Shop-Fabricated API Tanks & ASME Pressure Vessels
Precision-Engineered Tanks and Pressure Vessels Built in Controlled Shop Conditions—Delivered Ready for Installation
When quality and precision matter most, shop fabrication delivers. At Tate Metalworks, we manufacture custom tanks, ASME pressure vessels, and process equipment in our dedicated fabrication facility—where controlled conditions, specialized equipment, and rigorous quality control produce superior results.
Why choose shop fabricated tanks and vessels?
- ASME-certified fabrication with full documentation and traceability
- Tighter tolerances and consistent quality achieved through climate-controlled conditions and precision equipment
- Reduced on-site installation time—equipment arrives ready to set and connect
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What Is Shop Fabrication?
Shop fabrication is the process of manufacturing tanks, pressure vessels, and industrial equipment in a dedicated fabrication facility rather than constructing them on-site. This approach allows fabricators to leverage specialized equipment—welding positioners, overhead cranes, automated cutting systems, and climate-controlled environments—that simply are not available in field conditions.
For shop fabricated tanks and vessels, this translates to measurable advantages: tighter dimensional tolerances, more consistent weld quality, and faster production timelines. Once complete, shop built tanks are transported to your site ready for installation, minimizing on-site labor and disruption to your operations.
The primary consideration for shop fabrication is transportation. Equipment must be sized to travel safely by road, rail, or barge. At Tate Metalworks, we shop fabricate tanks and vessels up to 14 feet in diameter and 200 feet in length—covering the vast majority of industrial storage and process applications.
Shop Fabrication vs. Field Fabrication: Which Is Right for Your Project?
Both shop fabrication and field fabrication have their place in industrial construction. Understanding when each approach makes sense helps you make the right decision for your project.
Advantages of Shop Fabrication
Controlled environment equals consistent quality. Temperature, humidity, and cleanliness are managed in a shop setting. This eliminates variables that can compromise weld quality and material integrity in field conditions.
Access to specialized equipment. Shop fabrication facilities are equipped with welding positioners that rotate vessels for optimal weld positioning, overhead cranes for precise material handling, and automated cutting and forming equipment. These tools improve accuracy and efficiency in ways that portable field equipment cannot match.
Faster production timelines. Without weather delays, site access limitations, or coordination with other on-site contractors, shop fabrication typically proceeds faster and more predictably than field work.
Lower total installed cost. While transportation adds cost, the efficiency gains and reduced on-site labor often result in lower overall project costs—especially when you factor in the value of getting your equipment operational sooner.
When Field Fabrication Makes Sense
Oversized equipment. When tank diameters exceed transportation limits, field fabrication becomes necessary. Tate Metalworks offers field erection capabilities for tanks up to 160 feet in diameter.
Remote or access-constrained locations. Some sites cannot accommodate delivery of large prefabricated equipment. In these cases, field fabrication allows construction in place.
Modifications to existing equipment. When alterations or additions must be made to equipment already installed, field work is often the only practical option.
Our Shop Fabrication Capabilities
Tate Metalworks brings over 50 years of experience to every shop fabrication project. Our capabilities span a wide range of products, sizes, and materials for demanding industrial applications.
Products We Shop Fabricate
Storage tanks. Atmospheric and low-pressure storage tanks for liquids, chemicals, and process fluids. Carbon steel, stainless steel, and specialty alloy construction available.
ASME pressure vessels. Code-stamped vessels designed and fabricated to ASME Section VIII requirements. Our shop fabricated pressure vessels meet the most stringent quality and documentation standards.
Process tanks and reactors. Mixing tanks, reactor vessels, and custom process equipment with internals, agitator mounts, and specialized nozzle configurations.
Custom industrial equipment. Hoppers, bins, chutes, ductwork, and specialty fabrications engineered to your specifications.
