Chemical Storage Tank Buying Guide

Types of Tank Materials

Once you understand your chemical&#;s unique characteristics, you&#;ll be able to identify the best type of tank materials to meet your storage needs. If you&#;re storing water, just about any tank will do. If you&#;re dealing with highly oxidizing chemicals, you&#;ll need to eliminate certain options.

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Let&#;s take a look at the most common types of chemical storage tank materials.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel tanks can be used for high-pressure, high-volume and high-temperature applications. Stainless steel storage tanks look nice, too. Many facilities automatically choose stainless steel simply because the tanks have a good reputation and they are found in every industry. However, that&#;s not always a strong business decision.

Stainless steel tanks have their drawbacks&#;most notably, the price tag. Stainless steel tanks are the most expensive storage system on the market. If you purchase a stainless steel chemical storage tank, you should expect to pay five times as much, or more, than you would for other solutions.

As durable as stainless steel tanks are, they don&#;t handle acids well. To store aggressive chemicals such as sulfuric acid, you will need to add an extra layer of lining to protect the stainless steel tank.

Portability can also be an issue. Stainless steel tanks are heavy and difficult to move. If your business is scaling up or you&#;re upgrading your facility, you may not have the flexibility to move your tanks. Be prepared to sacrifice a degree of flexibility and optimization in your operations as a result.

If you order a stainless steel tank, you could be waiting for five months or longer. If you need the tanks sooner than that, you may need to consider other options.

Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic Tanks

Fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks (FRP) tanks are coated with an interior chemical resin and a structural layer comprised of chopped glass fiber or filament wound fibers and resin. They&#;re often found in facilities that need to consider tank pressure and volume. But many companies purchase expensive fiberglass tanks for applications that FRP solutions aren&#;t ideally suited for. Be sure to consider the following issues when you make your tank buying decision.

Several factors could influence your decision to purchase a fiberglass storage tank, including:

• Cost: Because FRP tanks are normally handcrafted, it&#;s an expensive material. If your application calls for resin-rich corrosion barriers (often required for even common chemicals), your costs can increase significantly.

• Manufacturing: FRP storage tanks are not one-piece vessels. They are filament wound or hand laid up. Fiberglass tanks are constructed with seams, which means they inherently contain weak points that are vulnerable to leaks.

• Tank life: Because of the structure of fiberglass, harsh chemicals can wick into the tank walls over time, compromising the tank life. Eventually, the chemical resin barrier on the interior wall is compromised and the chemical makes its way into the structural area of the tank. The fibers begin to break down, and eventually, the tank fails.

• Maintenance: Since FRP storage tanks are subject to leaks at seams and wicking over time, careful maintenance and inspection are necessary. Often this requires confined space entry. Also, because FRP tanks are painted or have a gel coat on the outside of the tanks, they need to be recoated on a regular basis in most cases. This is especially true for outdoor tanks, which need to withstand UV attack.

• Special handling: Fiberglass tanks are inflexible, which makes them vulnerable to point load stresses, and if not avoided a crack. This is why they are delivered in special saddle handling trucks. Extreme care must be taken anytime you move an FRP tank, especially during installation.

Linear Polyethylene

Linear polyethylene is created when a thermoplastic resin is heated to create a fluid plastic. The plastic is hardened and cured into a linear, high-density polyethylene surface. Envision a rope where the individual threads of fiber are mashed together, but not tied. The result is a linear resin that has polymer chains &#;tangled&#; together.

Linear polyethylene is cost-efficient and suitable for storage of benign and non-corrosive chemicals. Some may have you believe that an added benefit is that it is recyclable. However, the truth is that all plastic ends up in the landfill after the useful life of the tank.

The lower price point can be attractive but remember, a low upfront cost can be a high longterm expense. Before you purchase a linear polyethylene tank, be sure it will meet your storage needs. Many companies have invested in linear polyethylene tanks because of the price, only to regret the decision later on.

When a linear polyethylene tank is used to store corrosive materials, the system doesn&#;t simply develop a pinhole leak&#;it can fail catastrophically. These chemical storage tanks can&#;t stop cracking once it begins, because the molecular bonds are like that rope of meshed fibers&#;pull the right way and it comes undone. Eventually, the tank &#;unzips&#; itself and the entire sidewall can rip open.

Cross-Linked Polyethylene

Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) is high-density polyethylene that is manufactured by adding a catalyst to the thermoplastic resin which turns it into a thermoset. The catalyst causes a covalent bond that links the molecules together. Picture a chain linked fence where the metal is actually linked together. The result is a plastic that possesses greater impact durability, tensile strength, and resistance to fracture that makes cross-linked polyethylene an excellent choice when tank integrity is of utmost importance. The chemical resistance, heat resistance, and dimensional stability are unparalleled.

