Technical Guide: Best Practices for the Transport and Installation of Glass-Lined Vessels

Glass-lined equipment combines the structural strength of steel with the chemical resistance of glass. However, because glass is a brittle material, it is susceptible to mechanical and thermal shock. To ensure the longevity of your investment and the safety of your site personnel, follow this guide for the transportation and installation of Equipodia reactors and tanks.

1. Pretransport Inspection

Before a vessel leaves the factory or moves within your site, a "Spark Test" should be performed. This ensures that the enamel lining is continuous and free of microscopic pinholes.

• Documentation: Always verify that the Spark Test certificate and the ASME/CE data plates are attached and legible.

• Protection: Nozzles and flanges should be covered with protective blind flanges or plastic caps to prevent debris from entering the vessel.

2. Rigging and Lifting Procedures

Lifting is the most critical stage where mechanical damage can occur. Never lift a vessel by its nozzles or manway.

• Use Designated Lifting Lugs: Always use the factory-installed lifting lugs on the vessel head or shell.

• Spreader Bars: For larger F-Type vessels, use a spreader bar to ensure the lifting cables remain vertical. This prevents lateral pressure on the lugs which could stress the internal glass lining.

• Control the Swing: Use tag lines to prevent the vessel from swinging or bumping against structural steel during the lift.

3. Transportation and Offloading

During transit, vibration and sudden impacts are the primary enemies of glass-lined steel.

• Cushioning: Vessels should be transported on timber saddles or rubber mats. Metal-to-metal contact between the vessel shell and the transport vehicle must be avoided.

• Securing the Load: Use nylon webbing straps rather than steel chains. Chains can slip or apply localized pressure points that may cause "fish-scaling" (internal glass flaking).

• Receiving Inspection: Upon arrival, perform a visual inspection of the external jacket and the internal lining through the manway. If any "glass chips" are found at the bottom of the tank, do not proceed with installation.

4. Installation and Levelling

Once the vessel is placed on its mounting structure (legs, lugs, or skirt), it must be perfectly level to ensure proper agitation and drainage.

• Gasket Integrity: Use high-quality PTFE-envelope gaskets on all nozzle connections. Ensure that flange bolts are tightened in a "star pattern" using a torque wrench. Over-tightening is a common cause of flange glass failure.

• Support Alignment: Ensure all support points share the load equally. Uneven weight distribution can cause the vessel shell to flex slightly, which can lead to cracks in the brittle glass lining.

5. Essential Post-Installation Checks

Before the first production batch, perform these final safety checks:

1. Grounding/Earthing: Ensure the vessel is properly grounded to prevent static electricity build-up, which can cause "arc-through" damage to the glass lining during the handling of flammable solvents.

2. Final Spark Test: Perform a final 10kV or 20kV spark test (depending on glass thickness) to confirm no damage occurred during the move.

3. Jacket Pressure Test: If the vessel has a heating/cooling jacket, perform a hydraulic test to ensure all connections are leak-free before applying steam or coolant.

Summary Checklist for Site Managers

"Need an expert to oversee your installation? Contact Equipodia’s technical team for on-site support and commissioning services."