Why Your Tank Supplier Should Ask What Chemical You’re Storing

If the very first question your chemical tank supplier asks isn’t, “So, tell me, what kind of chemical are you storing in this tank?” they’re doing it wrong. 

The number one job for your tank supplier is to make sure you get the right chemical storage system for the chemical you’re using. If they don’t get that detail right, it can lead to serious risks and cost you thousands of dollars in additional costs.

Let’s look at why it’s so important to get your chemical storage system right based on the chemical being stored. 

The Right Chemical Tank Always Starts with the Chemical

In order to maximize the operation and performance of the chemical delivery system — and the longevity of the chemical storage tank — the nuances of the properties of the chemicals being stored must be carefully considered. 

The storage tank is the headworks of the system. It is a critical component to the overall process of the use of the chemical. If the foundation of the storage tank is wrong, it has great potential to lead to serious problems.

If you simply spec out a tank for a bid based on generic factors such as size, material, and capacity without first defining the chemical used within the tank, you risk getting a non-optimal tank. While a chemical storage tank system matched to the specific chemical usage may cost you 20-30% more initially, you recoup the up-front expense in reduced maintenance and tank replacement.

Also, consider the nuances the chemical properties have on the other component parts of the chemical storage system. Expensive valves, fittings, pumps, and flow meters — all essential parts for proper operation — could potentially be compromised. 

Real Risks of Getting the Wrong Chemical Storage System

Hydrogen peroxide can be a very volatile chemical. As a result, the fittings and connections used in the storage of hydrogen peroxide are crucial. Hydrogen peroxide is also an aggressive oxidizer and a strong irritant, so it’s vital to select the proper fittings, expansion joints, and venting of the storage system to prevent a fire or explosion and exposure of hydrogen peroxide to employees.

Hydrofluosilicic acid also requires a specialized chemical storage system solution. Hydrofluosilicic acid fumes easily, and the fumes are highly corrosive to nearly all metals. Hydrofluosilicic acid fumes also can quickly etch glass and stoneware. Damage to your facility’s windows, copper piping, metal electrical conduits resulting from hydrofluosilicic acid fuming can quickly cause thousands of dollars of damage.

Fume tight fittings, overflow fittings, and a proper wetted trap are essential component parts of a chemical storage system for hydrofluosilicic acid.

Get Your Chemical Storage System Right 

Don’t take a risk that could expose people to serious injury, cost you thousands of dollars in property damage, or increase your maintenance and tank replacement costs.

Contact a Poly Processing specialist to get the right polyethylene plastic chemical storage tank solution.

Make sure you get the right tank for your chemical storage application. Download the Poly Processing Chemical Storage Tank Buying Guide.