Tank farms require a serious approach. Every project begins with selecting a contractor, and it's easy to make a mistake. There are many companies, and even more promises, but only a few have any real experience.
When it comes to storing petroleum products, chemicals, or water, the cost of error is manifold. A leak, structural deformation, or non-compliance with regulations—any problem will result in losses and downtime. Therefore, choosing a contractor becomes a strategic decision for a company.
Evaluation of the contractor's technical capabilities
The first thing people look for when choosing a company is whether it has its own production facilities. Rented facilities often mean dependence on third parties and missed deadlines. The contractor must have:
- own production workshops with the necessary equipment;
- welding stations with certified specialists;
- areas of anti-corrosion metal treatment;
- test benches for checking finished products;
- warehouse premises for storing materials and finished products.
Without this minimum, the company is simply reselling someone else's services, which increases the cost and risks of the project.
Another important consideration is the geographic scope of the work. Local contractors are good for small projects. But if you're planning to build a large tank farm, you need a company with experience working in different climates. The permafrost of Yakutia and the heat of the Krasnodar Territory require different technical solutions. And it's good when the contractor understands this from practical experience rather than from textbooks.
Checking documentation and certificates for tanks
Checking paperwork is tedious, but necessary. Some contractors work for years without the necessary permits until an inspection or an accident occurs.
Including SRO licenses, certificates of conformity, and test reports. You can also view completed projects with photos and technical specifications. Also, pay attention to the testimonials section—real clients write specifically, without using generalities.
What you need to check first:
- SRO admission to design and construction work;
- licenses for work with hazardous industrial facilities;
- certificates of conformity for manufactured products;
- certification of welders according to NAKS;
- professional liability insurance.
The absence of even one document from the list is a reason to think about choosing another contractor.
Analysis of completed tank farm projects
A portfolio will tell you more than advertising brochures. Focus not on the quantity, but on the complexity of the completed projects. Ten standard 1,000-cubic-meter vertical steel tanks are one thing. A custom project with underground tanks, a fire suppression system, and automation is quite another.
A reputable contractor will show you projects from different years. This way, you can assess how long the structures last without repairs. Ask for the contact information of previous clients. A reputable company will provide phone numbers without any hassle. However, a refusal under the pretext of trade secrets is a red flag. Real clients are usually willing to share their experience, especially if they were satisfied with the work.
Pay attention to project completion times. If the project takes too long, it's suspicious—they may have cut corners on quality. If it takes too long, there may be problems with the organization of the work. Optimal deadlines depend on the scope, but an experienced contractor will give you a clear timeline right away, without lengthy calculations.
