UPR manufactures a composite megatank for the food industry

The monoblock composite megatank built by UPR, one of the largest ever manufactured in Brazil, is 22 metres long, has a diameter of 5 metres and a height equivalent to a seven-story building. Built for a food industry company located in the countryside of São Paulo, it is capable of storing 400,000 litres of drinking water.

The megatank required 2 months of work as well as structural adjustments to the factory layout to make production possible. UPR’s engineering team said that the most significant challenge was adapting the production process without interrupting other ongoing projects. To achieve this, stages such as alignment and structural reinforcement of the megatank were divided into phases. This ensured operational safety and dimensional accuracy. In total, 12 tonnes of raw materials were used.

Besides, the megatank needed additional hot-air post-curing to be adapted to food storage. It also included a hydrostatic test performed at UPR’s facilities to control potential leaks.

UPR considers the production of the megatank as a practical demonstration of its expertise. “Manufacturing equipment of this size is a milestone for any composite producer. It shows that we master every process stage — from engineering to execution — meeting the highest technical standards,” says Guilherme Loterio, UPR’s Industrial Director.

The supply of the tank meets the customer’s need to centralise large-volume storage in a single unit. The demand for composite megatanks has been growing across the chemical,petrochemical and food industries as an alternative to concrete, a heavier and more porous material, comments Loterio.

“Megatanks are becoming a strategic solution for sectors needing to safely and durably store large volumes. Composites offer technical advantages over concrete, such as lower weight, zero porosity and greater design flexibility,” adds Loterio.

source: UPR/ Jeccomposites