Popular Customization Options for Chemical Storage Tanks

Proper tank design is crucial to successful and safe chemical storage. Purchasing a chemical storage tank isn't just about selecting the right size — it is vital to design the proper tank configuration for the safety of your employees, the protection of the environment, and to get the most out of your investment.

When it comes to chemical storage tanks, one size definitely doesn't fit all. Your facility has unique requirements based on your specific chemicals, operational needs, space constraints, and safety protocols. That's why Poly Processing tank customization options are essential for creating the perfect storage solution for your application.

At Poly Processing, we've worked with thousands of customers to design customized tank systems that meet their exact specifications. Let's explore the most popular customization options that can transform a standard tank into the perfect storage solution for your facility.

Essential Tank Design Configurations

The right chemical storage solution starts with the type of tank you need. Poly Processing’s tanks come in various design configurations, each with their own industry-leading advantages.

Vertical Tank Configurations

Standard Vertical Tanks provide robust storage and dependable service in a space-efficient footprint. These upright tanks are ideal when floor space is limited and you need maximum storage capacity.

IMFO® Full-Discharge Tanks feature an outlet valve positioned at the very bottom sidewall of the tank, below the knuckle radius. This configuration provides 100% discharge capability and enables safer maintenance by ensuring complete tank discharge.

Slope-Bottom Tanks offer full discharge of heavy substances like sludge, grease, and viscous chemicals, as well as common chemicals. The sloped design eliminates residual materials, reducing cleaning requirements and preventing cross-contamination between different chemical batches.

Cone-Bottom Tanks are specifically designed for process applications that require total drainage. The conical bottom ensures complete product evacuation, making them perfect for expensive chemicals or products where loss must be minimized. Cone bottom tanks are also great for dry product storage.

Advanced Containment Solutions

Double-Wall Containment Tanks (SAFE-Tanks®) provide a revolutionary "tank-within-a-tank" solution that dramatically reduces your containment footprint while preserving any leaked chemical. This design eliminates the need for expensive concrete berms and provides superior environmental protection. It also allows you to use the leaked chemical, which is captured in the interstitial space, completely uncontaminated.

Open-Top Tanks are engineered for applications requiring containment without the full features of a SAFE-Tank system. These are ideal for mixing applications or when you need easy access to tank contents.

Specialized Resin Systems — OR-1000™ Oxidation Resistant System

Poly Processing's exclusive OR-1000™ system addresses one of the most challenging aspects of chemical storage: aggressive oxidation effects. This innovative system adds an additional oxidation barrier between the XLPE tank wall and stored chemicals.

The OR-1000™ features include:

• Engineered inner surface made of specialized polyethylene
• Outer surface constructed of XLPE for superior structural strength
• Four times the antioxidant strength of standard polyethylene
• Extended tank life when storing highly oxidizing chemicals like sodium hypochlorite

Popular Fitting and Accessory Customizations

Our engineers help you to identify the recommended fittings and accessories that address the specific needs of your particular chemical storage application. The following fittings and accessories are among our most popular options, but offer complete catalog is much more extensive.

Integrally Molded Flanged Outlets (IMFO®)

Traditional tank fittings are attached after manufacturing, creating potential weak points. Poly Processing's IMFO® fittings are molded as part of the tank during production, creating a seamless, leak-proof connection that's actually as strong as the tank wall itself.

Popular Fitting Options

B.O.S.S. (Bolted One-Piece Sure-Seal). This one-piece sure-seal fitting prevents leaks and adds value to your tank installation. Available in PVC and CPVC back ring, its one-piece design reduces the seal point to a single gasket, and its polyethylene construction ensures chemical compatibility. Its back ring design reduces stress on the fitting and makes it three times stronger than similar plastic fittings.

Bolted Flange Fittings Available in PVC and CPVC. With these fittings, all aspects of fitting maintenance can be done externally, with no tank entry required. Bolted flange fittings can be installed on the sidewall or the dome. Bolt heads are encapsulated in polyethylene, providing chemical resistance.

