Design Features

Standards

We build all of our tank walls in accordance with the time-tested standards of ASTM D-3299 and ASTM D-4097 specifications for filament winding and contact molding respectively, with ASME RTP-1 (design by rules) fabrication capabilities.
All Belding Tank Technologies, Inc. corrosion barriers are built to a minimum thickness of 110 mil vs. 96 mil as specified by ASTM & ASME.

Tank Bottoms

FLAT & SLOPED – The majority of our Sloped and Flat Bottom tanks use a UNITIZED ONE-PIECE BOTTOM TO SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION without a seam for greater structural strength. However, we don’t stop there. The tank bottom corners include a knuckle radius for maximum resistance against hydrostatic pressures, and corners are easier to clean to help eliminate product contamination.

CONE & DISHED – The majority of our Dished and Conical Bottom tanks also use a UNITIZED ONE-PIECE BOTTOM TO SIDEWALL CONSTRUCTION without a seam for greater structural strength and ease of cleaning. We utilize both FRP and Steel support structures, overlaying the steel support ring exterior with fiberglass for added resistance against chemical attack. The full circumference support helps eliminate uneven stresses on the tank sidewall.

What’s the Difference Between Conical Bottom Tanks and Flat Bottom Tanks?

Conical bottom tanks are designed with a sloped, cone-shaped bottom that promotes complete drainage and easier cleaning, making them ideal for applications where solids or sediment need to settle and be removed. Flat bottom tanks, by contrast, feature a level base suited to general chemical and liquid storage where full drainage is less critical.

Belding Tank builds both conical and flat bottom tanks using a unitized, one-piece bottom-to-sidewall construction with no seam, for greater structural strength. Cone and dished bottoms also include full-circumference FRP or steel support structures to eliminate uneven sidewall stress, while flat and sloped bottoms feature a knuckle radius at the corners for added resistance to hydrostatic pressure and easier cleaning.

Tank Tops

CLOSED – Belding Tank® Dome and Flat Top Heads come standard with our 20” or 24” loose cover top manhole with grab handle for convenient opening.

OPEN – Our Open Top tanks come standard with a 90° rim flange, with the option of a one, two or three piece cover. The 90° rim also allows for easy mounting of mixer rails, when required. As a cost saving alternative, a Type II rim is offered when a cover or rails are not required.

Note: All Belding Tank® 90° rims are formed by means of hand lay-up to the tank sidewall on a platen table to ensure uniformity.

FAQs:

Which is better — a conical bottom tank or a flat bottom tank?

The best choice depends on your application. Conical bottom tanks are better suited for processes where solids, sludge, or sediment need to settle and drain completely, since the sloped design directs material to a single low point. Flat bottom tanks are typically used for general liquid storage where full drainage isn't a priority, offering a stable, space-efficient footprint for large-volume applications.

Are conical bottom tanks harder to clean than flat bottom tanks?

No — both are engineered for ease of cleaning. Belding Tank's conical and flat bottom tanks use a unitized, one-piece bottom-to-sidewall construction with no seam, and flat and sloped bottoms include a knuckle radius at the corners specifically to eliminate hard-to-clean corners and reduce the risk of product contamination.

Can conical bottom tanks and flat bottom tanks be customized?

Yes, both tank bottom styles can be customized to fit specific process and facility requirements. Options include FRP or steel support structures for cone and dished bottoms, various diameters and sidewall lengths, and closed, open, or dome-style tank tops to match your storage and access needs.