What Are the Advantages of Chemical Storage Tanks?

From crude oil and refined gasoline to commercial fertilisers and raw materials like sodium hydroxide and aluminium sulphate, chemical storage tanks are used for a wide range of applications. They’re purpose-built to store materials that are highly reactive, combustible and hazardous. Choosing the right tank can save sites a significant amount of time, money and resources. Similarly, choosing the wrong tank can result in a myriad of problems, both minor and catastrophic.

Below, we take a closer look at the advantages of chemical storage tanks. We also spotlight the importance of investing in the right tank for the job and some different factors to consider when selecting tanks.

Improve onsite safety

Safety is always a major concern at sites that handle, store and transport chemicals. Chemical spills and leaks pose a serious threat to human health and life. Choosing the right chemical storage tanks is a critical part of meeting health and safety requirements. Hydrogen is also a serious safety concern at refineries, where it's used for critical process applications. 

Manage environmental risks

Spills and leaks are an ongoing risk at sites that handle chemicals. Investing in purpose-built chemical storage tanks is one of the best ways to manage these environmental risks. A recent spill in Harrogate underscores the dangers of failing to correctly store chemicals. The spill leached into the Oak Beck waterway and resulted in the death of hundreds of fish. Local environmentalists are calling for the Yorkshire Water and the Environment Agency to identify the source of the spill and take action against those responsible.

In Israel, the Nature and Parks Authority has recently slapped fertilisers and specialty chemicals company ICL with a US$33 million fine after an acid spill seeped into the Ashalim Creek and caused devastating damage to flora and fauna.

Preserve the integrity of products

Without the right storage tank solutions, sites risk contaminating both raw materials and finished products. Most chemicals are corrosive, which means they can easily breakdown the linings of subpar storage tanks. This causes debris to seep into the tank and contaminate the product.

Factors to consider when choosing chemical storage tanks

Most chemical storage tanks are manufactured from four key materials – plastic, stainless steel, fiberglass and concrete. Each offers a different set of benefits. When choosing a chemical storage tank, the following factors should be considered:

• Concentrations of chemicals being stored
• Reactions that could arise from different chemical combinations
• Temperatures the tank will be exposed to
• Natural elements the tank will be exposed to
• Overall durability of the construction material
• Design and functionality of the tank 
• On-going maintenance requirements
• Price and budget

Want to know more about the challenges of storing chemicals and other hazardous materials? We take a closer look in ‘Storage Tanks for Oil & Chemicals - Everything You Need to Know’.