Building a Custom Chemical Storage System for Unique Chemicals

The 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 take a brief look at how we learn about chemicals and build custom storage systems to meet your chemical-specific requirements.

Understanding a Chemical's DNA

No matter what the project, the first step to creating a safe chemical storage solution is always to know what substance you're storing. Don’t trust any chemical tank supplier who doesn’t start with that question. Everything else related to your storage tank — design specifications, accessories, and fittings — depends on that information. 

In order to understand the chemical makeup of a particular substance, we start by reviewing the Material Safety Data Sheets, or MSDS sheets. Even branded chemicals require a thorough understanding of the chemical breakdown to ensure safe storage. 

We find the review process to be especially important when storing combined chemicals. Individual chemicals present certain characteristics, but when combined, they can present a completely different storage challenge.

Occasionally, the chemical or substance can’t be found on the chemical compatibility data sheets because it’s new or unknown. In these instances, we may go so far as to contact the chemical manufacturer to learn more about the chemical and its properties.

Once we have an understanding of the chemical makeup, we check the flash points of the chemicals to make sure they are compatible with storage in a Poly Processing tank. Any chemical with a flashpoint below 180°F can produce fumes that could ignite with potential static charges from the plastic of the tank, rendering it incompatible with Poly Processing's solutions.

Our next step is to review chemical compatibility data sheets to ensure that not only is the chemical compatible with the cross-linked polyethylene tank, but that all components of the storage system — such as bolts, gaskets, and fittings — are compatible as well.

Building Materials and Components to Meet Complex Demands

Our decades of researching unique chemicals have uncovered a variety of storage challenges. These challenges have led to the development of a variety of Poly Processing innovations in new, more robust resins, such as OR-1000, as well as the creation of numerous fittings, gaskets, and other accessories to ensure chemical compatibility and safe, cost-effective storage solutions. 

Poly Processing is a leader in building innovative solutions to complex chemical storage challenges. Far beyond simple plastic tanks, we have developed a fleet of products that address a wide range of specific issues related to chemical storage. The result for your business is ensured safety, easy tank maintenance, and extended tank longevity.

Chemical Expertise Directs Our Custom Storage Solutions

Poly Processing Company has several chemical-specific position statements available for download. We also have a chemical resistance guide to help you better understand the compatibility of specific chemicals with our tanks and accessories.

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.

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