Above Storage Tank (AST)

Understanding Above Storage Tanks (AST): Benefits and Why Choose Stainless Steel
Row of large industrial oleochemical storage tanks with metal walkways and piping under cloudy sky

What is an Above Storage Tank?

An Above Storage Tank (AST) is a large, industrial-grade tank designed to store liquids or gases above ground level. These tanks are typically constructed from materials such as stainless steel, carbon steel, or other specialized alloys, depending on the specific use case and the type of substance being stored. Unlike underground storage tanks, ASTs are more accessible, which makes them ideal for various industries, such as chemical processing, oil and gas, and food production. At Gpi Tanks XL, we specialize in custom-built ASTs that can handle large capacities while ensuring safety and longevity.

What are the advantages?

Above Storage Tanks offer several advantages. Their above-ground installation provides easy access for inspection, maintenance, and repairs, which reduces downtime. They can be fitted with additional features like insulation, heating systems, or special coatings to handle sensitive or hazardous materials. ASTs are also highly customizable in size, design, and features, making them suitable for various applications. At last, they are generally safer due to lower risk of leakage and easier detection of any potential issues, minimizing environmental impact.

Why in Stainless Steel

Above Storage Tanks offer several advantages. Their above-ground installation provides easy access for inspection, maintenance, and repairs, which reduces downtime. They can be fitted with additional features like insulation, heating systems, or special coatings to handle sensitive or hazardous materials. ASTs are also highly customizable in size, design, and features, making them suitable for various applications. At last, they are generally safer due to lower risk of leakage and easier detection of any potential issues, minimizing environmental impact. 

The basics

These ASTs are built according to the American Petroleum Institute’s (API) 650 standard, which outlines the design, manufacture, fabrication, welding, inspection, and installation requirements for these types of storage tanks.
API 650 tanks offer several advantages. One of the key features is their ability to be tailored to specific project needs, ensuring optimal performance and safety. These tanks are designed to withstand various environmental factors, such as earthquakes and high winds, making them highly durable in challenging conditions. Moreover, API 650 dictates the required steel thickness and welding methods based on the tank size, ensuring structural integrity.

In the factory and on-site

At Gpi, we have extensive experience in producing API 650 tanks, both in our factories and directly on location. In our production facilities, we can build tanks ranging from smaller models up to 500m³ in our production facilities, to massive tanks of up to 15,000m³ constructed on-site using our advanced Coil Building system. This versatility enables us to meet the unique demands of our clients while maintaining the highest safety and quality standards.

Our factory is strategically located near waterways, making it easy to transport fully built tanks to our customers. For on-site construction, we offer flexible options: using our Coil Building system for single tanks or deploying multiple tank installations on-site when needed. These methods allow us to efficiently deliver tailored solutions, whether the project requires factory-built tanks or large-scale on-site assembly. Our tanks can be tailored to fit any application, providing solutions that last for decades. 

Two large yellow cranes lift one of two stainless steel tanks built to API 650 standards onto a vessel, with a clear blue sky in the background.

Our construction methods

We use innovative production methods to help ensure maximum quality and short lead times. With our ‘shop built’ construction method, we can construct stainless steel tanks in our plant fully ready for installation, we even take care of transport to your site. We can also construct complete tanks on site with our single tank on site and multiple tanks on site construction methods. Learn more about the options. 

Stainless steel tanks up to approx. 5,000 m³, including transport to site.
One or more stainless steel tanks up to approx. 12,500 m³ constructed on site.
Several stainless steel tanks up to approx. 5,000 m³ built at the same time

Your enquiry online in three easy steps

Prefer to have your tanks constructed in our plant and shipped or assembled right there on site? Please follow the simple step-by-step process that we have set up to help you with your enquiry.