Getting a water storage tank for commercial or industrial use is a very big investment and it requires a lot of research and professional knowledge. Moreover, choosing the right type of water tank becomes crucial as this is a long-term investment. Now, in the market, there are a range of water tanks available and this becomes a quick confusion as to which tank to invest in which tank for profit and quality. Here, the most common types of water storage solution available are GRP vertical and horizontal tanks. Both the tanks are excellent in their nature with various considerations and advantages. The decision of buying any one out of the two depends upon a variety of factors like material, space, capacity, and operational requirements. So, in this comprehensive guide, we will learn and explore some key factors that might influence your choices while selecting between GRP vertical and horizontal water storage tanks.  

Understanding Horizontal and Vertical Storage Tanks

The very first step in selecting one out of the two starts by understanding about the vertical and horizontal water storage tanks. Before going into the details, it’s important to understand about the GRP horizontal and vertical tanks. GRP Vertical tanks are cylindrical designed tanks that stand upright. It has a compact structure that can store a large volume of liquid or gasses. On the other hand, GRP horizontal water storage tanks are in cylindrical shape too but they lie flat on their side. These tanks are wider in terms of diameter and are often used when space is limited. Apart from this, there are many other factors that plays a vital role in making the final decision and these factors are:

1. Available Space

Space plays a very crucial role in selecting the GRP panel tanks. When it comes to vertical tanks, they generally are space-efficient in terms of floor space. This is because it extends upward. This feature of these vertical GRP tanks makes it an excellent choice for sites and buildings with limited floor space but higher ceilings. On the other hand, horizontal GRP water tanks require more floor space as they are longer and wider. However, they are shorter in height, which makes it ideal for spaces where there is sufficient ground area. 

2. Storage Capacity

The water storage capacity of the GRP panel tanks plays a crucial role. Vertical GRP water tanks are designed in a way that its shape allows it to offer high storage capacity because of its compact vertical space. These tanks are ideal for industries where large amounts of liquid needs to be stored in a limited area. These areas can be wastewater treatment facilities, industrial plants, and chemical processing.  On the other hand, GRP horizontal tanks come in shorter heights and larger diameter. This shape of the tanks are more suited in industries that have more floor area.

3. Installation Considerations

While looking for a GRP panel tank, its complexity and installation process is what a buyer considers. Buyers prefer to have a product that is not complex in installation. So, when it comes to vertical tanks, it is generally easier to install, especially if the site is prepared with necessary infrastructure and foundation.  In addition to this, smaller footprints also means they can be moved easily in tight areas. On the other hand, when it comes to GRP horizontal tanks, it requires more preparation and groundwork. Its complexity can increase in comparison to vertical GRP tanks as it has a larger footprint and it needs a stable space. Moreover, unlike vertical tanks, horizontal tanks require extensive structure support and this depends on the tank’s weight and size. 

4. Maintenance and Accessibility

When it comes to GRP water tanks, maintenance is a crucial element that needs special attention. Moreover, investors prefer to invest in water tanks that can be inspected, cleaned, and repaired easily. Talking about vertical GRP panel tanks, they are easy to inspect and clean because of their upright orientation. It’s easy design allows access to the tank’s bottom and top which makes its visual inspection and maintenance simple. On the other hand, horizontal GRP tanks are quite difficult to maintain because of their profile. In these tanks, easy access to its top and bottom can be difficult as the tank is large. Moreover, cleaning the bottom of the tank is also a little difficult and time-consuming due to its gravity-related issues.  

5. Operational Considerations

When it comes to GRP water tanks, operational aspects become critical. When it comes to vertical GRP tanks, it is often preferred for storing liquid that needs to be kept in a static state. The design of these tanks are also beneficial for liquid that needs to be pumped from the bottom of the tank. On the other hand, horizontal GRP water tanks are best for applications where the tank content requires movement. Moreover, because of its larger area, accumulation of sediment reduces at the bottom of the tank. This feature of horizontal GRP water tanks makes it suitable for agricultural applications and certain chemicals. 

6. Cost Implications

Every investor considers costs while investing in the water storage tank. Several factors are involved in affecting the cost of the tanks like its design, material, size, and other factors. When it comes to cost in vertical tanks, it might seem more expensive at first because of its complex design and manufacturing process. Moreover, these tanks offer better space efficiency, which can reduce land and real estate costs. Also, vertical tanks are constructed from more cost-effective and affordable materials, which makes it an excellent option in the long run. Talking about horizontal tanks, these are less expensive because of their simple design, however, it might require additional structural support and space. This additional requirement can drive up installation costs. Along with this, its larger surface area requirement makes it more costly to maintain overtime.

7. Applications and Industry Uses

Both the tanks cannot be used in all the applications. Each tank excels in different industries and this also depends upon specific storage and usage requirements. Vertical GRP water tanks are mainly used in industries like wastewater treatment, chemical processing, food & beverage production, and oil & gas storage. The compact design of these tanks allows storage of a large quantity of liquid. On the other hand, horizontal water tanks are used for bulk storage of liquids like fuel, petroleum, and agricultural liquids. In addition to this, horizontal tanks are mostly used in scenarios where liquid needs to be pumped out from the side, rather than from the bottom. 

We can conclude this blog by stating that the choice between vertical and horizontal storage tanks totally depends on a range of factors. On one hand, where vertical tanks are typically more space-efficient and easy to install, horizontal tanks are preferable when more floor space is available. Go through your requirements and space availability to make an informed decision regarding the type of tank you want to invest in. Last but not the least, it doesn’t matter which tank you invest in, always remember to go for high-quality tanks, like the one provided by HP Engineers.