Glass Fused To Steel Bolted Storage Tanks Manufacturer - CST

21 Jul.,2025

 

Glass Fused To Steel Bolted Storage Tanks Manufacturer - CST

Glass Fused To Steel Bolted Storage Tanks  – Never Need Painting

Glass-fused-to-steel (porcelain enamel) is a single source strong, integrated porcelain enamel and steel material fused together at over ° F, creating a hard inert, inorganic coating that NEVER needs painting.  CST’s glass-fused-to-steel is the premium technology in the tank market.  The interior of all glass-fused-to-steel tanks feature VITRIUM™ coating technology enhanced with titanium dioxide (Ti02) for the toughest glass available. 

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CST’s VITRIUM coating is the world’s leading glass-fused-to-steel process for bolted storage tanks and has been field proven for more than 69 years.  Along with VITRIUM coating, CST now offers EDGECOAT® II, the continuous innovative EDGECOAT technology and the ONLY process in the world that provides optimum glass encapsulation on all (4) sides of the sheet edges.  VITRIUM coating features and benefits include:

  • Tough Ti02 glass formulations provides longer life
  • White interior is easier to inspect than darker coatings
  • Factory certified holiday-free sheets
  • Designed for use in both cold and hot climates
  • Designed, fabricated, shipped and supported within the USA

EDGECOAT II is a result of CST’s commitment to an ongoing product development and improvement program.  This continuous innovative EDGECOAT technology is the ONLY process in the world that provides optimum glass encapsulation on all (4) four sides of the sheet edges.  CST took the best EDGECOAT technology in the world and made it better with EDGECOAT II.

Following Porcelain Enameling Institute guidelines (PEI-101), EDGECOAT II sheets are mechanically rounded to specific radii that provides maximum glass adhesion to steel.  The combination delivers the maximum corrosion resistance of VITRIUM glass coating with the greatest protection on every sheet.

  • Highest quality finish
  • Glass is applied on all (4) sides of the sheet offering the greatest protection
  • No sharp edges on tank sheets, eliminating safety hazards
  • Edges are engineered to ensure optimum radii for each individual gauge of steel providing the maximum and consistent glass edge
  • 5 mils of glass encapsulation on every sheet edge

Download Edgecoat II Technical Data Sheet

VITRIUM is our proprietary titanium Dioxide (TiO2) glassing process applied in a 3-coat, 1-fire (3c1f) process procedure. VITRIUM coating is also produced in a 3-coat, 2-fire (3c2f) process primarily when special colors are requested or thicker layers of glass are required.

The CST proprietary VITRIUM glass-fused-to-steel process provides:

  • Longer tank life
  • Base coat of glass frit containing nickel oxide ensures consistent quality
  • Maximum coating effectiveness without requiring excess coating thickness in order to provide the needed durability at competitive pricing
  • Unique process technologies and voltage testing on all interior side wall sheets provide a factory certified 100% holiday free surface.

The combination of glass quality and glass thickness provide the assurance that over 69 years of experience and over 100,000 structures successfully installed around the world will continue with each and every new structure installed.

Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)

In CST, formerly Engineered Storage Products, launched an R&D project to develop a process for the direct application of our proprietary Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Glass.  The result is a totally new, patented “3-coat, 1-fire” (3c1f) process for applying TiO2 Glass.

TiO2 is a very common ingredient used by many coating manufacturers for various reasons:

    • It is considered inert and at high level in porcelain enamel, gives unique properties.
    • In the case of the interior VITRIUM coating, with its higher percentage of TiO2 in the final white layer, allows CST to provide an exceptional enamel surface.
    • During firing, the white layer’s higher viscosity has the effect of controlling bubble structure in addition to making the top TiO2 rich layer harder, more chemical resistant and the bubble structure finer.  This high TiO2 content is unique to AQUASTORE® and provides exceptional properties to fit colder conditions common to the North American market.

As a result of using higher amounts of TiO2 in the final white layer, a unique visual marker on the glass known as “VITRIUM threading” becomes apparent.  This is caused by thicker areas of the top white layer interspersed with thinner areas allowing the underlying bluecoat to show through opaquely.  This immediately identifies the coating as VITRIUM.

Manufacturing Excellence

CST’s DeKalb facility is ISO : quality system certified.  Engineers design tanks for a wide range of standards including AWWA D103 Standard for Bolted Steel Water Storage Tanks, AISC, FM codes and NFPA Standard 22.  Additionally, glass coatings meet ANSI/NSF Standard 61 requirements for indirect additives, making AQUASTORE®, HARVESTORE® and SLURRYSTORE® tanks ideal for liquid, feed, manure storage and digesters processes.  Most importantly, extreme pride is taken in craftsmanship for a tank that endures the test of time.

From the automated manufacturing processes through the stage-by-stage inspection and even down to careful inspection of the glass. Our glass-fused-to-steel quality is the best in the industry.  The best proof of the precision of CST’s manufacturing procedures can be seen in the thousands of tank installations around the world.

Glass-Fused-To-Steel Process

Glass-fused-to-steel is the premium technology in the tank market.  The factory-applied silica glass coating on AQUASTORE, HARVESTORE, SLURRYSTORE and NUTRISTORE tanks forms a hard, inert barrier for both the interior and exterior tank surfaces to guard against weather and corrosion.  Glass-fused-to-steel is impermeable to liquids and vapors, controls undercutting caused by corrosion and offers excellent impact and abrasion resistance.  The color won’t fade or chalk and most graffiti can easily be removed.  It NEVER needs painting!

