Types of Chemical Storage Tanks; from Day Tanks to Bunded Bulk Storage

Chemical Storage Tanks

There are some principles of chemical storage that are critical, security, reliability and strength. The impact and implications of these not being met are wide reaching, damaging and costly.

We pioneered the use of Thermoplastics for chemical storage and developed the spiral wound manufacturing method in conjunction with Cambridge University in the early 1990s. This method uses heat and extrusion to create a solid cylinder with no weak weld points, giving a homogenous structure and safe, reliable and robust storage.

Our chemical storage tanks safely contain commonly used acids, including Sulphuric, Hydrochloric, Nitric and Ferric Chloride and bases, such as Sodium Hydroxide and Ammonia Solution, and Polymers, Salt Solutions and Urea.

Some of the storage tanks we manufacture are used to contain effluent and wastewater generated through a production process or as part of the water treatment process. Clean in Place (CIP) applications, where equipment is cleaned without being dismantled, typically occurring in hygienic applications such as in the food or pharmaceutical industries generates large quantities of liquid waste. Both effluent and wastewater need treating before they can be returned to the water supply so our tanks can also be used to pH correct and treat aqueous waste.

Chemical Process Tanks

A process tank is used to carry out a process within the tank’s interior, which could be mixing/blending, clarifying or diluting. These types of tanks include equipment or additional construction within the tank to facilitate the required process. For example, a traditional mixing tank will require an internal agitator supported by an upper external gantry.

Mixing/blending tanks  – we can provide chemical mixing tanks with a traditional mixing system or, we specialise in the mixing recirculation method using an external pump to draw off a small amount of liquid which is then reintroduced using a high velocity nozzle. This method provides a more reliable mix and is recommended particularly when mixing corrosive and aggressive chemicals.

Clarifying/Settling tanks – these are tanks designed to remove particles from a liquid by utilising an internal construction to encourage the suspended particles to settle at the bottom of the tank.

Dilution tanks – a dilution tank is specifically used to reduce the concentration of a chemical with water to a specific percentage. This process can result in a reaction, such as when Sulphuric Acid is diluted exothermic heat is generated which demands heat exchangers to safely regulate the process.

Tanks Large and Small

We recently manufactured our largest and heaviest tank to date, coming in at 9.2m tall and almost 14m in circumference, so have extensive experience in designing and manufacturing large scale storage solutions. With capacities up to 120,000l and heights up to 4.2m we can design and build large scale tanks, however our manufacturing method means we’re not restricted to set diameters and can create a tank size specifically to meet the demands of each application. If space is restricted, we can create tall tanks with a minimal footprint to make best use of the room available.

Many operations require smaller tanks, known as ‘Day Tanks’ to hold the volume of a chemical which is used in a process over typically a 24hour period. Day Tanks draw the required quantity from a larger capacity tank using pumps and pipework.

Holding Tanks, similar to Day Tanks, hold a smaller volume of liquid which is temporarily stored until processed, treated or taken away by tanker for treatment or disposal.

Bells and Whistles

Some chemicals and applications require a straightforward storage solution and others require additional features to enhance access, level control, temperature regulation and drainage and emptying.

Additional access features include ladders, handrails, side and top manways and roof strengthening to give operatives safe access when undergoing inspection and maintenance.

Understanding the amount of liquid within a tank is fundamental requirement satisfied at the basic level by a cat and mouse through to more complex radar instrumentation to detect the liquid level. Inspection ports can also be added to allow a visual inspection of the tank or bunds interior.

We also offer temperature regulation solutions for storing chemicals such as sodium hydroxide (caustic), including tank wall cladding and bunds which can be used as an alternative to maintain a applications demanding consistent temperatures.

Flat bases are commonly found on chemical storage tanks however alternatives are available including sloping and coned bases which enable tank contents to be easily emptied and the tank to be fully drained if required.

We’ve been designing and manufacturing chemical storage tanks since 1964, so have extensive experience in developing storage solutions. Our tanks are supplied with 20 years design life as standard and not limited by a set number of fill and empty cycles, a downside of tanks manufactured in GRP (full comparison available here).

If you would like to know more about the different types of chemical storage tanks Chem Resist offer, or to request a quote for a bespoke tank, get in touch with our team today.