What's New: Tank Design and Materials

A Closer Look At the Toughness of XLPE Through Testing

We get a lot of questions about the standard testing on chemical storage tanks that we do at our facility. Vertical tanks larger than 500 gallons in most cases are extensively tested to ensure that they meet ASTM standards. Depending on customers’ needs, we also offer additional testing on our chemical storage tank systems. Let's take a look at the types of chemical tank testing that Poly Processing performs, how we do it, and why these tests are so important in the chemical storage tank production process.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials

Are Stainless Steel Tanks the Best Choice to Store Caustic Soda Outdoors?

Sodium hydroxide (NaOH), also known as caustic soda or lye, is a common inorganic compound that is typically used as a strong chemical base. In liquid form, caustic soda becomes “slippery” and tends to find weak points in storage containers, and fittings, and can eventually create drips and leaks.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials, Chemical Storage

Will Your Chemical Storage Tank Resist Environmental Stress Cracking?

Environmental stress cracking occurs in plastic tanks over time, under certain conditions. It’s a failure of the polymer material due to surface-initiated micro cracks or fractures. These micro cracks are caused by the combination of stresses and environmental effects.

Topics: Value Added, Tank Design and Materials, FAQs

OR-1000™: Next Generation System for Oxidizing and Corrosive Chemical Storage

One of the challenges in storing any oxidizing chemical is engineering a chemical storage tank that not only contains the chemical but has a greater life expectancy and measure of safety. Whether you’re storing sodium hypochlorite, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, or other oxidizing substances, it is critical to design the storage tank with the chemical in mind.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials, FAQs

Managing Temperature Variations in Chemical Storage Tanks

Poly Processing’s standard crosslinked polyethylene tank systems can withstand process temperatures up to 100°F — but that figure can be misleading, because there are different types of temperature to consider.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials

How to Dispose of a Chemical Storage Tank Safely

Customers often ask us how to safely dispose of a chemical storage tank once it has reached the end of its useful life. Although Poly Processing doesn’t offer tank decommissioning services, we can offer you guidance for proper chemical tank disposal.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials, FAQs

Scrubbing a PPC Tank: An Introduction to Fume Scrubbers

Chemicals stored in polyethylene tanks always require venting. Depending on the chemical you’re storing, the harmful fumes emitted from the storage tank can’t be directly released into the atmosphere. To reduce the harmful fumes before they evacuate the system and to control air pollution, fume scrubbers need to be installed.

Topics: Venting, Fittings and Accessories, Tank Design and Materials, Chemical Storage

Crosslinked Polyethylene Storage Solutions For Your Industry: Part 1

Poly Processing tanks are used for water and wastewater treatment applications, but are also found in dozens of industries nationwide. We’re able to work with a wide variety of businesses and organizations that use chemicals to produce goods and products. This is the first in a series of articles over the next several months that will feature a selection of the markets we serve. (View the full list of the markets we serve.)

Topics: Applications, Tank Design and Materials, Chemical Storage

For Full Discharge, Don’t Rely on Cone Bottom Tanks

When it comes to a full discharge tank, cone-bottom tanks get the job done—except when they don’t. The fact is, cone-bottom tanks fall short on several fronts. Cleaning cone-bottom polyethylene tanks can be challenging. They require additional vertical space and safety precautions. And the tanks themselves cost a pretty penny — especially when you have to include a stand and basket to support the cone-bottom tank. Prices can skyrocket in today's market with the costs of metal and special coatings. Lead times for welded steel products can be extremely long as well.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials

Is Crosslinked Polyethylene or FRP the Best Material For Chemical Storage Tanks?

Purchasing a high-performance chemical storage tank is a significant investment for your company, and choosing the right tank for your needs isn’t always an easy decision. If you’re deciding between a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tank and polyethylene tank, be sure you understand the differences between them and know what to expect in terms of cost, maintenance, service, delivery times, and protection.

Topics: Tank Design and Materials