Last Updated 06-06-2019

OPERATION & MAINTENANCE

INSTRUCTION MANUAL

Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GENERAL Page 2
TANKS FOR FOOD APPLICATION Page 2
AFTER THE TANK IS PUT INTO SERVICE Page 3
TANK USAGE Page 3
AIR LOADING Page 4
TOP MANHOLE BOLTING (20” & 24”) Page 5
TOP MANHOLE BOLTING (30” & 36”) Page 6
SIDE MANHOLE BOLTING (20” thru 36” Current) Page 7
SIDE MANHOLE BOLTING (20” & 24”) Page 8
SIDE MANHOLE BOLTING (30” & 36”) Page 9
FLANGE BOLTING (1” – 14”) Page 10
FLANGE BOLTING (16” – 24”) Page 11
FLANGE ALLOWABLE LOADS Page 12

Page 1
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

GENERAL
Because of FIBERGLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC tanks unique, physical and structural
characteristics; they are flexible, lightweight, corrosion resistant, and stronger than tanks
made of other plastic materials.
Care, however, should be taken to follow the Handling and Installation instructions.
If your fiberglass tank has been installed with insulation and a Heat Maintenance Unit, the
wiring instructions are placed inside the control box.
If you have a BTT Dual-Tek™ double wall tank and your tank was supplied with BTT’s
Leak Detection System and/or Desiccant Filter, please refer to the instructions supplied with
those items.
Once the tank has been properly installed and placed in service, BTT recommends regular
routine inspections as a part of your preventative maintenance program.
The care and operation of FRP vessels rely mostly on common sense. To maximize trouble
free service, Belding Tank recommends the following:
1. Inspect your vessel thoroughly upon receipt.
2. Follow the Handling and Installation instruction.
3. Wash your vessel thoroughly w/detergent and rinse before putting in service (see FDA
Requirements)
TANKS FOR FOOD APPLICATION
BELDING TANK TECHNOLOGIES tanks will comply with U.S. Food, Drug and Cosmetic
Act, as amended, and applicable FDA regulations (21 cfr 177.2420). These tanks may be
used as components intended for repeated use in contact with food, subject to certain
limitations described in that regulation.
BELDING TANK TECHNOLOGIES tanks are chemically acceptable in processing or
storage areas for contact with meat or poultry food products prepared under federal
inspection and used at temperatures below 180° F. This acceptance has been given by the
United States Department of Agriculture.
Prior to shipping your tank, B.T.T. applies a (4) hour heat cure followed by a water rinse to
the tank interior.

Page 2
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

TANKS FOR FOOD APPLICATION (Cont’d.)

After installation and before your tank is put into service, attention to the following
procedures is important to achieve FDA compliance:
1. After tank installation, steam-treat or steep tank with hot water for 8-16 hours at 160° – 180° F. This
should remove all residual styrene from the laminate surface.
2. Wash the tank thoroughly with detergent and rinse it thoroughly.
3. Check state and local regulations for required compliance in addition to the above recommendations.

AFTER THE TANK IS PUT IN SERVICE:

1. Keep the vessel clean.
a. It will remain more aesthetically pleasing.
b. If the tank is ever damaged, it will be evident.
2. Make a visual tank inspection inside and outside the tank every 6-12 months.
3. If your tank has been supplied with a screen on your Vent, care should be taken to
inspect the screen regularly and kept clean and unobstructed. The screen will reduce
the airflow. CAUTION: Condensate on the screen during cold weather may freeze
which may result in damage to the tank. BTT recommends removing the screen
during cold weather months.
4. Rapid temperature changes to the fiberglass tank MUST BE AVOIDED, especially
going from a hot tank to a cold tank.
TANK USAGE
This tank has been sold for a specific chemical storage application. Before changing the
chemical environment, consult with BELDING TANK TECHNOLOGIES (your warranty
may be void without written authorization from B.T.T.)
1. Do not allow the stored material to freeze.
2. BELDING TANK standard tanks are NOT designed for pressure or vacuum other than
liquid head. Do not restrict the tank vent. Vapor removal equipment (if installed)
must not cause any pressure or vacuum conditions.
3. The rated capacity of the tank is to the top of the straight side only.
If any of the above guidelines are not followed or if any modifications are made without
written approval from BELDING TANK TECHNOLOGIES, it could result in structural
damage to the tank and would void the existing warranty.

