Customized Storage Tank Systems: Which Option is Right for You?

Designing a Poly Processing chemical storage solution always begins with a thorough understanding of the chemical being stored. To design and recommend a safe, cost-effective chemical storage system, it's critical for our tank experts to ask the right questions and do the right research. This ensures that we properly understand the makeup of your chemicals and the potential reactions to various storage solutions. 

Let’s briefly delve into our approach to understanding chemicals and designing custom storage systems that cater specifically to your needs. 

Decoding a Chemical’s Composition

Regardless of the project at hand, the very first step in formulating a secure chemical storage solution is to identify the specific material being stored. Question any chemical tank supplier who does not start with this inquiry. The overall design of your storage tank—including specifications, accessories, fittings, and useful life—relies heavily on this critical information. 

To gain insights into a substance's chemical profile, we begin by examining the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). Even with well-known brands, a detailed comprehension of the chemical structure is essential for safe storage practices. This review process becomes even more crucial when dealing with mixtures, as individual chemicals can behave differently in combination, presenting unique storage challenges. 

In some cases, you may encounter a chemical that isn’t listed on standard compatibility data sheets, because it’s a new or obscure chemical. When this occurs, it might be necessary to reach out directly to the manufacturer for further insight into the chemical characteristics and properties. 

Once we have established a solid understanding of the chemical composition, we assess the flash points to ensure compatibility with Poly Processing tanks. Any chemical with a flash point below 180°F may emit fumes that can ignite due to static charges, making it unsuitable for storage within our systems.  

Our next step involves referencing chemical compatibility data sheets to confirm that the chemical adheres not only to the XLPE polyethylene tank but that every component of the storage system—bolts, gaskets, fittings—is also compatible.

Material Selection and Component Customization

With years of experience in tackling varying chemical storage demands, we’ve encountered a diverse array of challenges that have driven the innovation of new, robust resin solutions like our OR-1000™ System, along with a wide selection of fittings, gaskets, and accessories designed to ensure chemical compatibility and safe, long term, economical storage outcomes. 

Poly Processing stands at the forefront of developing innovative solutions for intricate chemical storage issues. More than just basic plastic tanks, our extensive product line addresses a multitude of specific challenges associated with chemical storage, delivering enhanced safety, simplified tank maintenance, and prolonged lifespan for your tanks. 

Expert Guidance for Tailored Storage and Tank Design Solutions

Poly Processing Company offers a range of chemical-specific position statements that you can download, alongside a chemical resistance guide to aid in understanding the compatibility of particular chemicals with our tanks and accessories. 

Once you understand the right tank material for the chemical you are storing, you will need to determine the tank design that will meet your needs. Before you think about costs, consider your floor space, and the way that you will use the tank. 

Poly Processing offers several unique tank design options including the full discharging Slope-Bottom IMFO® tank and Vertical IMFO® tank. We have the SAFE-Tank®, which provides a “tank within a tank” system to safely store chemicals and prevent damage and injury. The SAFE-Tank provides a minimum of 110% secondary containment.

Chemical Expertise Directs Our Custom Storage Solutions

Finding the right tank is crucial to successful safe chemical storage. It can be easy to design the best tank to fit your needs if you follow the process we’ve outlined in this guide. Always start with the chemical you’re storing, then use that information to identify your tank material. Determine the type of tank to suit your functional needs, and think about any customizations you’ll need. 

Have questions or concerns about storing unique chemicals or substances used in your operations? Check out our comprehensive Chemical Storage Tank Buying Guide or contact a Poly Processing specialist for help in researching your challenge.

Industry News

For over five decades, Poly Processing has been at the forefront of innovation in chemical storage tank design and manufacturing. Reinforcing our commitment to advancing crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) tank technology, we are thrilled to unveil our latest update to our storage tank solutions: the 15,500-gallon IMFO tank, the 15,000-gallon Sloped Bottom IMFO tank, and the 15,500-gallon Vertical tank, are all available in specific gravities up to 2.2 design.

These large innovative XLPE tanks are designed for exceptional durability, reliable performance, and an extended lifespan across a variety of applications. To enhance protection and prolong service life in oxidative environments, such as those involving sodium hypochlorite, they can be manufactured with our industry-leading OR-1000 engineered resin system, known for its remarkable resistance to oxidative chemicals.

These tanks represent the best engineering and design in the tank manufacturing industry, and they are covered under PPC’s industry-leading warranty.

At Poly Processing, we’re focused on delivering high-quality, forward-thinking solutions to meet the evolving demands of the chemical storage industry.

Photo credit: CC BY-SA 2.5 via Wikimedia Commons.