In short: A good FRP tank quotation starts with a complete data sheet. Give the supplier five groups of facts: (1) service (chemical, concentration, specific gravity, temperature, pressure or vacuum), (2) design basis (the standard, for example ASTM D3299 or ASME RTP-1, and the design life), (3) geometry (volume, diameter, height, bottom and roof type), (4) fittings (nozzles, manways, vents, ladders, lifting and hold-down lugs) and (5) site (indoor or outdoor, wind, seismic, foundation and access). ASME RTP-1 formalizes this as the User's Basic Requirements Specification (UBRS), and the same structure works well for any FRP tank. FIBROVX builds FRP tanks to order, so every field below can be set to your project.
Why a data sheet matters
An FRP tank is not picked from a catalog in the way a steel drum is. The resin, laminate thickness and fittings depend on what the tank holds, how hot it gets and where it stands. When an inquiry says only "20 m³ FRP tank for acid", each supplier fills the gaps with its own assumptions. The quotations then differ in price because they differ in design, and nobody can compare them.
A data sheet fixes this. It gives every supplier the same basis, it becomes part of the purchase order, and it is the reference for inspection on delivery.
ASME RTP-1, the ASME standard for reinforced thermoset plastic corrosion-resistant equipment, puts this responsibility on the user. It requires the user, or an agent acting for the user, to provide a User's Basic Requirements Specification (UBRS). The UBRS sets out the intended design conditions, the external environment, the vessel's function, the mechanical loads, installation requirements and the codes and laws that apply at the site. The user must also specify the resin type or define the contents the vessel will be exposed to. Even if your tank is not built to RTP-1, this is a good structure for any FRP tank data sheet. Our guide to FRP tank standards explains when each standard applies.
Section 1: Service conditions
This section drives the resin choice and the wall thickness. It is the most important part of the data sheet.
| Field | What to write | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Contents | Chemical name, CAS number if known | Resin selection |
| Concentration | Normal and maximum, in % by weight | Some resins are rated only to a set concentration |
| Impurities | Chlorine, fluorides, solvents, oxidizers, even at trace levels | Can attack resins or glass |
| Specific gravity | At the lowest operating temperature | Sets the hydrostatic load on the wall |
| Operating temperature | Normal, maximum and minimum | Resin limit and laminate properties |
| Design temperature | Not less than the maximum operating temperature | RTP-1 requires this |
| Pressure and vacuum | Atmospheric, or the design pressure and vacuum | Pressure changes the standard and the design |
| Fill and empty rates | m³/h, and the method (pump, truck, gravity) | Vent sizing |
| Solids, agitation, heating | Mixers, heating coils, steam injection | Extra loads and hot spots |
Temperature needs care. RTP-1 notes that operating temperatures up to 180 °F (82 °C) are common and well supported by data, and that higher temperatures need special design attention and consultation with the resin manufacturer. State the real maximum, including upsets such as steam cleaning or exothermic mixing.
Pressure needs care too. Most FRP storage tanks are atmospheric. ASTM D3299 covers vertical cylindrical tanks for atmospheric pressure. RTP-1 vessels are limited to 15 psig (about 1 bar) internal or external pressure with a proof test of the as-built laminate, and 2 psig without one. If there is any pressure or vacuum, write it down.
For chemical resistance, see our FRP chemical resistance guide. For a worked example of service conditions, see FRP tanks for hydrochloric acid.
Section 2: Design basis
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Design standard | ASTM D3299, ASME RTP-1, EN 13121, or the owner's specification |
| Critical service | Yes or no (RTP-1 leaves this declaration to the user) |
| Corrosion allowance or barrier | Inner surface veil type and corrosion barrier thickness, or "per standard" |
| Design life | Expected years of service |
| Inspection | Third-party inspection, hold points, witness tests |
ASTM D3299-26 now covers both filament-wound and contact-molded tanks and supersedes ASTM D4097. Choose the standard first, because it sets the laminate rules, the tests and the documents you will receive.
Under RTP-1, the user decides whether the vessel is in critical service. Critical service should be declared, for example, when the design pressure is 5 psig or more and the vessel is near areas used by people, among other conditions. Critical service brings extra inspection and testing. Building to RTP-1 rules is not the same as supplying a vessel with the ASME Certification Mark, so if your project needs a certified vessel, tell us at inquiry so we can confirm clearly what we can supply.
Section 3: Geometry
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Working volume | m³ or gallons, and whether it is nominal or working |
| Diameter and height | Or the limits from site space, transport and doorways |
| Orientation | Vertical or horizontal |
| Bottom | Flat, sloped or dished; supported on a flat pad or on saddles |
| Roof | Flat, conical, dished or open top |
| Freeboard | Space above the high-level alarm |
Transport often limits diameter. If the tank must pass through a doorway or travel by road or container, give the maximum dimensions. Very large tanks can be built in sections or wound on site, which changes the cost.
Section 4: Laminate and resin
If you know the resin you want, specify it. If not, define the contents in Section 1 and ask the supplier to propose the resin, as RTP-1 also allows.
- Resin system, for example isophthalic polyester or vinyl ester. See polyester vs vinyl ester vs phenolic resin.
- Corrosion barrier: surface veil type (glass or synthetic) and minimum thickness.
- Exterior: UV protection, color or pigmented gel coat for outdoor tanks.
- Fire retardancy, if required by the site.
- Conductivity, if the contents are flammable and static control is needed.
Ask the supplier to show the corrosion barrier and structural layers on a laminate schedule and to submit it with the drawing.
Need a quote or a drawing check?
