AgCertain Glycerin Tank Farm
How Do You Expand Industrial Storage Capacity Without Disrupting Production?
When manufacturers need to increase storage capacity, the challenge extends beyond installing new tanks. They need an experienced industrial contractor that can engineer complex process systems, safely integrate new infrastructure into an active facility, and keep the project on schedule without interrupting operations.
That was the challenge AgCertain Industries faced when expanding its Boone, Iowa manufacturing facility. Baker Group served as the Engineer of Record, delivering a fully integrated engineering, construction, process piping, electrical, automation, and BIM/VDC solution for a new glycerin tank farm that supports long-term production growth while improving operational flexibility.
Why Did AgCertain Build a New Glycerin Tank Farm?
AgCertain needed additional storage capacity for crude glycerin before the refining process. Increasing onsite storage would allow the company to better manage fluctuations in raw material availability, reduce the impact of market volatility, and maintain a consistent production schedule.
The new tank farm provides the infrastructure necessary to safely store large volumes of product while seamlessly integrating with existing plant operations.
What Was Baker Group's Role?
As the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction contractor, Baker Group designed and constructed the complete tank farm while coordinating every phase of the project from engineering through start up.
The project required more than 6,300 labor hours and brought together expertise from engineering, process piping, electrical, automation, excavation, fabrication, insulation and construction teams. By self-performing much of the work, Baker Group maintained quality, improved coordination, and kept the project on schedule despite a demanding construction timeline.
What Systems Were Designed and Installed?
The project included the engineering and construction of two field-erected, insulated stainless steel storage tanks with each measuring approximately 32 feet in diameter with storage capacity of approximately 280,000 gallons.
Supporting infrastructure included:
- Industrial process engineering
- ASME process piping systems
- Steam, condensate, compressed air, and utility piping
- Electrical distribution and MCC modifications
- Heat tracing and insulation systems
- Pump installation and process equipment
- Structural pipe racks
- Underground drainage trenching
- Industrial automation and controls
- Custom control panel fabrication
- Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)
Together, these systems create a reliable, scalable storage solution that supports efficient product transfer and future production demands.
How Did Automation Improve the Tank Farm?
Industrial automation plays a critical role in improving both operational efficiency and process reliability.
Baker Group designed and integrated an automation system that allows operators to monitor and control:
- Transfer pump operation
- Process pump sequencing
- Control valve actuation
- Tank temperature management
- Product flow rates
- Tank level monitoring
- Railcar loading operations
Custom control panels, built by Baker Group, provide operators with centralized system control while improving visibility into tank farm operations.
What Challenges Did Baker Group Overcome?
Constructing a new industrial tank farm within an active manufacturing facility requires careful planning and coordination.
One of the project's biggest challenges involved tying new process systems into existing operations during only minor scheduled production outages. Baker Group carefully sequenced utility connections, process piping installations, and equipment tie-ins to minimize downtime and maintain safe operations throughout construction.
The project also carried a schedule-driven deadline. Construction began in early summer and needed to be completed before winter conditions could impact installation activities. Baker Group's integrated engineering and self-perform construction teams worked collaboratively to stay on schedule while delivering quality workmanship across every trade.
BIM and VDC technology further improved project execution by coordinating underground utilities, structural systems, and mechanical layouts before construction began. This proactive approach reduced field conflicts, minimized rework, and improved installation efficiency throughout the project.
Why Does Engineer of Record Experience Matter?
Serving as the Engineer of Record allowed Baker Group to align engineering decisions with field execution from the earliest stages of the project. Rather than managing multiple contractors, AgCertain partnered with a single team that understood the complete scope, coordinated across disciplines, and maintained accountability from design through commissioning.
This integrated delivery approach reduced risk, streamlined communication, and helped ensure the tank farm was constructed safely, efficiently, and according to project requirements.
Industrial Tank Farm Engineering and Construction Expertise
The AgCertain Glycerin Tank Farm demonstrates Baker Group's ability to deliver complex industrial infrastructure projects that combine engineering excellence with self-performed construction. Whether designing ASME process piping systems, integrating industrial automation, coordinating BIM/VDC models, or constructing large-scale storage facilities, Baker Group provides manufacturers with a single-source partner capable of delivering safe, efficient, and reliable solutions.