FAQ

Universal Tank and Fabrication is a specialized company that designs, engineers, and fabricates custom metal tanks, pressure vessels, and related components for a wide range of industrial applications. We are committed to delivering high-quality, durable products that meet your exact specifications.

We provide our services to a variety of heavy-duty industries, including oil and gas, chemical processing, agriculture, food and beverage, and manufacturing. Our products are designed to meet the rigorous demands of these applications.

Yes. We are fully certified to design and fabricate pressure vessels and tanks in accordance with the industry's most stringent codes, including the ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. This ensures our products meet the highest standards for safety and quality.

Absolutely. Our expertise lies in creating custom solutions. We work closely with our clients from the initial design phase to final fabrication to ensure the finished product perfectly fits their unique operational needs and technical requirements.

Fabricators build pressure vessels, storage tanks, process tanks, and specialty containers from carbon steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Material selection depends on what's being stored, operating pressure, temperature range, and corrosion resistance requirements. Tank design must meet ASME code requirements when pressure or hazardous materials are involved.

ASME certification is required when tanks hold pressurized contents, flammable liquids, or hazardous chemicals beyond atmospheric pressure. Non-code tanks work for vented storage at atmospheric pressure where contents don't create safety risks. Local jurisdictions and insurance carriers often require code vessels even when federal law doesn't.

TIG welding creates cleaner, stronger joints for stainless and aluminum tanks where corrosion resistance matters most. MIG welding works for thicker carbon steel where speed and penetration outweigh finish quality. Welding procedure specifications must match base metal, thickness, and service conditions to prevent premature failure.

Carbon steel costs less and handles structural loads well but corrodes when exposed to moisture or chemicals. Stainless steel resists corrosion from acids, alkalis, and sanitary applications but costs significantly more. Tank longevity depends on matching material grade to what's stored and whether coatings can protect carbon steel economically.

Engineering and design work extends schedules when tanks require calculations, drawings, and code compliance documentation. Material lead times add weeks for specialty alloys or thick plate that's not stocked locally. Inspection requirements, testing, and certification add time for ASME code vessels compared to non-code fabrications.

Design phase establishes dimensions, material specs, nozzle locations, and code requirements based on service conditions. Fabrication includes cutting, rolling, fitting, welding, and non-destructive testing of joints. Final steps involve pressure testing, surface prep, coating application if specified, and final inspection before shipment.

Required volume, available floor space, and height restrictions define basic dimensions. Fill and discharge rates affect nozzle sizing and placement. Material properties limit diameter-to-thickness ratios, and foundation load capacity may require spreading weight across a larger footprint.

Material type and thickness drive base costs since stainless and specialty alloys cost multiples of carbon steel. Complexity adds labor hours for intricate geometries, multiple nozzles, or internal baffles. Code compliance requirements increase engineering, testing, and documentation expenses compared to non-code work.

Tanks can be modified with added nozzles, manways, or reinforcement pads if base metal condition is sound and modifications meet code requirements. Repairs work when corrosion or damage is localized and remaining material meets thickness requirements. Re-certification may be required after modifications to code vessels.

Custom fabrication shops build structural steel components, platforms, stairs, handrails, and equipment frames using the same welding and forming capabilities. Process skids, ducting, hoppers, and conveyors require similar skills to tank work. Shops equipped for heavy plate can handle most industrial metalworking projects.

We have the capability to fabricate a wide range of tanks, including storage tanks, process tanks, and pressure vessels. We work with various materials, including carbon steel, stainless steel, and other specialized alloys, to match the requirements of your application.

Tank fabrication is the comprehensive, end-to-end process of manufacturing a complete tank, which includes engineering design, material preparation, welding, and final inspection. Welded tank shells are a specific component of this process. We can either fabricate a complete tank for you or simply weld the shells as a sub-component for another manufacturer.

Sandblasting is a crucial surface preparation process. We use it to thoroughly clean a vessel's exterior, removing rust, mill scale, and old coatings. This creates an ideal surface for the application of protective coatings and paints, ensuring a stronger bond and long-term corrosion resistance.

A sight glass assembly is a specialized component that we can install on tanks and vessels. Its purpose is to allow personnel a safe and easy way to visually inspect the contents of the vessel, monitor fluid levels, or observe an ongoing process without having to open the tank.

Yes. In addition to installing sight glass assemblies on new vessels, we can also integrate and install a custom assembly on your existing tanks as part of a modification or upgrade project.

Our process begins with a consultation to understand your needs. We then move to the design and engineering phase, followed by material procurement. Fabrication and welding are then performed in our facility with continuous quality checks. Finally, the product is prepared for delivery.

Quality is our top priority. We adhere to strict industry standards and codes, and our quality control process includes continuous checks throughout every stage of fabrication, including visual inspections, hydrostatic testing, and full documentation to ensure complete compliance.