Yatala Tank Cover
Project Details
Location: Yatala, QLD
Completion Date: June 2008
Size: 186 sqm
Fabric: PVC – Ferrari 1202 T2
The Yatala Tank Cover is a great example of tensile membrane utilised for an industrial application. The custom fabric membrane canopy is designed to cover a clarifier tank at a local Queensland brewery. The purpose of the cover was to stop the fumes emitted during the brewery process into the air whilst not hindering the brewing process.
The Brief
4The client requested a cover for the brewery revolving tank to allow more of functionality and to reduce the number of fumes being emitted into the air from the tank’s contents. The preliminary design brief was for a conical or dome-shaped tension membrane cover for a circular gravity sedimentation/clarifier tank with a 15m diameter and an overall height of 4.5m.
The Concept
Tensile membrane was ideal choice of material as it had both the strength and flexibility to cover the tank. PVC membrane (Ferrari 1002T2) was chosen for this project as the structure was not static and the membrane had the strength and flexibility to not hinder the brewing process whilst stopping the fumes from wafting toward the neighbours.
The most challenging aspect of the design was ensuring that the frame could rotate constantly on the existing tank without any problems. Our in-house team of engineers and designers worked closely with the client during the design phase, to come up with a membrane cover design that would suit the functionality of the tank. The frame was constructed with stainless steel to prevent corrosion from the moisture and fumes. Heavy duty wheels were used around the perimeter of the frame to allow the structure to rotate.
The installation of this project was difficult as the tank was constantly rotating and could not be stationary for long periods. This mean the installation had to be conducted at night to ensure that the client’s products were not disturbed or affected by the installation process.
The Result
The Yatala Tank Cover is a unique and award-winning fabric membrane cover. MakMax received two Awards for Excellence for this innovative project: one for the Specialised Textiles Association Awards in 2009 and one for the LSAA Design Awards in 2011.