    • Fabricated sheets are grit blasted to a uniform, near-white surface
    • Proprietary formulations of borosilicate, minerals, water and clays are blended into a sprayable slurry called “slip”
    • After inspection, the slurry is fused to the steel sheets at temperatures above 1,500° F to produce the distinctive glossy Aquastore finish
    • The molten glass reacts with the profiled steel surface to form an inert, inorganic chemical and mechanical bond

VITRIUM Coating Glass Finish

The company is the world’s best glass fused steel tanks supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.

New process technology has resulted in the development of CST’s newest glass innovation – VITRIUM coating.  This coating combines the outstanding chemical and physical resistant properties of Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) saturated glass with a highly engineered ultra-fine glass structure surface to create a high-performance glass-fused-to-steel technology.  VITRIUM coating features and benefits include:

  • Tough TiO2 glass formulations provide longer life
  • Electrostatic base coat application ensures consistent quality
  • Maximum coating effectiveness without requiring increased coating thickness
  • Unique process technologies provide factory certified “holiday free” sheets
  • Process efficiencies lead to competitive pricing
  • Ideal for both cold and hot climates

Color Options

AQUASTORE glass coatings are available in standard cobalt blue or four other premium exterior colors.  Forest green, sky blue, desert tan or white premium colors are available at an additional cost. Inquire for custom colors.

History of Glass-Fused-To-Steel

CST (formerly A.O. Smith) first discovered the methodology of controlling corrosion by fusing glass to steel in the s.  The technology was initially used in the brewing and hot water heater industries.  While other uses for glass-fused-to-steel were explored, the first glass-fused-to-steel tank went into service in as a HARVESTORE silo.  This agricultural use to store feed while retaining quality has been widely used for almost 69 years.

In the s, our Municipal and Industrial Division was formed and we subsequently launched AQUASTORE tanks for water, wastewater and other industrial liquid uses.  Since , more than 100,000 AQUASTORE, HARVESTORE, SLURRYSTORE and NUSTRISTORE glass-fused-to-steel tanks have been installed in over 70 countries around the world.

The Comprehensive Guide to Glass Lined Tanks - Corro-Protec

In the realm of storage solutions, glass lined tanks have emerged as a powerhouse, providing durability, resilience, and performance that few other types can match. Also known as glass lined steel tanks or glass lined water tanks, these storage vessels are known for their superior features and versatility.

An Introduction to Glass Lined Tanks

Crafted from a fusion of carbon steel and glass lining, glass lined tanks ingeniously combine the best of both worlds. The rugged strength of steel and the corrosion-resistance of glass lining culminate in a storage solution that performs well under diverse conditions. This unique fusion lends an edge to lined tanks over traditional storage tanks made of stainless steel or carbon steel.

Compliance with ISO , the international standard for vitreous and porcelain enamels, reinforces the credibility of glass lining and guarantees its performance. The glass lining or vitrification process imparts these tanks the versatility to serve a range of applications, from potable water storage to hot water storage and wastewater treatment.

The Use of Glass Lined Tanks in Various Industries

Glass lined steel tanks are suitable for multiple industrial applications due to their robustness and resilience. In the realm of wastewater treatment, the corrosion-resistant nature of these tanks proves advantageous, allowing for safe and secure containment of waste materials. Moreover, their ability to withstand a variety of conditions makes them an ideal choice for bolted tank construction, a method involving individual steel panels bolted together to create a larger storage unit.

Besides wastewater management, glass lined tanks are a preferred choice for hot water storage, potable water storage, and even in the brewing and fermentation industries. The tanks’ glass fused to steel design ensures the stored materials are kept in optimal conditions, maintaining their quality and integrity.

The Inevitable Challenge: Corrosion

Despite the many advantages of glass lining, it’s important to note that no glass lining is entirely flawless. Over time, the occurrence of microscopic cracks or pinholes is common, leading to potential corrosion of the underlying steel. This poses a significant challenge as it undermines the tank’s durability and longevity.

Yet, there’s a solution to this predicament: Corro-Protec’s powered anode rods. These rods, engineered explicitly for lined tanks, can drastically extend your glass lined tank’s lifespan, offering effective protection against corrosion and negating the need for routine maintenance.

Corro-Protec Anode Rods: The Antidote to Corrosion

The working principle of Corro-Protec anode rods is quite simple yet effective. These rods release a small, controlled amount of current into the tank, neutralizing the electrochemical reactions that lead to corrosion. This innovative approach ensures your glass lined steel tank’s longevity, irrespective of its purpose or size.

Interestingly, these anode rods are suitable not only for glass lined water tanks but also for bolted tanks. By utilizing Corro-Protec anode rods, bolted tank structures, along with other types of glass lined steel tanks, can significantly increase their resilience and reliability.

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Final Thoughts

When you need a storage solution for potable water, hot water, or wastewater treatment, lined tanks present a dependable choice. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that every storage vessel, even the robust glass lined steel tanks, can be prone to corrosion over time. Thanks to Corro-Protec powered anode rods, you can extend the lifespan of your tank, eliminate routine maintenance worries, and enjoy peace of mind.

In essence, the resilience and adaptability of glass lined tanks have made them a popular choice in various industries. While they are not entirely impervious to corrosion, with the right corrosion protection in the form of Corro-Protec anode rods, these tanks can promise you enduring performance and reliable service. So when it comes to choosing storage tanks, consider the glass lined steel option for their unparalleled performance and longevity.

Are you interested in learning more about agricultural water storage tanks? Contact us today to secure an expert consultation!