Although it's impossible to know what the exact lifespan of your polyethylene tank will be, there are steps you can take to extend its life in order to get the most out of it.
The information outlined in this article will help you extend the useful life of your crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) tank, which will help you save money in the long run, as well as ensure that you're maintaining your polyethylene tank (and its chemical contents) properly.
Before you make a purchase, it's essential to determine your specific needs. Your chemical storage tank will last significantly longer if it’s properly designed for your particular application. Consider the following factors:
Purpose: What will you be storing? Different liquids require different tank materials and construction.
Capacity: Assess the volume of liquid you need to store now and possibly in the future. XLPE tanks are available in various sizes, from small to large capacities.
Location and Installation: Consider where the tank will be installed. Ensure that the location can accommodate the size and weight of the tank, and check local regulations regarding installation.
Tip: Consult with professionals from Poly Processing to choose the best tank suited for your application.
A great deal of the longevity of your chemical tank depends on its proper installation. Inspect the installation of your tank to ensure that all of the connections and fittings in the lower third sidewall of your tank are flexible and that it's sitting on a flat, clean, and smooth surface. There should be no bolts, nuts, washers or other debris beneath it. We recommend vacuuming or air blowing the tank pad before installation.
Proper ventilation is also important when the tank is being drained and filled, to ensure that it vents to the atmosphere. The tanks should not be pressurized, as a pressurized tank could result in a premature failure.
The process temperature of the chemicals in your tank is also very important. Process temperature is the temperature of the chemicals while being stored in the tank. Check the temperature in your polyethylene tank regularly to verify that the process temperature never reaches above 100 degrees fahrenheit. If you know that your tank will be subject to higher temperatures, a specially-designed chemical storage tank with a thicker construction is required.
Avoid mixing or cutting chemicals in the same tank if the temperature will be negatively affected as part of the process. If you do mix chemicals that will affect the temperature, make sure the mixture is handled correctly (especially when dealing with higher concentrations and dilutions) and always check that the proper process temperatures are met afterwards.
Make sure the fittings and threaded connections aren't loose (which can occur during shipping) — this can result in a leak, and leaks can lead to cracks in the tank.
Check all connections to ensure that they're not worn out, that they're flexible, and that there are no leaks in any of them.
Ensure that all valves are functioning and in good working condition, and that all ventilation lines are clear of obstructions.
If the tank is outdoors, remember that animals and insects can burrow inside and obstruct the lines. Check the lines to make sure that no animals have entered. Also check to make sure the vent line has not been reduced from the original vent fitting size on the tank.
Standard annual inspections should be performed to ensure that your tank is maintained properly. Make sure you're cleaning your tank annually and inspecting it visually with a flashlight, looking for any abnormalities.
Performing inspections on the original installation, checking the chemical storage temperature, and conducting regular annual inspections will help your polyethylene tank reach its maximum lifespan and ensure that it is property maintained at all times.
If you're not sure what to look for when inspecting your polyethylene tank, we can help. Our field service specialists have cameras and other specialized equipment — as well as the expertise — to make sure everything is functioning the way it should.
Tank Maintenance and Annual Inspection checklists can be found in the back of the Installation and Operation Guide.
To find out more about how you can ensure a long life for your polyethylene tank, contact our field service department today.
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 high density crosslinked polyethylene (HDXLPE) tank technology, we are thrilled to unveil our latest update to our vertical 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 HDXLPE 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.