The VK Tanks and Silos (USA) method of tank construction allows on-site construction of circular stainless steel storage tanks for the purpose of storing potable water, wastewater, toxic chemicals, and petroleum products. The erection process allows stainless steel coils to be shipped directly from the steel mill to job sites without any intermediary manufacturing. These coils are then picked up by a decoiler and fed into a bending machine. These bends form tracks which ride on a series of rollers mounted on vertical posts, and the steel structure is gradually pushed upward in a helical path while being welded. Double flanged joints facilitate welding and produce a high degree of joint stiffness. The roof and other appurtenances can be added at ground level. Because the roof and/or wind girder are installed shortly after construction starts, the top of the tank shell is never unsupported, minimizing the chance of folding or cave-in due to wind. Once the design height is achieved, the bottom edge of the tank shells are trimmed to fit foundations and the structures are lowered to the ground by reversing the direction of the drive motors. These tanks can be erected inside buildings or in confined spaces. All equipment is portable and can be easily transported by roadway or airlifted into remote areas. This method can also be used to reline existing leaky tanks with stainless steel liners.
