Environmental stress cracking occurs when microscopic cracks form in polyethylene tanks as a result of storing aggressive chemicals. Over time, these imperceptible cracks combine to form larger cracks, which can lead to leaks or even tank failure. If cracks occur, it’s recommended that you replace the polyethylene tank.

Winter is approaching fast. With below freezing temperatures and snowstorms affecting millions of people each year, municipalities need to be ready to clear roadways and maintain equipment. De-icing fluid is used to break down ice and frost on roadway surfaces and aircraft.

The substance used for de-icing depends on its application, the amount of snowfall, the municipality’s preferences, and winter temperatures. A variety of chemicals are used in the de-icing process, including brine, magnesium chloride, propylene glycol, and ethylene glycol. Brine is the most popular of these chemicals, but it can damage vehicles or rebar on roadways.

When designing your chemical storage tank, it’s vital to consider the chemical you’re storing before any other factor. This information allows the manufacturer to determine what material to use, what types of fittings and accessories are needed, and whether or not the tank needs an antioxidant system or other special considerations.

Not all high-density polyethylene tanks are created equal. Although they sound nearly identical, linear polyethylene and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) chemical storage tanks have significant differences. Those differences could impact your organization’s bottom line, your people’s safety, and the operations of your facility.

As industries develop innovative solutions to problems, many companies need polyethylene products that aren’t being produced by manufacturers. These organizations turn to specialists to design custom-built solutions.

You need to know how much chemical is in your storage tank so you can order more product at the right time to continue business without missing a beat. Not only that, but certain chemicals have to be stored at specific levels to maintain their properties. Replacing the chemical too early or too late can stall your operations, ruin your inventory, and impact your profits.

Commercial sodium hypochlorite is the product of chlorine and sodium hydroxide. It is typically supplied as a liquid solution with a concentration of about 12%. Although the liquid solution is more expensive than gas, it has a lower health risk, it’s easier and safer to use, and it reduces the risk of releasing chlorine gas — especially in areas that are close to surrounding properties.

PolyGard™ is a seamless, corrosive-resistant polyethylene lining system for steel tanks and vessels. It’s used as a barrier to protect the steel from the aggressive chemicals you’re storing—even in the harshest of conditions. PolyGard lets you combine the chemical resistance of polyethylene with the durability and strength of stainless steel.

To truly understand how effective PolyGard is, let’s examine what it is comprised of, how it is made, and how it is commonly used.

One of the most important design considerations of any chemical storage tank system is the use of flexible connectors and isolation valves. When paired correctly, these accessories will not only help ensure your storage tank’s longevity, they can also protect the tank from hinge points that cause dangerous leaks.

Poly Processing is introducing a new, stronger-than-ever chemical tank pad called PolyBase that’s engineered to handle more pressure and larger tanks. We have always manufactured rotationally molded PolyBase systems for our IMFO® Tanks, and now we’re offering an innovative structural foam-based IMFO PolyBase option.