Malta Seawater Desalination Project: Custom EN 13445 Sulfuric Acid Storage Vessels

As global demand for fresh water intensifies, seawater desalination plants require highly specialized, durable equipment to maintain continuous, year-round operations. In a recent high-profile project in Malta, Shijiazhuang Zhengzhong Technology Co., Ltd (Center Enamel) delivered custom-engineered vertical pressure vessels specifically designed for the rigorous demands of 98% concentrated sulfuric acid storage in a semi-marine environment.

This project underscores our commitment to delivering comprehensive, high-quality solutions that integrate seamlessly with specific operational and environmental demands, meeting the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and durability.

Below is the precise technical criteria fulfilled for the Malta desalination facility:

Storing 98% concentrated sulfuric acid in a coastal desalination plant presents a dual challenge: defending against the highly corrosive internal medium while simultaneously protecting the vessel from external salt-laden marine air.

Our engineering team meticulously tailored the vessel design to address these specific industry requirements:

For the secure storage of concentrated sulfuric acid, structural integrity is paramount. The vessels were fabricated using ASTM A516 Grade 70 steel plates, a premium carbon steel alloy renowned for its exceptional tensile strength and notch toughness. To ensure an extended lifecycle and uncompromising safety, the shell thickness was engineered to ≥8 mm, which includes a generous internal corrosion allowance of ≥2.5 mm.

Operating in Malta means exposure to a semi-marine environment characterized by high salinity, temperature fluctuations between 5–40°C, and humidity levels reaching up to 100%. To combat external degradation, the vessels were finished with a C5M-grade white epoxy coating. The "C5-Marine" classification is the highest standard for anti-corrosion paint systems, guaranteeing reliable performance during continuous year-round operation in aggressive coastal atmospheres.

Compliance with stringent European safety regulations is non-negotiable for critical infrastructure. Both vertical storage vessels were designed, manufactured, and rigorously tested in full accordance with the EN 13445 standard for unfired pressure vessels.

From the initial concept to final completion, we infuse innovative thinking and technical excellence into every project. Successfully executing the Malta seawater desalination project demonstrates our capacity to solve complex chemical storage challenges for global infrastructure.

With a 150,000㎡ state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and over 20 years of proven expertise, we have delivered custom-engineered storage systems and pressure vessels to over 100 countries. Backed by comprehensive global certifications—including ASME, CE, and ISO9001—we provide end-to-end services covering design, fabrication, and installation.

Are you developing a desalination, water treatment, or chemical processing facility? Contact our expert engineering team today to discuss custom-tailored pressure vessels and storage solutions built for your precise operational demands.