SMC panel tanks provide a modular solution for storing water in buildings, industrial facilities, treatment plants, and other locations where a conventional one piece tank may be difficult to transport or install.
Instead of arriving as one complete vessel, the tank consists of individual moulded panels assembled at the installation site. This sectional design allows the tank dimensions and capacity to be adjusted according to the available space and required water volume.
An SMC panel tank is a sectional water storage tank manufactured from Sheet Moulding Compound. SMC is a prepared composite material containing resin, glass fibre reinforcement, and fillers, which is formed into panels using a heated compression moulding process.
The moulded panels are connected using bolts, sealing materials, internal supports, and external reinforcement. Once assembled, they form a complete rectangular water tank that can be installed inside or outside a building.
Each panel acts as part of the tank wall, floor, or roof. The panels are manufactured in standard modular sizes, allowing designers to combine them into different tank dimensions.
This modular system means the tank can be transported in separate sections. It can then be assembled in plant rooms, basements, rooftops, or restricted areas where delivering a fully constructed tank would be impractical.
SMC panels are manufactured through a controlled hot press moulding process. The prepared composite sheet is placed inside a heated mould and compressed until it takes the required panel shape.
GAJA Fiberglass manufactures its BIO Panel® Tank using SMC technology and hot press moulding. The finished panels have an exterior finish and a glossy internal surface designed to support clean water storage and easier tank maintenance.
The moulding process creates a consistent panel shape with reinforcing contours. These contours help the panel resist the pressure created by the stored water.
The required number of panels, internal braces, and external supports will depend on the tank dimensions, water depth, and engineering design.
At the installation site, the panels are joined using bolts and sealing components. Internal structural supports may be installed to maintain the tank shape and distribute the water pressure.
The assembly must follow the manufacturer’s drawings and procedures. Incorrect bolt tightening, inadequate sealing, or unsuitable support alignment can lead to leakage and uneven loading.
An SMC panel tank consists of more than the visible wall panels. Its performance also depends on the supporting, sealing, piping, and access components.
Before ordering a tank, each component should be specified according to the intended application and installation conditions.
Wall panels contain the stored water and resist horizontal pressure. Floor panels transfer the tank load to the supporting foundation, while roof panels protect the water from external contamination.
The supporting base must be level and capable of carrying the total weight of the tank, water, and accessories.
Internal braces and tie rods help maintain the tank’s structural stability. Their arrangement is determined by the tank size and operating water level.
Materials used inside a potable water tank should also be suitable for continuous contact with the stored water.
The tank normally requires connections for:
The size and position of each connection should be confirmed before manufacturing. This helps prevent unnecessary modifications during installation.
Manholes provide access for inspection, cleaning, and maintenance. Depending on the installation, the tank may also require internal or external ladders.
Access points should remain reachable after nearby piping, walls, and mechanical equipment have been installed.
The main advantage of an SMC panel tank is its modular construction. However, the material and sectional system also offer several practical benefits for water storage projects.
These benefits are particularly relevant for projects with limited site access or customized capacity requirements.
1. Flexible Size and Capacity
SMC panels can be arranged into different lengths, widths, and heights. This allows the tank to follow the available room rather than relying only on standard one piece dimensions.
2. Easier Site Access
Separate panels are easier to move through doors, corridors, stairways, lifts, or roof openings than a fully assembled large tank.
This makes sectional tanks suitable for basements, rooftops, mechanical rooms, and buildings where crane access is limited.
3. Corrosion Resistant Panels
SMC is a non metallic composite, so the panels do not rust like untreated carbon steel. Metallic bolts and supports should still be maintained according to the surrounding conditions.
4. Large Storage Capacity
SMC panel tanks can be configured for small or large water storage requirements by adding panels and structural reinforcement.
BIO Panel® Tank system can accommodate capacities of up to 5,000 cubic metres, subject to the project design and specifications.
SMC panel tanks are mainly used where water must be stored in a modular, corrosion resistant tank. Their final application depends on water quality requirements, tank configuration, and local regulations.
The following are common application categories.
Application
How the Tank Is Used
Potable Water Storage
Stores water intended for consumption when the tank materials and complete system meet applicable hygiene requirements.
Building Water Supply
Provides reserve or distribution water for commercial, residential, and institutional buildings.
Water Treatment Facilities
Stores raw, treated, or process water at different treatment stages.
Industrial Utility Water
Supplies water for cleaning, cooling, production support, or other utility requirements.
Fire-Water Storage
Holds reserved water for fire protection systems when designed according to applicable project requirements.
Process Water Storage
Stores water used in manufacturing or chemical processing support systems.
GAJA Fiberglass identifies water treatment and chemical processing as applications for its panel tank system.
Choosing an SMC panel tank involves more than calculating volume. The location, foundation, water quality, and maintenance access must also be reviewed.
1. Required Working Capacity
Determine the amount of usable water required. The nominal tank volume may differ from the working capacity because space is needed for freeboard, internal bracing, overflow levels, and water below the outlet.
2. Installation Location
Confirm whether the tank will be installed indoors, outdoors, on a rooftop, in a basement, or inside a mechanical room.
Outdoor tanks may need consideration for sunlight, wind, and rain. Indoor tanks need enough clearance for assembly, inspection, and cleaning.
3. Foundation and Structural Support
A full water tank creates a substantial load. One cubic metre of water weighs about one metric tonne before adding the tank panels and accessories.
A qualified engineer should confirm that the foundation or support structure can carry the complete load. The base must also be level to prevent uneven stress on panels and joints.
4. Installation and Maintenance Access
Measure the access route as well as the final tank area. Check doors, corridors, lifts, stairs, roof openings, and working space around the tank.
Adequate clearance should remain for bolt tightening, piping, manhole access, cleaning, inspection, and component replacement.
5. Water Quality Requirements
State whether the tank will store potable water, treated water, process water, or another liquid.
For drinking water applications, the panels, seals, internal supports, coatings, and fittings in contact with the water should meet applicable hygiene requirements.
GAJA Fiberglass states that BIO Panel® Tank has safety and hygiene certification from PSB Singapore for potable water use and meets WRAS requirements related to BS 6920-1:2000.
The performance of a sectional tank depends on panel quality, structural engineering, installation accuracy, and continuing technical support.
GAJA Fiberglass can assist with the design, manufacturing, customization, installation, and support of a BIO Panel® Tank for your water storage project.
Indonesia Head OfficeEmail: marketing@gajafiberglass.comPhone: +62 (21) 4585-3491WhatsApp: +62 811-186-7919Address: Jl. Gading Batavia Blok LC11 No. 21–22, Kelapa Gading Permai, Jakarta 14240, Indonesia
Australia RepresentativeContact Person: Mr. Victor BhaveEmail: victor.bhave@gajafiberglass.comPhone: +61 41 424 0017Address: PO Box 774, Warners Bay, NSW 2282, Australia
SMC stands for Sheet Moulding Compound, a composite material containing resin, glass fibre reinforcement, and fillers.
Yes. They consist of individual moulded panels assembled into a complete tank at the project site.
Yes, provided the panels, seals, internal components, and complete installation meet the required potable water standards.
The SMC panels do not rust like carbon steel. Metallic accessories should still be inspected according to their material and environment.
Yes. Its modular panels can be arranged into different dimensions based on the capacity and available installation space.