Size and Capacity
- Diameter: Up to 14 feet (larger diameters available through field erection)
- Length: Up to 200 feet
Materials
Our shop handles a full range of ferrous and non-ferrous materials:
- Carbon steel — A36, A516, A572, and other structural and pressure vessel grades
- Stainless steel — 304, 304L, 316, 316L, duplex (2205, 2507), and super duplex alloys
- Specialty alloys — Hastelloy, Inconel, Monel, titanium, and other corrosion-resistant materials
- Clad and lined construction — Carbon steel base with corrosion-resistant linings or cladding for cost-effective performance
Not sure which material is right for your application? Our engineering team can help you evaluate options based on your process conditions, budget, and service life requirements.
How We Deliver Shop Fabricated Tanks and Vessels
From initial inquiry to final delivery, our process keeps your project on track and eliminates surprises.
Step 1: Engineering and Design
Every project begins with a thorough review of your specifications, drawings, and process requirements. Our engineers verify that your equipment meets code requirements and is optimized for manufacturability and transport.
During this phase, we coordinate material procurement—identifying long-lead items early to protect your schedule.
Step 2: Fabrication
With approved drawings and materials in hand, fabrication begins. Our shop team executes precision cutting, forming, fit-up, and welding according to qualified procedures. Welding positioners and overhead cranes allow us to position work for optimal access and weld quality.
In-process inspections verify dimensional accuracy and weld quality at critical stages—catching any issues before they compound.
Step 3: Quality Assurance
Once fabrication is complete, your equipment undergoes final inspection and testing. Depending on code requirements and your specifications, this may include:
- Non-destructive examination (RT, UT, MT, PT)
- Hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure testing
- Dimensional verification
- Visual inspection and documentation review
All results are recorded and included in your documentation package.
Step 4: Surface Preparation and Coatings
Surface preparation and protective coatings are applied per your specifications. Whether your project calls for a simple prime coat, a full epoxy system, or specialized linings for chemical resistance, we handle it in-house to maintain quality control and schedule.
Step 5: Shipping and Delivery
We coordinate transportation logistics to deliver your equipment safely and on time. Load planning accounts for weight distribution, securement, and route restrictions. Equipment arrives at your site ready for installation—set it, connect it, and put it to work.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shop Fabrication
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What is the difference between shop fabrication and field fabrication?
Shop fabrication takes place in a dedicated manufacturing facility with controlled conditions, specialized equipment, and rigorous quality oversight. Field fabrication occurs on-site and is typically used for oversized equipment that cannot be transported or for modifications to existing installed equipment. Shop fabrication generally produces tighter tolerances, more consistent quality, and faster completion times.
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What size tanks can be shop fabricated?
Transportation is the primary constraint. At Tate Metalworks, we shop fabricate tanks and vessels up to 14 feet in diameter and 200 feet in length for road transport. Larger equipment may be transportable by rail or barge depending on your location. For tanks exceeding these limits, our field erection team can construct equipment on-site in diameters up to 160 feet.
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What certifications should I look for in a shop fabricator?
For pressure vessels, ASME U Stamp certification is essential. It indicates the fabricator is authorized to build code-stamped vessels and maintain the required quality systems. The National Board R Stamp is important if you anticipate future repairs or alterations. Beyond certifications, verify that the fabricator uses qualified welding procedures and certified welders, and ask about their NDE capabilities and documentation practices.
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Can you match existing equipment specifications?
Yes. We regularly fabricate replacement tanks and vessels to match existing specifications, including legacy equipment where original drawings may not be available. Our engineering team can perform field measurements and develop drawings to replicate your existing equipment or incorporate improvements based on operational experience.
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What information do you need to provide a quote?
To prepare an accurate proposal, we typically need: equipment dimensions and capacity, design pressure and temperature, material specifications, applicable codes and standards, nozzle and connection requirements, surface preparation and coating specifications, and delivery location. If you have drawings or specifications from previous equipment, those are helpful starting points. Contact us if you need help developing specifications based on your process requirements.
Ready to Discuss Your Shop Fabrication Project?
Whether you need a single pressure vessel or a series of storage tanks, Tate Metalworks has the engineering expertise, fabrication capabilities, and quality systems to deliver. Our shop fabricated tanks and vessels arrive at your site ready for installation—precision-built, fully documented, and backed by over 50 years of experience.
Submit your specifications and our team will prepare a detailed proposal.
Tate serves clients Nationwide, from our Headquarters in the Upstate of South Carolina.
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