Universal Ball Dome Fitting. The flanges are “self-aligning,” which allows for vertical plumbing on the dome of the tank up to 22 degrees. The fitting can be repaired and maintained externally without tank entry. Available with stainless steel, titanium, C-276, and Alloy 400 bolts. These fittings are also available in a bulkhead design.

Bulkhead Fittings provide secure, leak-proof connections for inlet and outlet lines at various tank locations.

Fill Lines and Distribution Systems can be customized for top-fill, bottom-fill, or side-entry configurations based on your operational requirements.

Venting Systems are crucial for safe chemical storage and can be customized with flame arrestors, pressure relief valves, or specialized atmospheric venting depending on your chemical's characteristics.

Level Monitoring Systems including sight gauges, reverse float level systems, electronic level sensors, and overflow protection systems help maintain safe operating levels.

Structural and Safety Enhancements

Depending on the location of your chemical storage tank, structural and safety systems may be necessary to ensure the safety of your equipment, the environment, and your personnel. These are some of our essential safety enhancements.

Depending on the location of your chemical storage tank, structural and safety systems may be necessary to ensure the safety of your equipment, the environment, and your personnel. These are some of our essential safety enhancements.

Seismic Restraint Systems

For facilities in earthquake-prone areas, custom seismic restraint systems ensure your tanks remain secure during seismic events. These systems are engineered to meet local building codes and provide peace of mind in high-risk areas.

Tank Heating Systems

Many chemicals require temperature maintenance for proper storage. Custom heating solutions include:

• Heat trace systems for freeze protection
• Insulation packages for energy efficiency
• Temperature control systems for precise thermal management
• Immersion heaters for direct chemical heating

Access and Maintenance Features

Custom Ladder Systems provide safe access for inspection and maintenance activities.

Environmental and Regulatory Compliance

Poly Processing prides itself on our regulatory compliance. No other tank manufacturer can match our certified systems.

NSF/ANSI 61 Certified Systems

For potable water and water treatment applications, Poly Processing offers complete NSF/ANSI 61 certified tank systems. We're the only manufacturer with full system certification covering tanks, fittings, and accessories for 38 of the most popular water treatment chemicals.

Secondary Containment Integration

Custom containment solutions can be integrated with your tank design to meet EPA regulations and local environmental requirements while minimizing facility footprint.

Sizing and Capacity Customization

Poly Processing offers tanks ranging from 55 gallons to 15,500 gallons, with sizing available for unique applications. Our engineering team can help design tank systems to fit specific space constraints while maximizing storage capacity.

The Customization Process

Poly Processing has an efficient, smooth customization process that ensures you get the right customizations for your tank, and as quickly as possible. Here’s what you can expect:

Step 1: Chemical Compatibility Assessment

Every customization starts with understanding your specific chemical and its storage requirements. This drives all other design decisions.

Step 2: Operational Requirements Analysis

We evaluate your filling, dispensing, and maintenance procedures to ensure the customized design supports efficient operations.

Step 3: Site and Space Evaluation

Physical constraints, access requirements, and future expansion plans all influence the optimal customization approach.

Step 4: Regulatory and Safety Compliance

All customizations must meet applicable codes, standards, and safety requirements for your industry and location.

Making the Right Customization Choices

The key to successful tank customization is working with experienced tank specialists who understand both chemical storage requirements and practical operational needs. At Poly Processing, our team has decades of experience designing customized solutions that enhance safety, improve efficiency, and provide long-term value.

Don't settle for a standard tank when customization options can provide the perfect solution for your unique requirements. The right customizations not only improve safety and performance, but often provide significant cost savings through improved efficiency and reduced maintenance requirements.

Ready to explore customization options for your chemical storage needs? Contact our engineering team to discuss how we can design the perfect tank system for your specific application. 

Download our Chemical Storage Tank Buying Guide to learn more about creating the ideal storage solution for your facility.