FIBROVX manufactures FRP products in our own factory in China and builds every item to order: sizes, resin system, color, molds and OEM branding. Send your application, dimensions or drawing, quantity and destination port.
Request a QuoteSection 5: Nozzles and accessories
List every opening on a nozzle schedule.
| Item | Details to give |
|---|---|
| Nozzles | Mark, service, size, flange standard (ASME B16.5 drilling, EN 1092-1, JIS), elevation and orientation |
| Manways | Size, top or side, hinged or bolted cover |
| Vent | Size, and whether it goes to air or to a scrubber |
| Overflow | Size and where it drains |
| Level | Gauge, transmitter or sight tube |
| Ladder and platform | Ladder with cage or fall arrest, roof platform, handrail |
| Lifting lugs | For installation |
| Hold-down lugs | For wind and seismic loads |
| Internals | Dip pipes, baffles, heating coils, agitator supports |
For corrosive or fuming contents, route the vent to a fume scrubber such as an FRP acid fume scrubber. Size the vent for the fastest fill and empty rates, so the tank is never pressurized or pulled into vacuum. Gaskets and bolts must suit the chemical.
Section 6: Site and installation
| Field | What to write |
|---|---|
| Location | Indoor or outdoor; ambient temperature range |
| Wind | Design wind speed and code |
| Seismic | Site seismic data and code |
| Snow and roof loads | Snow, and any personnel or equipment loads on the roof |
| Foundation | Concrete pad, steel frame or existing base, and its flatness |
| Containment | Bund or double wall, as local rules require |
| Access | Crane access, doorways, lifting limits |
| Local codes | Building, environmental and fire codes at the site |
The foundation must give full, flat support to a flat-bottom tank. Point loads under the bottom are a common cause of cracks.
Section 7: Documents and tests
Say what you expect to receive.
- General arrangement drawing with nozzle schedule, for approval before fabrication.
- Laminate schedule and design calculations.
- Resin and glass material certificates.
- Barcol hardness readings and a visual inspection report.
- Hydrostatic (water fill) test record, if required.
- Final dimensional check and photos before shipment.
- Packing and shipping plan, and installation instructions.
A sample data sheet layout
Put the data sheet on one or two pages, in this order:
- Project, tag number, quantity and required delivery date.
- Service conditions (Section 1).
- Design basis and standard (Section 2).
- Geometry (Section 3).
- Laminate and resin (Section 4).
- Nozzle schedule and accessories (Section 5).
- Site and installation (Section 6).
- Documents and tests (Section 7).
- Sketch or plan showing nozzle orientation.
For published examples of completed UBRS forms, the Process Industry Practices specification PIP VESFG001 points to MTI Publication 50.
Common mistakes
- No temperature or impurity data. The resin is then a guess.
- "Volume" without saying nominal or working. Suppliers size the tank differently.
- No fill and empty rates. The vent cannot be sized.
- No nozzle orientation. Pipework does not line up on site.
- Forgetting wind and seismic hold-downs on outdoor tanks.
- Assuming a certification. If you need an ASME-certified vessel, say so at inquiry.
How FIBROVX can help
FIBROVX builds FRP water tanks, FRP hydrochloric acid tanks and other chemical storage tanks to order. Diameter, height, resin system, nozzles, color and accessories can all be customized to your project specification. Send us your data sheet, even if it is incomplete, and we will tell you what is missing and propose a design. See the full range in Tanks, Pipes & Covers.
FAQ
What is a UBRS? The User's Basic Requirements Specification in ASME RTP-1. The user provides it to set the design conditions, environment, function, loads, installation needs and applicable codes, and either the resin type or the contents.
What is the minimum information for an FRP tank quote? Contents and concentration, specific gravity, temperature, pressure or vacuum, volume, size limits, indoor or outdoor location, the nozzle list and the design standard.
Do I need to specify the resin? Either specify the resin, or define the contents fully and ask the supplier to recommend one in writing.
What temperature can an FRP tank handle? It depends on the resin and the chemical. ASME RTP-1 notes that service up to 180 °F (82 °C) is common; above that, special design attention and consultation with the resin manufacturer are needed.
Can an FRP tank hold pressure? Most are atmospheric. ASME RTP-1 vessels are limited to 15 psig with a proof test, and 2 psig without one.
Which standard should I put on the data sheet? ASTM D3299 for most atmospheric vertical tanks, ASME RTP-1 where the owner requires it, and EN 13121 for many European projects. See our FRP tank standards guide.
Related guides
- FRP Tank Standards: ASTM D3299-26 (replaces D4097) and ASME RTP-1
- FRP Tanks for Hydrochloric Acid
- FRP Storage Tanks Guide
- Industries we serve
- FRP Quality Control: Barcol Hardness, Glass Content and Traceability
Sources
- ASME RTP-1-2017 preview (scope, application limits, 1-200 User's Basic Requirements Specification, critical service): https://asme.stdlink.com/preview/2025/01/04/ac5cb51fdf86444298b41d40b6f1a9e0.pdf
- ASTM D3299-26, Glass-Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Resin Corrosion-Resistant Tanks (scope; supersedes D4097): https://standards.nimonik.com/products/astm/d3299/
- Process Industry Practices, PIP VESFG001 Fiberglass Tank and Vessel Specification (UBRS, MTI Publication 50): https://www.scribd.com/document/355422845/VESFG001
- ASME, RTP-1 Reinforced Thermoset Plastic Corrosion-Resistant Equipment: https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/find-codes-standards/reinforced-thermoset-plastic-corrosion-resistant-equipment