3 min read

When requiring large custom-made buffer tanks, our customers are pleasantly surprised to learn that Masterflow fabricate tanks in our Wetherill Park facility. Producing domestically offers an array of benefits to our clients, as we will explore subsequently.  

Quality Control

Australian Quality 

Not only are the Quality Control regulations imposed in our great country often more exacting and well implemented than the QC tests faced by equipment produced on foreign shores, the training and labour in Australia are top-notch, leading to equipment produced with tighter tolerances, better materials and an overall increase in durability and performance. 

When things work better and break less often, that’s a stronger reputation on your end, with more repeat work, more referrals, and less unexpected expenses. 

Australian Quality Control Policies 

Masterflow’s buffer tanks are designed to meet AS1210 standards. Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 categories describe the range of standards applied to pressure vessels, depending on their application.  

Approval means that a pressure vessel is tested for material selection to ensure weldability, corrosion resistance, and strength. Vessels must also meet the design pressure and temperature limits for their class. 

AS1210 and AS1554 (welding) also mandates that welding joins are inspected, tested and conducted by qualified welders. It specifies the sizing and installation requirements of safety valves and relief devices, and prescribes non-destructive testing in the inspection process, before documentation and certification are finally awarded. 

Delivery Costs

Naturally, less distance to cover during freight means reduced shipping and delivery costs. This puts some of the premium paid for a superior product back in your pocket, and has the added benefit of reducing the potential for damages and losses to occur during shipping. 

Whilst the extremely rare event of damage and loss occurring is covered by warranty, it nonetheless affects lead times. Speaking of which, shorter lead times are yet another benefit of using Australian-made tanks. 

Lead Times 

We don’t need to explain why it doesn’t take as much time to deliver from Australia to Australia, as it does to deliver from overseas to Australia. Apart from a reduced distance of travel, the slow medium of maritime transport shipping rarely needs to be used, and there’s far less likelihood of delays and unexpected obstacles in the supply chain process. 

We all remember how difficult it was to obtain overseas-sourced components during the pandemic in recent years… new delays were frequently introduced thanks to a new restriction, supply shortage or demand increase, with construction and manufacturing being among the hardest-hit sectors.  

Creating great relationships with Australian manufacturers and suppliers of their machinery is a great way to stay ahead of potential global supply chain issues, while enjoying shorter lead times even when our industry is operating as per usual. 

Supporting Aussie Labour 

Aside from the sense of pride in your project and satisfaction with the quality of components used, you are generating more income within our GDP when compared to making purchases from overseas-manufactured products by choosing Australian-made. 

This can even be a point of differentiation between yourself and competition, leading to you resonating with clients and building a great rapport with them. 

Smooth Warranty Claims

Making a warranty claim with an overseas manufacturer – even in the rare case that the claim is acknowledged and granted – brings up the drama and headache of waiting for a lengthy import process all over again. Instead, you can enjoy 

Pursuing the matter with an overseas-made product when a fair claim is not accepted can be tricky, whereas Fair Trading can handle matters between domestic customers and suppliers. Clearer communication with other locals bound by the same consumer laws often makes the claims process much smoother.  

Working With Us 

If you want to see a case study example of Masterflow’s custom Australian tanks, take a look at our Hunter Power Station job. 

The same engineering expertise that went into drawing, specifying and manufacturing the custom tanks on that site is available for your next project, or even a replacement tank for existing projects. Reach out to us with your specs, and our engineering team will be in touch with recommended solutions. 

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https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/part-1-pressure-vessel-design-per-as1210-standard-vin-cohan/#:~:text=AS1210%20specifies%20the%20sizing%20and,pressure%20vessel%20materials%20and%20welds.