In order to create very safe, long-lasting storage tanks, cross-linked polyethylene has become a desirable material to be used in chemical storage vessels. There are a few key reasons why XLPE is a highly desirable material for tanks that need to last as long as possible.

There are a few key reasons why XLPE is a highly desirable material for tanks that need to last as long as possible.

• Safety in strength: They are much safer and stronger. Due to the molecular bonding of the polymers within the tank system, it will not tear or unzip catastrophically like high-density linear polyethylene tanks have a tendency to do. XLPE tanks are manufactured to provide the highest possible personnel safety and environmental care that is available on the market today.

• Cost: If you look the entire picture, XLPE tanks are one of the most affordable on the market. While the upfront cost is slightly more than linear polyethylene, the life cycle costs are far less than linear tanks. Cross-linked tanks have a longer useful life and require less maintenance, making them less expensive than other types of tanks.

• Durability: XLPE storage tanks are leak resistant because they are molded as one piece (monolithic), without seams. The cross-linked resin stands up to the harshest chemicals.

• Longevity: Cross-linked polyethylene storage tanks last longer than linear and fiberglass tanks, often exceeding two decades of useful life.

• Maintenance: They require almost no maintenance and rarely need an internal inspection for leaks and cracks.

• Portability: Since XLPE tanks are relatively lightweight and are extremely durable, transporting them is easy and cost-efficient. They can also be maneuvered multiple times without fear of damage.

Fiberglass Tanks, also referred to as Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Tanks, are acquiring prominence in a variety of industries due to their exceptional storage capacities. The combination of glass fibers and resin provides these tanks with exceptional strength while also allowing for size, shape, and configuration customization. FRP tanks provide significant advantages over conventional tank materials for both above- and below-ground applications.

FRP tanks have an exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. The exceptional strength of these tanks, despite their light weight, allows them to withstand high internal and external pressures. This makes FRP tanks appropriate for applications requiring durable storage solutions, such as water treatment facilities, oil and gas facilities, and industrial processing plants.

This buyer's guide is intended to provide an in-depth comprehension of FRP tanks, including their construction, benefits, applications, and essential purchasing considerations.

How are Fiberglass Tanks Made?

The manufacturing procedure for FRP tanks involve layering glass fibers and resin to create a composite material. Here are the five stages involved in the construction of FRP chemical storage tanks: 

• Mold Preparation: 

In accordance with the intended FRP tank design, a mold or tooling is prepared. molds are typically fabricated from metal or fiberglass and are meticulously cleansed to ensure a uniform surface finish.

• Application of Gel Coat

The mold is coated with a gel coat, which functions as a protective layer and provides the FRP chemical storage tanks with a smooth and aesthetically appealing surface. Typically, the gel coat is pigmented and resistant to UV degradation.

• Layering  

In the mold, layers of fiberglass reinforcement material, such as woven filaments, mats, or fabrics, are layered with resin. The fibers are then saturated with a resin such as polyester, vinylester, or epoxy to form a composite structure. This can be accomplished using manual lay-up or resin infusion techniques.

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• Curing

After the fiberglass and resin layers have been applied, the FRP tank is permitted to cure. Curing is the process of subjecting the tank to specific temperature and humidity conditions in order to facilitate the resin's hardening. This procedure allows the composite to solidify and bond, resulting in a durable and sturdy tank.

• Finishing and Quality

After the tank has cured, it is meticulously removed from the mold and inspected for quality. To accomplish the desired shape and uniformity, any extraneous material or imperfections are sanded. The tank is then subjected to quality control procedures to ensure that it conforms to industry standards and customer specifications. This includes inspections, dimension reviews, and numerous performance and structural integrity tests.

Applications of Fiberglass (FRP) Tanks

FRP tanks have numerous applications in numerous industries. Here are some frequent uses of FRP tanks:

• FRP Water Tanks

FRP tanks are commonly used in the treatment process and sediment. In various applications, FRP panel tanks, also known as sectional tanks, are used to store water. These tanks are constructed by putting together fiberglass and resin panels individually. Common applications include water supply, irrigation, firefighting, and industrial water storage.

For municipal water storage, including potable water storage, fire protection, and water distribution systems, FRP panel tanks are utilized. Additionally, they are utilized in industrial applications requiring massive water storage.

• FRP Chemical Storage Tanks

FRP tanks are commonly used for chemical storage, solvents, alkalis, acid and other corrosive materials. Their superior resistance to corrosion secures the integrity of stored compounds and prevents contamination. Most substances are non-reactive with FRP tanks. This means that the FRP chemical storage tanks do not interact chemically with the substances being stored, preventing any unintended reactions or contaminants that could compromise the chemical composition or properties of the stored materials.

