Commentary - March 2022

With over 40 years’ experience in tank design and manufacturing, we understand what is required to make the right decisions when choosing tank solutions and suppliers.

Our comprehensive guide describes the key areas to be considered when selecting a storage tank manufacturer for an anaerobic digestion project and conveys how the process is not merely about choosing a tank - such a decision requires consideration of factors including supply chain performance, health and safety credentials, and financial security.

Trustworthy tank manufacturers focus on what drives value in the industry and how they can support clients through each stage of the anaerobic digestion project lifecycle.

Clients need to ensure they are working as close to source as they can when selecting supply chain partners. The true test of a relationship and service promise comes when issues arise during the project cycle; a solid, sensible relationship should be in place to ensure the correct outcome is achieved quickly.

Our decades-long global track record is built on outstanding levels of customer service. We continually drive efficiencies and add value to our valued client base through our end-to-end market offering from design to installation, commissioning and after sales care.

As a design, manufacture and build contractor with many decades of experience, Balmoral’s business has a major focus on health and safety - both in its own operations and on behalf of clients.

Like a project budget analysis that focuses purely on numbers, a desire to build projects within very condensed timescales is frequently requested. Given the changing horizon on feed-in tariffs this is understandable.

In the face of such pressure, it is critical that health and safety is not compromised or even perceived to be compromised. We are all too aware that an incident with a health and safety origin could result in human and capital costs far exceeding any perceived savings.

Identifying a tank supplier that is committed to driving continuous improvement in its products and service cannot be underestimated in an era where there is increasing pressure and indeed urgency to achieve sustainability targets.

Balmoral Tanks benefits from being part of Balmoral Group Holdings Ltd and the huge support infrastructure that offers. It is this depth of expertise that differentiates us from any other tank manufacturer in the world and allows us to develop more innovative technological solutions.

A final and fundamental factor to consider when selecting a tank contractor is that they must be financially stable.

Project cycles for most anaerobic digestion plants will run beyond twelve months and the ability of the contractor to ‘finance’ material purchases necessary to commence tank manufacture should not be underestimated.

A major factor to consider regarding financial stability is when the project and biogas plant will be built. With the operational criteria of the anaerobic digestion process being highly demanding on storage tanks there must be a strong focus on how secure product warranties actually are.

Thorough due diligence should therefore be undertaken to avoid unnecessary problems down the line.

In summary, choosing a tank supplier is a decision that must consider potential working relationships, performance history, health and security commitment and financial stability.

If these four points are satisfied, a successful conclusion to the installation phase of the project is far more likely to be achieved.