will a fiberglass tank take the heat?

[machinemaker]

I found a used fiberglass tank. Will it take 180 f heat?
Thanks, kent

[zap]

From http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/fiberglass-pipes-temperature-limits-d_787.html:
(Note: This is for fiberglass pipe!)
Epoxy glass fiber reinforced pipe: -29 to 149 oC (-20 to 300o F)

Vinyl Ester glass fiber reinforced pipe: -29 to 93 oC (-20 to 200 oF)

Furan glass fiber reinforced pipe: -29 to 93 oC (-20 to 200 oF)

Furan carbon fiber reinforced pipe: -29 to 93 oC (-20 to 200 oF)

Phenolic glass fiber reinforced pipe: -29 to 149 oC (-20 to 300 oF)

Polyster glass fiber reinforced pipe: -29 to 93 oC (-20 to 200 oF)

[machinemaker]

Thanks, I am sure that this is polyester resin for this tank. It is used and a good price.
kent

[Rover]

As Zap said, the values were for pipe. under pressure ? ... don't know., does it matter .. not sure.. just know its a dissimilar application (tank vs pipe)

What is the volume of water, and expected max temp?  thickness of the tank walls?... are they reinforced ? (bulkheads? buttressed ? by other fiberglass etc.)

All those change the dynamics... if your provide those specs, could I answer, probably not. but someone else might be able too.

[Rover]

Adding , here is a link to usa plastics.. I have bought stuff from them for beer brewing (I use polyprop). They list FG tanks with a disclaimer about higher temps. I would call them with your tank dimensions,.. as though you were buying and ask about the heat.

they don't list the temp characteristics, which is unusual.. hence , maybe a phone call

http://www.usplastic.com/catalog/search.aspx?search=fiberglass%20tanks&page=1

or an email.. , never know

[machinemaker]

lt is a 6' diameter x 6' tall tank for $600. It is little larger that I wanted 1200 gallons, but I think the price is good. I have used similar tanks in processing environments, but not at these temps. It is spiral wound and has been used for water based liquids so I am confident in its strength.
kent

[jlt]

I used a fiberglass tank on a solar system . It only lasted about 3 years before the tank started getting soft and mushy . My system was getting to hot in the summer months . Up to 175 degrees . If you kept the temp allot lower it should last longer. 

[Rover]

Was it a purchased tank?... home built tank?

Fiberglass has a lot of different meanings as the epoxy used is what determines it strengh , and or heat tolerance. And then there are additives  .

[machinemaker]

Since most fiber glass tanks are formed with polyester resin which is a thermal setting plastic I am surprised that it would get soft with heat. If anything i would think that it would get brittle and crack or craze with heat and time.
kent

[jlt]

Sorry about the late reply . Have been working out of town.

My tank was a spiral wound polyester using High temp resin.It started getting white areas in it. and i could see that the spots were soaking up water.

It was made by a fiberglass tank building company. that also built boats.

The tank was 4ft x 5ft tall .And was a drain back system.with 4 collectors .