The high chemical compatibility of FRP tanks makes them suitable for a wide variety of corrosive substances. They are resistant to the adverse effects of storing acids, alkalis, solvents, oxidizers, corrosive vapors, and other chemicals. This compatibility is essential for preserving the integrity and quality of the stored compounds.

• Food and Beverage Industry

FRP tanks are utilized in the food and beverage industry for the storage of beverages, culinary ingredients, and liquid processing. They adhere to sanitary regulations and standards, ensuring the safety and preservation of food and beverage products.

To ensure the safety and purity of products, the food and beverage industry is governed by stringent sanitary standards and regulations. These standards are incorporated into the design of Fiberglass tanks, making them suitable for storing food-grade materials. They are made from non-toxic, non-absorbent, and resistant to microbial growth materials, ensuring that stored products are not contaminated or compromised.

• Pulp and Paper Industry

For pulping, bleaching, and other procedures, the pulp and paper industry relies on various compounds. These chemicals, such as acids, alkalis, chlorine compounds, and oxidizing agents, can be safely stored in FRP chemical storage tanks.

For the storage of compounds used in the pulping and sterilizing procedures, FRP tanks are utilized. Pulping entails the destruction of wood fibers to produce pulp, which is then subjected to bleaching. Fiberglass containers can store commonly used compounds such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), sodium sulfide, sodium hydrosulfite, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorine dioxide. The chemical compatibility and corrosion resistance of FRP tanks are essential for preserving the integrity of these substances and preventing leakage or spillage.

• Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Industry

FRP chemical storage tanks are used to store processed substances, chemicals, and purified water in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. They are appropriate for use in cleanroom environments and conform to regulatory specifications.

Various substances and compounds used in pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing processes are stored in FRP tanks. These may include solvents, reagents, buffers, acids, bases, and other basic materials utilized in drug formulation, synthesis, purification, and other laboratory or manufacturing processes. The superior corrosion resistance of FRP tanks prevents chemical reactions, contamination, and decomposition of the stored substances.

Purchasing Consideration for Fiberglass Tanks

When purchasing FRP tanks, there are a number of factors to consider to ensure that you select the appropriate product from fiberglass tanks manufacturers. Consider the following when purchasing fiberglass tanks:

• Material and Construction

When contemplating the material and construction of FRP tanks, it is essential to consider the material quality and manufacturing process. Ensure that the tanks are constructed of high-quality fiberglass materials, such as E-glass or C-glass, which offer superior tensile strength and corrosive resistance. 

The structural integrity of the Fiberglass tanks is ensured by the combination of high-quality fiberglass tank materials and suitable fabrication processes. The fiberglass reinforcement, bonded with a substance that resists corrosion, creates a sturdy and resilient tank structure. This structural integrity allows the tanks to withstand external pressures, temperature fluctuations, and environmental conditions without deforming or failing. Choose fiberglass tanks from reputable fiberglass tank manufacturers who place a premium on structural integrity.

• Customization Options

It is essential, when contemplating FRP tanks, to evaluate the customization options provided by the fiberglass tanks manufacturers to ensure that they meet your specific needs. Check if the manufacturers of fiberglass tanks offer a variety of sizes and shapes to accommodate your storage requirements. Whether you need a small tank for a small space or a large tank for mass storage, a manufacturer that offers a variety of sizes can meet your needs. 

Look for FRP tank manufacturers in India or global suppliers who offer expert consultation during the process of customization. Experienced fiberglass tanks manufacturers can evaluate your unique storage requirements, advise you on the most suitable customization options, and assist you in making informed decisions. Their expertise can assist in optimizing the design and performance of FRP tanks for your application.

• After-sales Warranty and Support

It is essential to consider the fiberglass tanks manufacturer's warranty and availability of after-sales support. Inquire about the warranty to FRP tanks manufacturers in India. A reputable manufacturer should provide a warranty that covers manufacturing flaws and performance issues. Depending on the intended application of the tank and the manufacturer's policies, the warranty period can range from a few years to several decades. Ensure that the terms and conditions of the warranty are explicitly stated and that you understand the coverage provided.

Determine whether the fiberglass tanks manufacturers provide technical support as part of their after-sales service. Technical assistance may include instructions for installation, assistance with operational issues, and maintenance and repair recommendations. Having access to skilled technicians who can provide technical knowledge can be invaluable for assuring the correct operation and durability of the FRP tank.

Conclusion

In storage scenarios where chemicals and other reactive substances are utilized, fiberglass tanks are among the most vital. As Fiberglass tanks manufacturers in India, Arvind Anticore provide pre- and post-sale assistance, as well as warranty and technical support.

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