What Are Frac Tanks? Six Kinds Of Frac Tanks Explained!

A frac tank is a large capacity steel tank that can store liquids or solids like petroleum products, chemicals, manure, saline water, and proppants. Frac tanks are used in all kinds of applications, and there are different variations of tanks. 

These tanks come in various sizes ranging from 8,400 gallons to 21,000 gallons and can be easily moved when empty using a tractor or a truck.  They are designed in ‘V bottom’ or ‘round bottom’ configurations. This structure creates a central low point from which the tank is easily emptied and cleaned. No need to tilt the tank! However, different projects require different kinds of tanks. Here are six types of tanks we provide for rent or as part of a larger engineered solution:

1. Mix Tanks – Mix tanks are either 7,070 gallon or 18,270 gallon steel tanks free of internal rods or corrugations that constantly agitate and circulate stored liquids. Operators control the mixing rate with four individual 10 HP motors. Mix frac tanks come with safety features such as guardrails, non-slip materials, walking areas, and audible alarms. Take a look at the type of mix tanks at Ironclad Environmental Solutions for detailed specifications.

2. Closed Top – Closed top frac tanks are temporary liquid storage tanks with flat tops. They are ideal for the fracking industry where safe and reliable on-site liquid storage is required. These frac tank sizes range from 8,400 gallons to 21,000 gallons. All our closed top frac tanks offer various interior features like a rounded bottom dual manifold, bare steel interior, heating coils, epoxy coated interiors, smooth walls, and insulation. View the complete range of closed-top frac tank specifications.

3. Open Top – Open top frac tanks are durable quarter inch thick steel tanks with an open top to make it easier to monitor levels of liquid stored inside and for cleaning. These frac tanks store liquids like run-off water and non-hazardous chemicals. Open top frac tanks come in a range of sizes from 7,932 gallons to 21,000 gallons, and include features such as three inch top fill line, sloped ‘V’ bottom for 100 percent drain out, and a fixed rear axle for easier movement. Read full specifications and safety features of open-top frac tanks.

4. Double Wall – Double wall frac tanks have a built-in secondary compartment for safe storage of non-flammable and non-combustible, hazardous and non-hazardous liquids. These 16,380-gallon tanks provide additional safety for storing hazardous chemicals in environmentally sensitive areas. The spill guards that come with double wall frac tanks provide additional safety against any accidental leaks. Read more about double wall frac tanks.

5. Open Top Weir – Open top weir tanks are steel frac tanks that help control the flow of liquids up to 100 gallons per minute (GPM). Their primary function is to segregate residual fluids, oils, and contaminants using weirs or baffles inside the tank. These 18,000-gallon tanks come in ‘V’ bottom configuration for faster drainage and easier cleaning. Know more about specifications and safety features of open-top weir tanks.

6. Gas Buster – Gas Buster frac tanks are designed to stabilize the viscosity of liquids during drilling by allowing gases to escape and prevent blowouts. While the liquid can be extracted from an outlet at the bottom, gases such as carbon dioxide and methane escape from the top vent. These 18,000 gallons tanks come with smooth or corrugated walls with four to 12 inch thick interior pipes for moving of liquids. Learn more about gas buster tanks.

Benefits of Frac Tanks

1. Frac tanks can store large amounts of industrial liquids and proppants.
2. Frac tanks can be easily coupled using hoses to other devices such as pumps, filters, and other equipment on site.
3. Some types of frac tanks help maintain the viscosity of liquids, separate liquids and make the filling or draining process easy.
4. There are many frac tank types with smooth walls, corrugated walls, steam coils, rounded bottoms, and more to meet your project needs.
5. Frac tanks are highly mobile and can be transported using a truck or a tractor.
6. Frac tanks come in different sizes ranging from 7,070-gallon mini tanks to 21,000 gallon closed-top tanks.

Frac tanks are used in oil and gas, construction, environmental remediation, municipal, and agriculture. Learn more about businesses and industries that use frac tanks for safe and portable liquid storage.