Apache Stainless Blog

[VIDEO] Large Tank Team Delivers BIG for Biofuel Industry

Wed, 20 Apr 2022 16:30:16 GMT

Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation, a manufacturer of ASME pressure vessels, was contracted to provide four (4) large columns for a renewable energy company. Apache’s “Large Vessel” fabricators/ welders manufactured four stainless columns that measured up to 167’ in length, 11’ width, and 112,000 lbs. in dry weight.

Government and public opinion will drive growth in the industry, and Apache is poised to support large tank projects with the staffing, expertise, and facilities to manufacture ethanol and biofuel tanks.

Quality & Compliance

We have a dedicated quality assurance department, including in-house inspectors, that focuses on full verification, testing and compliance documentation. Apache has been ASME certified for over 40 years and upholds many other global standards.

Transport

With company owned transport and dedicated employee drivers, Apache provides general and specialized high and heavy load transportation service. We will manage the necessary permits, escorts, and communication necessary for your large tank transport needs.

Field Services

Apache provides experienced and proficient industry technicians and engineering support to troubleshoot equipment repair and provide ASME and R-stamp modifications. Audio and service contracts are available.

Located in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, Apache Stainless Equipment Corporation serves the fuel industry with many types of specialized tanks, including distillation columns, evaporators, ASME vessels, API-650 vessels, clad vessels, custom mix tanks and storage tanks.

10 Reasons Why Ethanol Producers Choose Apache Stainless as Their Tank Manufacturer

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 15:28:50 GMT

1. The number one reason for partnering with Apache for your ethanol vessel is our expertise of over 40 years supplying tanks for ethanol and biofuel production. We specialize in heat exchange surfaces, pressure vessels, custom mix tanks, evaporators, and extraction equipment made from stainless and other high alloys.

2. Apache has the capacity for specialty large tank projects. We have custom-designed and fabricated tanks from one gallon to 160,000-gallons.

3. Apache has a good standing in the community and the technical college to recruit and retain skilled fabricators. Our welders are ASME certified and are graduates of rigorous step programs and maintain a continuous excellent safety rating.

4. We have control over advanced manufacturing processes. Our tenured engineering staff is experienced in project management of ASME specialty pressure vessels.

5. Apache is employee-owned, a culture that drives efficiencies, collaboration, and innovation. Our employees fully understand that customer satisfaction is directly related to the success of our company. Located in Beaver Dam, in rural Dodge County Wisconsin, we have a strong midwestern work ethic.

6. In-House material finishes include robotic and mechanical polishing, pickle passivation (ASTM A380 & A967) Electropolishing (ASTM B912). There is no outsourcing of finishes, Apache handles any size to be polished, passivated, or electropolished.

7. Apache has a quality assurance team to coordinate testing and processes, TOP packages, and certifications, including ASME U, UM, CE Marking Permission, National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors, UN DOT, and CRN (all provinces and territories.)

8. Backed by full ASME and other global standards, Apache offers numerous testing and certification required for compliance, including pneumatic testing, hydrostatic testing, liquid penetrant, saline testing, CIP coverage, base metal thickness, ferroxyl testing, positive material ID, ferrite levels, radiography, and UT weld testing.

9. Apache has dedicated transportation personnel and a fleet for specialized high and heavy load services. Our transportation team provides permits, escorts, and communications for large tank loads.

10 Our field service technicians have years of experience as tank fabrication and repair specialists at Apache. We fully support all stainless and high alloy vessel construction and refurbishment. We are ASME and National Board R-stamp certified for repairs and modifications. Our field service offering can be extended to audit and service contracts for preventative maintenance service preferences.

How to Troubleshoot a Pressure Tank

Mon, 22 Mar 2021 19:42:35 GMT

There are several reasons why a vessel may need service, however, two main causes why a vessel may need service are either accident or performance related.

In the case of an accident, such as a tool falling into the tank and causing damage; surface scratches and dents can typically be repaired on-site, provided they do not go beyond minimum requirements, with mechanical polishing or hand/wand electropolishing.

Reduced agitator performance or failure is often due to worn parts, improper assembly or a bent or broken shaft. Agitator repairs may be addressed with the agitator manufacturer or the vessel manufacturer, depending on the situation, down-time, and severity of the failure.

When troubleshooting a drop in pressure in a tank or vessel, a typical cause is often related to seals. One sign of seal failure is product coming out of the seal. To help reduce the frequency of an unexpected seal leak occurring, it is recommended to use a good seal maintenance program to solve a lot of pressure / performance issues, such as:
•   Seal replacement has been neglected
•   Flat spots on seals are a sign for replacement
•   Improper or incorrect seals for the outlet
•   Nicks, scratches or mishandling of seals

A best practice is to avoid product waste and critical down-time is to inventory seals for all outlets and manage seals in a preventative maintenance program.

It is important to note that any weld repairs to the ASME pressures zones on tanks, require an R-Stamp. The R-Stamp is a certification required by the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessels for repair of an ASME tank or vessel.

Depending on the size of the vessel and type of repair, Apache’s service techs may be able to make repairs on site or in some cases, tanks are shipped back to the factory. Apache can provide services including:
•   Field service and troubleshooting to all types of stainless and high alloy tanks
•   ASME / National Board R-Stamp repair and modifications
•   Surface finish repairs
•   Non-code repairs and modifications including piping and heat transfer jackets
•   Seal and agitation repairs and modifications
•   Accessory repairs
•   Head and tank shell repairs
•   Leak detection
•   Audit and service contract available

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Apache Exhibits at FEW (Fuel Ethanol Workshop) Booth 1637

Thu, 15 Jun 2017 20:32:58 GMT

Apache Stainless is exhibiting at the FEW (Fuel Ethanol Workshop & Expo) on Jun 19 - 21st, 2017 at the Minneapolis Convention Center in Minnesota. This is the 33rd year that the show has been running, where everyone in the industry from scientists to vendors can hear about future trends, learn about new technology and network with experts in the industry. And this is the 18th year that Mike Peterson is exhibiting , Apache's expert in tank and vessel sales support for the industry. Visit Mike at Apache's booth, #1637.

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials known as "biomass". More than 95% of US gasoline contains ethanol which oxygenates the fuel and reduces air pollution. Apache Stainless has proudly been supplying this environmentally driven and innovative industry since 1975. We fabricate Mix, Tanks, CO2 Scrubbers, Yeast Tanks, Distillation Columns, Atmospheric Tanks and ASME Vessels to the Biofuel and Ethanol industry.

Visit Mike Peterson at Booth #1637 or give him a call at 920-356-7337.