ASTM D1998 Impact Test: Will My Storage Tank Meet or Exceed This Standard?

Over the course of the next few months we will be covering The Top 15 Questions to Ask Your Tank Manufacturer. In this first installment of this series we will be covering a question we frequently receive about the ASTM D1998 testing standards and how tank manufactures test their tanks. 

Will My Storage Tank Meet or Exceed ASTM D1998 Standards?

Let’s explore the testing process Poly Processing carefully follows to ensure each storage tank they produce meets or exceeds ASTM D1998 Test Standards.

Meeting ASTM D1998 Standards

Wall thickness, gel, and impact tests are all performed after a tank is manufactured. These test results determine if a tank meets ASTM D1998 Standards. The ASTM D1998 document explains in greater detail the technical specifications required to meet performance standards for storage tanks.

Conducting the Impact Test

A sample is taken from each manufactured tank, generally from holes where fittings will be placed, or other available areas of the tank. A technician administers a “dart impact test” on the sample to measure the material’s impact resistance under extreme temperature. The sample endures a low temperature test at -20 degrees fahrenheit. Testing can also be performed as an alternate at -40 degrees.

The wall thickness of a tank determines the required impact in foot pounds. As an example, a 1/4" thick tank must be capable of withstanding a 90 foot pound impact. This threshold increases as the tank wall thickness increases.

The impact test produces a value that is used as an indication of the quality of the tank. A tank meeting ASTM D1998 Standards will offer increased longevity, ability to withstand higher mechanical stress and provide a safe solution to challenging storage applications.

If you have questions about how impact tests are conducted, or would like additional details, please contact a storage tank system specialist.