Articles

Ensuring Safety with Chemical Storage Tanks

by John Steffen Consultant
Storing chemicals in a safe storage tank is as important as storing water. The storage tanks manufacturers are focusing widely on the production of storage tanks for households as well as for industries. Keeping in mind the industrial safety standards the storage tanks are being widely used and also maintained properly for its high utility.

Selecting the storage tanks- fabricated or rotomoulded

The use of plastic tanks for storing chemical substances is gaining popularity as it provides a cost effective solution in comparison to stainless, or fiber glass tanks. There are tanks like nitric acid storage tanks and other types of chemical storage tanks as well which are made out of diff materials.  There are two choices when it comes to plastic tanks, fabricated, or rotationally moulded tanks. Here we will talk about the basic differences between different types of chemical storage tanks.

  • Fabricated tanks- these types of tanks are made from sheets and the sheet thickness is very consistent, thereby eliminating the chance of weaknesses occurring to wall section variations typically found with moulded tanks. The choice of material is dependent upon the intended application.
  • Rotationally moulded tanks- Rotationally moulded or “Roto” moulded tanks are formed by the use of thin steel or cast aluminum mould. These tanks have a lower density, lower molecular weight and lower strength.

However, fabricated tanks have a higher edge over roto moulded tanks because the life span of fabricated chemical storage tanks is 25 years as compared to the life span of rotationally moulded tanks which is 10 years.

Storage tanks inspection checklist

For ensuring safety of the employees and preserving the chemicals safely there are certain points to be considered for the annual inspection and maintenance of nitric acid storage tanks and other types of chemical storage tanks. Some key points are mentioned below-

  • Keep an eye on the signs of leakage like cracking, crazing and brittle appearance.
  • Thorough cleaning of tanks from inside as well as outside is a must.
  • Closely examine the tank corners for any signs of weakness.
  • Inspecting the interior of the chemical storage tanks is very necessary because generally the leakage starts from inside of the tanks. 
  • Fittings, flexible connection hoses and gaskets of the storage tanks must be checked properly for avoiding any general corrosion, leakage or deterioration.

Keep these key points in mind to ensure safety.

This article is written to emphasize on the materials and selection of chemical storage tanks and it also mentions about the importance of annual cleaning of certain tanks like nitric acid storage tanks and other tanks also for proper maintenance along with the safety of personnel.


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About John Steffen Advanced   Consultant

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Joined APSense since, February 9th, 2015, From Delhi, India.

Created on Mar 12th 2018 05:55. Viewed 465 times.

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