Best Practices for Chemical Storage Tank Installation

Poly Processing works diligently to produce each and every chemical storage tank to spec. But if a tank isn’t installed correctly it could lead to damage, leaks, safety issues for personnel, and a shorter tank life. Everyone should take chemical tank installation seriously.

Our customers rely on our comprehensive Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (IOM) Manual to help them properly install each of our chemical tanks, and their fittings and accessories. Whether it’s a standard vertical tank, IMFO® Tank, Sloped Bottom IMFO® Tank, or a double-wall SAFE-Tank®, we’ve got you covered.

We are constantly updating the PPC Installation, Operation, and Maintenance (IOM) Manual for improved ease of use, with more detail and step-by-step instructions. The manual continues to focus on giving installers a simple, yet safe and effective way to correctly install and maintain a tank system.

Here are a few important highlights from the Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual that are critical to understand and follow. (Please read the IOM manual for more details and help)

Tank Foundation and Site Preparation 

When installing the Integrally Molded Flange Outlet (IMFO®) Tank, only use a PPC polyethylene PolyBase, a polyurethane PolyBase or a monolithic concrete pad with finished edges to elevate the bottom of the tank above the primary floor surface. The pad must be at least 4 inches thick to provide full clearance for the IMFO flange. 

Use a polyurethane PolyBase or a concrete pad when storing fluids with a specific gravity greater than 1.65.

GENERAL GUIDELINES TO ACCOMMODATE RESTRAINT CLIPS AND LADDERS:

• Make sure the foundation is at least two feet larger in diameter than the diameter of the tank. Contact us for your specific application.
• If using the IMFO tank, notch the foundation to accommodate the IMFO outlet. Make sure the IMFO neck is supported and there are no valves or heavy piping hanging off the IMFO. We can help with the appropriate drawings.
• If the tank will have a fixed ladder, include adequate landing for the ladder to prevent injury.

Flexible Connections

Fittings and connecting pipes installed on the lower third of the sidewall of a tank must have flexible connections with the lowest spring rates possible. This mitigates nozzle loading and allows the tank to expand and contract while protecting the tank from pump vibrations.

Pipe supports must be placed AFTER the flexible connection so the tank can properly expand and contract.

Pipes connecting to dome fittings should also be independently supported to eliminate nozzle load. Domes don’t require flexible connections, since there is little to no movement on the tank dome when the tank is filled and emptied.

Expansion joints should not be attached directly to the tank wall or IMFO. A full-faced flange must be installed on the tank first.

Offloading a Tank 

We’ve added instructions to help you safely offload your polyethylene chemical tank from the freight truck. You can choose from several methods, including a crane or a forklift. Poly Processing Company strongly recommends all tank lifting, movement, etc. be performed by professional certified riggers. Riggers are skilled at attaching or detaching lifting equipment to loads or lifting devices.

Proper Venting 

Polyethylene tanks are designed and rated for atmospheric pressure only. Proper venting alleviates pressure and prevents a vacuum from developing as the tank is filled and emptied. The PPC O&M Manual provides configuration information and points to detailed venting guidelines for your chemical tank.

Vital Checklists 

Once you’ve successfully installed your liquid storage tank, follow the helpful checklists we’ve provided to ensure that you get the most out of your tank and extend its useful life as long as possible. These preventive maintenance instructions are simple and easy to follow. The procedures include:

• Startup Checklist
• Maintenance Checklist
• Annual Inspection and safety guidelines
• Warranty Information

Other Considerations and Precautions

It’s common to store tanks for a period of time before installation. Often, loose or boxed parts are misplaced or used for something else on site. We recommend clearly marking any loose boxes and parts for the chemical storage tank only. Store the boxes in a safe location where they can be easily found and retrieved.

• Tanks can sit in direct sunlight but a tarp or cover will help to keep them clean.
• Store tanks out of traffic areas, including forklift traffic, so they don’t get gouged.
• IMFO Tanks or Sloped Bottom IMFO Tanks need a 4 x 4 or other block under the tank so the IMFO flange isn’t pressed against the ground.

Manufacturing Update

We know that delivery times are critical to our customers. That's why we are working diligently to ship every order within 9-12 weeks. FRP tank manufacturers and many poly tank manufacturers are giving their customers a 22-36 week plus shipping window. At Poly Processing Company we deliver your product in half the time.

Before you order an FRP tank, make sure the manufacturer gives you the price and lead time up front. If you don't get the price and lead time up front, you could be in for a rude awakening.

Trusted, consistent, and expeditious, Poly Processing’s rotationally molded crosslinked tanks are by far the toughest polyethylene tanks offered to the chemical market. With our short delivery window, we strive to deliver peace of mind and an ease of business to each and every customer. Call us at 866-765-9957 and let us help you, we understand response time!

As always, reach out with any questions you have about the installation and maintenance of your chemical storage tank, and download our IOM manual. Our goal is securing your personal safety, and ensuring the safety and longevity of your investment in a chemical storage tank system.

Talk to a chemical storage expert.