Should We Use a Steel or FRP Industrial Water Softener?

The first question you should ask yourself when deciding between an industrial steel water softener and a fiberglass reinforced polyester (FRP) water softener is “How critical are our water quality and industrial water softening needs?”

For critical water quality requirements that rely upon softened water for the process, steel industrial water softeners are often the better choice. This is because steel water softeners typically have advantages in water softener size, durability, and configuration variety. That said, better industrial fiberglass or FRP water softener systems are also high-quality options that may have advantages where corrosion is a concern.

While you will want to make your final decision with an engineering consultation from Industrial Water Solutions, let’s take a closer look at the factors that will help you decide between industrial steel water softeners and industrial FRP water softeners.

Industrial Water Softener Tank Size

Industrial steel and fiberglass water softeners have some overlap in the size for which they can be configured. However, the industrial steel softeners come in bigger sizes and can process larger quantities of water. The industrial steel water softener systems can be configured to produce up to 5,000 gallons per minute (GPM) while the FRP fiberglass softeners can produce up to 1,000 GPM. Industrial Water Solutions offers free industrial water softener sizing calculators that will help you choose the correct industrial water softener.

Industrial Water Softener Longevity and Corrosion

Depending on the profile of the water supply that is being softened and the air quality in the softener room, a fiberglass-based system could be a good choice if corrosion is a concern. Steel can react to certain minerals, such as iron, but overall has more durability and longevity than fiberglass tanks.

Industrial Water Softener Durability

Though FRP tanks are often rated for 150 psi, they have a very minimal vacuum (or negative pressure) tolerance. Caution needs to be used if there are pumps following the softener tanks, such as with a reverse osmosis system or a booster pump system. These tanks can easily implode without vacuum breakers or if vacuum breakers malfunction.

Industrial Water Softener Configuration Flexibility

Because steel tanks are typically used for large, industrial facilities, they have more configuration options and can meet a wider range of needs. See our industrial steel water softener systems to learn about the options for industrial water softener configurations.

Industrial Water Softener MRG Series: A Good Compromise

The MRG series is an industrial water softener system that offers the possibility of using industrial characteristics from our steel softener systems and pairing them with fiberglass FRP tanks. This mixes the benefits of fiberglass (corrosion resistance) with the main benefits of steel tanks (configuration options, industrial controls, and redundancy).

Which Industrial Water Softener is Right for You?

There are many options for industrial water softeners for manufacturing, healthcare, hotels, and other demanding environments. With so many choices to make, you should consult an expert, independent water solutions company. Contact us at 800-820-9021 or info@industrialh2osolutions.com so we can create a cost-effective industrial water softener solution that is suited to your specific requirements.

Do you need industrial water softener repair or preventative maintenance? Industrial Water Solutions also offers preventative maintenance, engineering consultation, and repair for industrial water softeners. We service and sell industrial water softeners throughout the U.S. including Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois.