Chemical Storage Tank Design - What You’re Missing

You’re ready to configure your chemical storage tank system and you know the chemical you’re storing, the size of tank needed and you may even have an idea of the fittings you might require. But what are you missing when you design your chemical storage tank configuration?

Let’s take a look at some of the things we’ve seen users forget about when they try to configure a storage tank and explore why these pieces of your system are so critical to an effective storage solution.

Proper Lids and Manways

The way in which your chemical tank is filled determines much more than you might realize, including the type of manway cover you’ll need. The proper lid or manway cover is important to the overall design of your chemical tank storage system. Depending on the chemical you’re storing, you might need a fume-tight lid to keep dangerous fumes from escaping into your building or storage area. If your tank will be filled pneumatically, you’ll need a pressure-relief manway like the SAFE-Surge® manway cover. Your tank’s lid makes a big difference in both the longevity and safety of your tank system.

Related content: Chemical Storage Tank Buying Guide

Flexible Connectors for Chemical Storage Tanks

One of the main advantages to choosing a polyethylene chemical storage tank is its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of chemicals. Polyethylene tanks are inherently flexible and will expand and contract during chemical cycling and temperature changes.  As the tank flexes, it’s important to have flex connectors or FLEXIJOINT to allow the tank to move freely.  This also preserves your tank in terms of longevity and reduces the risk of leaks caused by rigid plumbing.

Restraint Systems in Chemical Tank Storage Areas

Some regions of the country are more susceptible to earthquakes and high winds than others.   If this is the case, it’s important to have a tank restraint system in place to keep the tank from sliding or overturning. Be sure to ask for site specific engineering calculations designed per the 2012 International Building Code (IBC).

Heating Systems on Chemical Storage Tanks

There are certain chemicals that need to be stored at a particular temperature. This keeps the chemical in its liquid state. It’s important to know at what temperature your chemical freezes or crystallizes. Sodium hydroxide, for instance, crystallizes easily at around 60F, so a tank storing it may need to be equipped with a heating system. You’ll want to make sure you consider the delta T, which is the difference between the maintenance temperature of the chemical and ambient outside temperature. To understand that, you will certainly need to know the geographic location of your future tank and the corresponding weather conditions.

Having The Right Team Work For You

While all of the above-mentioned things are important to think about when configuring your tank package, the most important aspect to consider is whether or not you have a knowledgeable team to help you make the right choices.

Get started learning about the design of your own chemical storage tank system by downloading your Tank Design Checklist today.