Pre-Fabricated vs. Modular Chemical Storage
What is the difference?
In a nutshell ....SIZE. A typical, or even wide load, tractor trailer can only haul up to 14' wide, so a majority of the chemical storage units sold today are prefabricated and turn-key. They are manufactured in a plant with all accessories pre-installed. The end user offloads his building (usually via heavy duty forklift) on to a concrete foundation pad. They then provide an electrical power supply to the load center on the outside of the cheimcal storage building and then arm the fire suppression system. Then they are ready for immediate storage.
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ASSEMBLED ON SITE
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WIDER THAN 14' FEET
Modular Chemical Storage is a different animal altogether. First of all, they are wider than 14', and usually are manufactured in 10' widths up to 60' long. These modular chemical storage buildings are manufactured to be "installed" (basically welded and assembled) on-site. There are multiple shipments that are pre-engineered to "fit together" on your foundation at your location. There is an enormous amount of engineering involved and thus, they are much more expensive that a standard sized pre-fab unit.
While most of the pre-fab chemical storage building manufacturers have the ability to produce these modular storage units, this is not their "bread and butter". There is one major manufacturer that holds several patents on it's sump and building base, and they are very familiar with the installation and offloading procedures. Most prefab manufacturers will sub-contract out these jobs, or send a foreman to over see the project. While they are perfectly qualified to manufacture these units, most are not Factory Mutual (FM) Approved because of the non-standard size, and they generally take longer to manufacture. Sometimes, the cost of several pre-fab units will be less than one modular building of the same size, simply because of the engineering involved.
A good way to find a manufacturer of Modular Chemical Storage units is to search ThomasNet or Call Factory Mutual and see who is currently approved to manufacture the size building required. If a company is advertising pre-fab units, more than likely - that is what they manufacture. Most of the modular chemical storage building manufacturers do not produce pre-fab units. This is also an issue where you need to beware of contractors advertising that they can obtain all your permits, manufacture your building and install in a "bundle". Check your references and call FM Global and get the facts before you purchase or put your project out to bid.
Shipping costs are also significant on Modular Chemical Storage Buildings, and Crane offloading is required.
HINT #9 - Putting a very complex building out to bid before
it is approved by a licensed engineer and the appropriate agencies is financial disaster. Do not let a "sales consult"
or "building design consultant" spec out your building.
You should always review your MSDS sheets with
your
Fire Marshall and have a licensed engineer
collaborate on
the project, then you can tell the
manufacturer
with confidence what your
project will require. |
