What is a Chemical Storage Tank?
As industries enhanced their productivity and advanced technology was introduced, high-tech chemical storage tanks were introduced. Chemical tanks are basically specialized containers which are designed for transporting, storing, and processing a range of chemicals, which can be both hazardous and non-hazardous. In addition, it doesn’t matter whether it is for raw material, finished goods, or waste management, tanks are essential for maintaining the safety and integrity of industrial operations. Chemical storage tanks are manufactured to withstand the corrosive nature of chemicals and ensure overall safety. Modern chemical tanks come in various shapes and sizes as per the need and preference of the industries. A chemical tank can be of horizontal, vertical, or cylindrical shape as per different categories and chemical that is needed to be stored.
Talking about the tank’s material, it is made of different substances like fiberglass, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), steel, or carbon fiber. All these materials keep the super reactive chemical intact and away from harmful any kind of reaction. Let’s discuss about different types of chemical tanks in detail:
- Storage Tanks
In storage tanks, there are mainly two types of tanks, i.e. aboveground tanks and underground tanks. As the name suggests, in aboveground tanks, tanks are installed on or above the ground level and are used to store chemicals in bulk. These tanks can be vertical or horizontal in design and can be located both outdoors or within the walls. On the other hand, underground tanks are installed below the ground level. These tanks are mainly designed to store chemicals that need to stay away from environmental exposure because of its highly reactive or hazardous nature.
- Transportation Tanks
Tanks that are being counted in transportation are tanker trucks, ISO containers, and railcars. Tanker trucks are used to transport mobile chemical tanks storing hazardous liquid or gases. When it comes to transferring chemicals in bulk, railcars are being used as they cover long distances by rail without any leakage or reactions. Moreover, ISO containers are used if the chemical is needed to be transported internationally. All these transportation tanks come in various sizes and shapes.
- Fiberglass Chemical Tanks
Made of resins and composite of glass fibers, these tanks offer high resistance to rust and corrosion. These tanks are super strong yet lightweight and can store aggressive chemicals like alkalis and acids. Another advantage of this tank is that it can be molded into various sizes and shapes, as per the preference.
- Stainless Steel Chemical Tanks
Stainless steel chemical tanks are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion quality. The major advantages of these tanks is that these are durable, long-lasting, and easy to maintain & clean.
- Cryogenic Tanks
Cryogenic tanks are tanks that are designed to store chemicals and gases at extreme low temperatures. These tanks are insulated to minimize heat exchange with the surrounding environment. The major advantages of these tanks is that they hold large volumes of liquefied gases in compact size and enable the storage of gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and LNG at extreme low temperatures.
- Vertical Chemical Storage Tanks
Vertical chemical storage tanks are also known as industrial tanks and they are being used in applications like commercial, agricultural, manufacturing, and industrial sectors. This tank can store chemicals in bulk. Some benefits of vertical storage tanks are they are stable, highly productive, decreases the environmental footprint, and saves the construction and material cost.
- Horizontal Chemical Storage Tanks
Horizontal chemical storage tanks are generally smaller than vertical tanks, which makes it easy to install. In addition, these tanks can also be transported easily from one place to another without any issue. Some major benefits of using these tanks are no height concerns, simple to transport, excellent temperature control, less need of working employees, and super effective & economical for the business.
Tank Design and Construction
Chemical storage tanks are assembled using various joining and welding techniques like fillet welding, fusion welding, or bolted connection. This welding technique also depends upon the material of the tank and its design. These tanks are designed in a way that they resist corrosion with the help of correct material selection, cathodic protection, and coating system. In addition to this, pressure relief and proper venting systems are also important in tanks to prevent overpressure and underpressure. This ensures that the tank is safe and secure, and it can store chemicals safely.
Safety and Environmental Regulations
Chemical storage tanks are designed keeping in mind all the safety standards and regulations in mind. As per Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), chemical storage and handling is done through various programs which includes Clean Water Act and Resource Conservation & Recovery Act (RCRA). The regulations mentioned under these act address the issues related to safety of management and waste, along with the prevention of chemical discharges and spills.
Along with this, another body, known as Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets the accurate safety to prevent discharges and chemical spills. A chemical storage tank manufacturer must follow the OSHA’s Hazard Communication Standard Process Safety Management (PSM) to ensure safety of employees and workers while working with chemicals. In addition, there are some International Standards as well which need to be followed like American Petroleum Institute (API) and American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME).
Local Permits and Regulations are also important when it comes to making or installing the chemical tank. This may include fire codes, zoning regulations, and other specific requirements given by the authorities.
How to Choose the Right Chemical Storage Tank?
Although chemical storage tanks are made to store chemicals safely in the tanks, however, chemicals can cause damage to the tank if the tank type or material is not selected properly. One should always select the chemical storage tank based on the properties, requirements, and harsh nature of the chemical. There are some factors that you should keep in mind before finalizing a chemical storage tank. These are:
- Construction and Maintenance
- Quality
- Safety and Environment Regulations
- Health of the Employees
- Type of Chemicals to be stored
For long term safety and accuracy, you cannot ignore the above-mentioned points as a wrong tank can damage the whole process. So, be a smart investor and ask your chemical storage tank manufacturer to provide you with a reliable chemical storage tank that can stand tall and works perfectly.
In addition to this, do not forget to check after-sales services which includes installation, repairs, modifications, and maintenance over a fixed time period.
Chemical storage tanks are an excellent invention and are indispensable in various industries for transporting and storing chemicals easily and safely. In addition to this, different tanks provide different features depending upon its usage, type, and preference. All the above mentioned points and features of the tanks are crucial to understand as it ensures regulatory compliance, safety, and operational efficiency for facilities that deal with harsh and hazardous chemicals on a regular basis. If you are looking to invest in the right chemical storage tanks, check out Arvind Corrotech, a renowned chemical tank manufacturer in Ahmedabad. Choosing the right tank here is also important as it will prevent accidents, maintain product quality, safety of the location, and reduce the overall operational costs.
