What are Industrial Chemical Storage Tanks, and How do you Choose one?
Heavy-duty containers, known as industrial chemical containers, are used to store, process securely, and transit chemical products, fuels, and other substances.
According to STI inspections standard, based on the chemical they are processing, these tanks should either be buried or placed aboveground.
They have a carefully constructed structure with secondary containment units to prevent chemicals from getting into touch with the environment.
Manufacturers employ certain materials when creating double-wall containers for chemical storage that do not mix with the chemical or lessen the chemical’s effectiveness.
Furthermore, some superior tanks have an enclosed chamber to maintain the compound’s temperature.
Features of Commercial Chemical Storage Tanks
- The following characteristics describe typical chemical holding tanks:
- polycarbonate body with UV protection
- Sectional, high-density polymer fabrication
- Robust design
- Weather-resistant
- Provides options for both short- and long-term usage.
What Matters to Consider When Purchasing or Leasing a Chemical Storage Tank?
Before choosing tanks, you must take numerous variables into account. Units for storing chemicals come in a variety of shapes and sizes.
While some inexpensive tanks could appear profitable at first, they might not be able to provide what you require in the long term.
Here are some recommendations for choosing chemical tanks:
Tank Usage: Think about how you want to utilize the storage tank. Identify the chemical storage tank’s intended application. Do you require the chemical tank for processing, transport, or storage?
Location: Before choosing a location for the storage tank, it is essential to consider the site’s thermostat, resistance, and other environmental conditions.
Cost:Compare your budget with the application you want. Next, contemplate how long your storage will last to decide if renting or buying is more cost-effective. Then, list any extra features that you might need that are industry-specific.
Before renting or buying a chemical storage tank, you should clearly understand what you’re searching for because tank manufacturers provide various chemical and acid storage options. Besides this, make sure the tank is built according to STI sp001 or other API tank standards.
Type of Chemical and Acids That can be Stored in Storage Tanks
One of the most important considerations when choosing a chemical storage tank is the kind of toxic substances and acids you will be working with. Every acid differs in its characteristics and how it interacts with its surroundings and storage medium.
Because their pH levels differ, a hydrochloric acid holding tank might not be appropriate for caustic soda storage. Some plastic tanks could be helpful in the near term but could quickly become worthless.
The improper storage tank may be purchased due to carelessness about the kind and density of acid.
Using the wrong storage tank can have serious consequences, including harm to people or property and financial losses.
Classifying Chemicals
Chemicals may be categorized as acids, bases, hydrocarbons, catalysts, and fuel products.
Acids: While petroleum compounds are very explosive and react violently with metals, acids erode the inner walls of metals. The production of metal, food goods, specialty chemicals, and medicinal precursors requires acids like HCl, sulfuric acid (H2SO4, and nitric acid. However, they can burn you chemically if they come into direct contact with your retina, skin, or oral mucosa.
Aerosols: Acidic fumes and aerosols can harm the respiratory system and lead to laryngeal carcinoma, tooth erosion, and respiratory dysfunction. It is crucial to select a proper storage vessel for HCl, H2SO4, and HNO3 because of this.
Chlorine/Fluorin: Compounds based on fluorine and chlorine are volatile, whereas chemicals based on ammonia can be poisonous.
Common Tank Building Materials
Many alloys, polymeric materials, and composite materials are used when building chemical storage tanks. Make sure you know each material’s advantages and disadvantages before purchasing chemical tanks.
Stainless Steel: A stainless steel holding container is ideal for acids and petroleum chemicals. These tanks are beneficial for handling and storing sulfuric acid.
High-Density Polyethylene: Polyethylene tanks are great options for storing chemicals. They exhibit great endurance, do not interact with highly corrosive chemicals, and can withstand abrupt temperature changes.
Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Containers: These tanks mostly serve as sewage disposal, and they need regular servicing and monitoring for their chemical storage. If you have a limited budget and don’t mind having a limited tank pressure and capacity, you can use FRP tanks.
Linear Polyethylene Tanks: Acids can be handled in tanks made of linear polyethylene at low concentrations. Despite being more affordable, they do not provide as long a tank longevity as cross-linked polyethylene because of their poor construction.…