Page 3
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

AIR LOADING
“Tanks are often filled with liquids from tanker trucks by pressurizing the headspace above the liquid within
the tanker with compressed air to force tanker contents into the receiving tank. This is most typically done
when the liquid being transferred is a corrosive chemical, which could damage a pump. Although such a
procedure eliminates the need for a pump, a possibility does exist that the pressurized air within the tanker
will follow the liquid into the receiving tank, and destroy the tank, due to excessive pressure.
Generally speaking, the tanker is connected to the receiving tank by a hose. The compressed air pushing
down on the liquid forces the liquid through the hose and into the receiving tank. The frictional resistance
offered by the hose and the fitting limits the maximum velocity of the liquid moving through the hose to a
reasonable value. The air displaced by the liquid entering the tank escapes through the normal vent provided
on the tank.
However, when the last of the liquid passes through the hose, the compressed air within the tanker rushes
through the hose at an extremely high velocity, because this air does not meet significant frictional resistance
in the hose, as the liquid does. This air enters the headspace in the receiving tank and expands with almost
explosive speed and force. The conventional tank vent cannot relieve this excessive pressure within the tank.
When the pressure within the receiving tank exceeds that for which the tank is designed, either the tank head
blows off or some other portion of the tank ruptures.
Preferably, the person operating the tanker will interrupt the liquid flow before the last of the liquid leaves
the tanker, preventing the compressed air from entering the tank. However, through inattention or
carelessness, the operator will occasionally forget to interrupt the liquid at the "appropriate
time"…RESULT…POSSIBLE TANK FAILURE.”
The quoted description above is the possible occurrence when the tank is air loaded…IMPROPERLY;
proper procedure requires that the operator interrupt the liquid at the appropriate time. PROPER
PROCEDURE WILL NOT CAUSE TANK FAILURE.
To guard against tank failure when the tank is air loaded, opening the manhole cover is suggested. This
precaution, if the tank is air loaded improperly, does NOT eliminate the possibility of tank failure…but it
may lessen the possibility.
TO ELIMINATE TANK FAILURE DUE TO IMPROPER AIR LOADING:
A. BUILD A PRESSURE VESSEL, OR
B. ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF THE AIR PAD PRESSURE IN THE TANKER FROM
REACHING THE TANK INTERIOR BY:
1. Suspending the fill line above the manway (i.e. line is not to enter tank), OR…
2. Monitoring a flow meter to determine when the tanker will be empty, OR…
3. Install a "No-Flow" switch in tandem with a control valve.
Note: B.T.T. recommends consulting with a reputable firm in reference to flow meters and no flow switches.
If you have any questions or special circumstances that require discussion, please feel free to contact us at…
1-800-253-4252.

Page 4
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

TOP MANHOLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

20” Top Manhole 24” Top Manhole

Drawings not to scale

BELDING TANK TECHNOLOGIES standard ATMOSPHERIC pressure top manhole

includes half the number of bolts as shown in the illustrations above. The bolts should be
hand tightened plus a 1/8 turn. The bolt sequence above does NOT have to be followed.
When the tank is designed for pressure up to 12” water column (0.432 psig), then ALL bolts
illustrated above will be included and the bolt torque setting is 3 ft. lbs.
For pressures above 12” water column (0.432 psig), please refer to the side manhole charts
for rated pressure.

Page 5
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

TOP MANHOLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

30” Top Manhole 36” Top Manhole

Drawings not to scale

BELDING TANK TECHNOLOGIES standard ATMOSPHERIC pressure top manhole

includes half the number of bolts as shown in the illustrations above. The bolts should be
hand tightened plus a 1/8 turn. The bolt sequence above does NOT have to be followed.
When the tank is designed for pressure up to 12” water column (0.432 psig), then ALL bolts
illustrated above will be included and the bolt torque setting is 3 ft. lbs.
For pressures above 12” water column (0.432 psig), please refer to the side manhole bolt
sequence and torque charts for rated pressure.

