Guide to Liquid Storage Tanks

Thinking of renting a liquid storage tank in the near future? Liquid storage tanks can be used to store potable water, hazardous liquids and many other liquid goods. The tanks are usually cylindrical or rectangular in shape and positioned perpendicular or parallel to the ground, though the design may vary.

Tanks designed for this kind of storage are typically made of polyethylene, carbon steel or stainless steel. Polyethylene is a popular plastic that is corrosion and chemical resistant. This heavy duty material features a variety of applications and use cases that range from water, to acids, and even chemicals. The carbon and stainless steel tanks are also viable choices for a variety of hazardous and nonhazardous liquids, though they are not suitable for strong acids or flammable liquids. Their advantage is that they can tolerate higher temperatures than the poly tanks. Check out the post below to learn more about liquid storage tanks.

What Are Liquid Storage Tanks Used For?

Considering these products come in a variety of different shapes, styles, and sizes, ranging from 10 gallons all the way up to 21,000 gallons, there are plenty of different uses across a range of industries that these tanks can be used for.

However, liquid storage tanks are most commonly used to house water, agricultural chemicals, liquid feeds, fertilizer solutions, plant foods, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) and more. Tank water storage is especially important to the oil and gas industry for the safe storage of non-flammable liquids and sludge. Tank storage can also be used across a wide array of industries and applications, including:

• Construction
• Airports
• Environmental Remediation
• Municipal
• Oil and Gas
• Pipeline
• Power Plants
• Refineries
• Shipyards

How are Liquid Storage Tanks Designed?

As mentioned, most water tanks are made of polyethylene plastics. These tanks are typically manufactured using resins that meet FDA standards and specifications to ensure the safe storage of potable and non-potable water.

They come in a range of storage capacities and can vary greatly depending on what the customer uses them for. You’ll notice that the poly tanks are exclusively black in color. This is to reduce light penetration, reduce algae growth and provide the tank with UV protection.

Other liquid storage containers are made of steel. There are four types of steel storage tanks: bolted rolled tapered panel (RTP) storage tank, shop-welded storage tank, field-welded storage tank and a hybrid storage tank. If you are handling a steel storage tank, it’s important to take certain measures to prevent this process from taking place, such as:

• Anti-Corrosion Coating: A special paint on a steel alloy can keep water from pooling on the tank, which helps prevent corrosion. The coating technology also protects against wear and tear, heavy impacts, salt water, mineral oil and splashed solvents. This also extends the lifespan of steel storage tanks.
• Routine Maintenance: Keep a close eye on your steel storage tank for any rust or damage. These conditions can lead to small holes and damages in the foundation, which could allow water to pass through.
• Keep Away From Condensation: If possible, it’s best to store a liquid storage tank in a dry place and away from condensation. You can also invest in plastic pallets to keep your tank off the ground and increase water resistance. Other moisture control options include silica and calcium chloride desiccants.
• Store in a Dry Place: If possible, store your tank in an area with some kind of coverage to keep it out of unfavorable weather and prevent rain, water or other kinds of liquid from pooling onto the roof.

Both steel storage tanks and polyethylene storage tanks are built to provide a thick protective shell that keeps liquids from escaping and exterior elements from entering.

Specific gravity is another thing to keep in mind when it comes to liquid storage equipment. In general, tanks designed to store water are designed to handle a specific gravity rating of between 1.0 and 1.35. Some liquid chemicals may fall outside of this range. In that case, they will require a tank designed for that specific kind of storage.

Find Your Storage Solution at Ironclad Environmental Solutions

Ironclad Environmental Solutions specializes in Closed-Top and Open-Top Tanks Rentals, Poly Tank Rental, Rental Vacuum Containers, Dewatering Container rentals, Roll-off rental, and Double Wall Containers for the temporary storage of hazardous and non-hazardous liquids and solids. These tanks and containers can be used in a wide variety of industrial, environmental and liquid applications.

Our tanks are designed with a V-shaped floor and smooth interior walls to allow any residuals to be easily cleaned and flushed out. All tanks have three (3) 4″ butterfly valves, and three (3) 22″ clean out hatches, as well as a 3″ fill line. The interiors are rodless and come with or without epoxy coating and feature OSHA specification stairways and guard-rails. Steam coils, separation weirs, and mixer tanks are also available. Our tanks can accommodate up to 21,000 gallons of liquid storage.

Contact us with any questions or concerns or request a quote today. We can help you design a temporary, non-potable liquid solution for most situations or requirements.