fuel tank for my boat?
ANSWER
No, we don’t build fuel tanks or equipment regulated by the Coast Guard or EPA.
Do you make fuel tanks for trucks?
ANSWER
No, we don’t build any mobile or trailer mounted vessels that are DOT regulated.
Do you make oxygen tanks?
ANSWER
No, we do not.
Do you make propane tanks?
ANSWER
No, we do not.
Does SFI make heat exchangers?
ANSWER
There are companies that make heat exchangers as their specialty, so we choose not to build them and focus on what we do best.
I need a stainless steel ladder for my swimming pool.
ANSWER
SFI builds stainless steel tanks for industrial service, but we don’t build swimming pool ladders.
I want to buy a steel fire pit. Can you help with that?
ANSWER
SFI builds stainless steel tanks for industrial service, but we don’t build fire pits.
Do you build stainless steel worktables?
ANSWER
SFI builds stainless steel tanks for industrial service, but we don’t build worktables.
I would like to install stainless steel counter tops in my kitchen.
ANSWER
SFI builds stainless steel tanks for industrial service, but we don’t build counter tops.
I need a quote for stainless steel handrails.
ANSWER
SFI provides handrails for the tanks we build. They are not sold as a stand-alone product.
Do you build tanks from carbon steel?
ANSWER
No. SFI only builds tanks from stainless steel and other nickel alloys. (We do use carbon steel for supports and accessories when specified.)
SFI does not offer pre-processing such as this as a stand-alone service.
I need to have some material rolled.
ANSWER
SFI does not offer pre-processing such as this as a stand-alone service.
I need to have a custom stainless steel part made and need 1000 to 1500 pieces. Can you do this in your machine shop?
ANSWER
No, our machine shop currently makes parts only for our own use.
Does SFI install their shop built tanks?
ANSWER
Typically, we do not install our shop built tanks. Our customer's maintenance personnel do the installation or they hire a mechanical contractor to install tanks as well as piping and any other services that need to be done to get the tank up and running.
Do you have any used tanks for sale?
ANSWER
No, SFI sells only new custom fabricated stainless steel tanks. On rare occasions, we may offer a tank for sale that a customer ordered and then cancelled during production. This is not a used tank, it would still be in new, never used condition. In this instance, these tanks would be “advertised” on our LinkedIn page or our Resources webpage.
We can build stainless steel tanks such as these but since there are companies that make them all day long in standard sizes, we choose not to build them and focus our efforts elsewhere.
Do you build water tanks for residential use?
ANSWER
The tanks we build are for industrial use and are generally thought to be more expensive than the residential market will bear.
Does SFI build water tanks for fire protection to NFPA 22 standards?
ANSWER
Not specifically. SFI is ASME certified and builds tanks to API 650 and API 620 standards. We have built stainless steel tanks to meet UL-142 as well.