Page 6
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

SIDE MANHOLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

(BUILT 12-11-17 TO PRESENT)

20” & 24” Side Manhole 30” Side Manhole 36” Side Manhole

Drawings not to scale

Side Manhole Maximum Bolt Torque

Manhole PSI Rating (See Drawing Attachment Chart)

Diameter 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

20” 14 ft. lbs. 14 ft. lbs. 28 ft. lbs. 28 ft. lbs. 28 ft. lbs. 33 ft. lbs. 38 ft. lbs.

24” 14 ft. lbs. 27 ft. lbs. 27 ft. lbs. 40 ft. lbs. 40 ft. lbs. 47 ft. lbs. 53 ft. lbs.

30” 36 ft. lbs. 36 ft. lbs. 36 ft. lbs. 36 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 50 ft. lbs. 56 ft. lbs.

36” 21 ft. lbs. 21 ft. lbs. 27 ft. lbs. 34 ft. lbs. 40 ft. lbs. 46 ft. lbs. 51 ft. lbs.

Page 7
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

SIDE MANHOLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

(BUILT PRIOR TO 12-11-17)

20” Side Manhole 24” Side Manhole

Drawings not to scale

Side Manhole Maximum Bolt Torque

Manhole PSI Rating (See Drawing Attachment Chart)

Diameter 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

20” 16 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs.

24” 16 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs. 20 ft. lbs.

Page 8
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

SIDE MANHOLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

(BUILT PRIOR TO 12-11-17)

30” Side Manhole 36” Side Manhole

Drawings not to scale

Side Manhole Maximum Bolt Torque

Manhole PSI Rating (See Drawing Attachment Chart)

Diameter 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

30” 25 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs.

36” 25 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs. 43 ft. lbs.

Page 9
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

FLANGED NOZZLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

CAUTION: A flange spacer MUST BE USED when bolting FRP flanges to raised face flanges. Use only
full face gaskets. Do NOT over torque flange bolts.

4 Bolt 8 Bolt 12 Bolt

Drawings not to scale

Flanged Nozzle PSI Rating & Maximum Torque

Diameter PSI Rating Maximum Torque

1” 150 12 ft. lbs.

1-1/2” 150 14 ft. lbs.

2” 150 22 ft. lbs.

2-1/2” 150 24 ft. lbs.

3” 150 36 ft. lbs.

4” 150 24 ft. lbs.

6” 100 34 ft. lbs.

8” 50 28 ft. lbs.

10” 50 29 ft. lbs.

12” 50 43 ft. lbs.

14” 50 55 ft. lbs.

Page 10
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

FLANGED NOZZLE BOLTING SEQUENCE

CAUTION: A flange spacer MUST BE USED when bolting FRP flanges to raised face flanges. Use only
full face gaskets. Do NOT over torque flange bolts.

16 Bolt 20 Bolt
Drawings not to scale

Flanged Nozzle PSI Rating & Maximum Torque

Diameter PSI Rating Maximum Torque

16” 50 54 ft. lbs.

18” 50 88 ft. lbs.

20” 50 85 ft. lbs.

24” 50 116 ft. lbs.

Page 11
 200 N. Gooding Street – P.O. Box 160 – Belding, MI 48809-0160
Phone: (616) 794-1130 Toll Free: (800) 253-4252 Fax: (616) 794-3666
E-Mail: [email protected] Website: www.beldingtank.com

“Quality Is Our Standard…Customer Service Is Our Specialty”

OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE INSTRUCTIONS

Flanged Nozzle Allowable Loads

Size A B C
1 100 LBS. 50 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

1-1/2 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

2 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

3 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

4 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

6 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

8 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

10 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

12 100 LBS. 100 FT./LBS. 100 LBS.

Page 12