A chemical storage tank is a significant investment, so it is essential to do some preliminary study. Whether to choose a horizontal or vertical storage tank will be one of the most important choices you must make. Depending on the intended use and locality, both designs offer benefits and drawbacks. Let's examine the distinction between horizontal and vertical storage tanks in further detail.
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Vertical Storage Tanks are also known as industrial storage tanks and high duty vertical poly tanks. The agricultural, industrial, manufacturing, and commercial sectors use these tanks for a number of purposes. The bulk storage of water, chemicals, fertilizer, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), acids, and chemicals are common applications.
Typically, horizontal tanks are smaller than vertical tanks. This means they can be installed and relocated without difficulty. Horizontal tanks installed on trailers, skids, trucks, or tractors for transfer to the application site may be seen in the agricultural industry. In addition, they may be installed on specialized field or facility equipment.
Horizontal tanks are the most prevalent within the agricultural business. In this business, horizontal tanks store and convey liquid fertilizer chemicals, water, and other liquid agricultural chemicals, such as pesticides.
The higher the capacity of the chemical storage tank you may need, the more plausible it will be to choose vertical storage tanks. Vertical chemical storage tanks provide several benefits, ranging from design to manufacturing costs and beyond. Likewise, horizontal tanks have their place, but they serve distinct purposes. Costs and materials connected with horizontal chemical storage tanks are often more than their vertical equivalents.
The potential to set the base of the cylinder directly on a solid, level surface is a crucial component of the vertical chemical storage tank design. This stability is a significant advantage of vertical chemical storage tanks, particularly for liquids. This offers far better stress distribution than a horizontal tank, which would need specialized support at the bottom and increase the probability of failure.
In addition to its efficient structure, the height of a vertical tank has a greater potential energy, which reduces pumping costs by using gravity. It creates more hydrostatic heads than a horizontal chemical storage tank.
Due to the absence of stress points seen in horizontal and square tanks, the cylindrical vertical storage tank design ensures consistent pressure distribution. This pressure distribution gives higher strength than a horizontal chemical storage tank and helps to the tank's capacity to store a substantial quantity of goods.
The bigger the diameter of a tank, the thicker its walls must be to bear pressure. Since vertical chemical storage tanks are often intended to be taller than they are in diameter, the tank walls must be thinner. Vertical tanks are more affordable to build since they use less material. Only the base plate should be thicker than the cylindrical walls. A horizontal chemical storage tank must have the same circumferential thickness as the foundation plate.
The footprint of vertical chemical storage tanks is much smaller, allowing for more equipment to be stored in the available area. If your warehouse or manufacturing area can accommodate vertical storage tanks, you will be able to put up more equipment and optimize space.
In certain scenarios, a vertical storage tank may sound right, while in others, a horizontal chemical storage tank seems like the right choice. Consider some of the most important advantages and benefits of a horizontal chemical storage tank.
Horizontal chemical storage tanks are quicker and more effective in heating and cooling liquids and maintaining the proper temperature throughout storage and transit due to their design and orientation.
Horizontal storage tanks feature more surface area coverage, allowing for more efficient product movement than vertical tanks. Moreover, horizontal tanks often have reduced shipping costs and may add vertical agitation more simply, making them more cost-effective.
Horizontal tanks are simpler to carry and relocate than vertical storage tanks due to their form and shape. This mobility makes horizontal tanks an attractive option for individuals who often store or move liquids.
Due to its design and the fact that they are simpler to transfer from one location to another, horizontal chemical storage tanks need fewer workers to operate. This enables you and your team to devote more time to other chores and initiatives of higher importance.
The horizontal tank design requires less vertical space, thus small to medium-sized businesses need not worry. It fits more readily in the desired location and eliminates the hassle of dealing with a tank that is several inches too tall.
Vertical storage tanks are created to hold refined substances such as acid, alcohol, gas, and others. It has evolved into several varieties, including plastic tanks, rubber storage tanks, glass fiber-reinforced plastic storage tanks, ceramic, plastic storage tanks that are welded together, etc. Vertical chemical storage tanks are used in the following industries:
In addition to holding different liquids, they are also utilized for monitoring the amount and distribution of stored petroleum products. Depending on the kind of interior coating, they may hold light and heavy petroleum compounds, as well as other lubricant materials, chemical solutions, food goods, and water. These industries rely heavily on horizontal chemical storage tanks for the safe and secure storage of liquids and gasses:
Tank form, space, and location determine where to employ various tanks. Oval tanks may be horizontal or vertical, whereas cylindrical tanks must be horizontal. How much room you have will determine your optimal setup. This is true for above-ground indoor tanks. Low ceilings may need a horizontal tank. If you have high ceilings but little room, go vertical. Whether you store inside or outside affects the tank you require. For outdoor installation, consider a horizontal tank. The ground might change under your tank, therefore it should be horizontal to be safe. Vertical tanks are more tippable.
Ideal chemical storage tanks are long-lasting and suitable with industrial applications. Numerous industries use chemical goods, requiring the necessity for chemical storage tanks.
Arvind Anticor is a chemical storage tanks manufacturer that recognizes industry demands. Our chemical tanks store acids and corrosive substances well. Our heavy-duty tanks are weatherproof. Some feature a puff-insulated layer to preserve chemical temperature.
7 Types of Industrial Storage Tanks Explained
Industrial storage tanks are containers used for storage of gas, oil, water, and petrochemical products, employed for industrial uses. Industrial storage tanks come in different sizes and shapes.
They can be underground, horizontal, and vertical, and be made from concrete, stone, fiberglass, steel or plastic.
Industrial storage tanks can be categorized into several types based on the substance they hold and some other factors.
Here you can learn about seven key types of industrial storage tanks. Read on'
1. Industrial Fuel Storage Tanks
Industrial fuel storage tanks, known as petroleum tanks also, can store various fluids. In general, they are used for storing non-organic and organic liquids. They can also hold vapor as well as different flammable fluids. Fuel storage tanks are manufactured in various designs and sizes. They are designed to store a variety of fuels, vapor, and industrial liquids.
Types of Industrial Fuel Storage Tanks
There are two main types of fuel storage tanks ' Aboveground tanks and Underground tanks.
Aboveground Fuel Tanks
Aboveground fuel tanks (AST) are quite popular because of their lower long-term maintenance and upfront costs. These tanks are more cost-effective to install compared to underground tanks since you don't need to spend for backfilling, deep excavation, and pavement of more involved piping.
Aboveground fuel tanks offer greater ease of maintenance compared to the below ground tanks. You can check them easily for leaks and access for repairs. This is the reason aboveground fuel storage tanks are preferred for storing fuels and chemicals.
Underground Storage Tanks
In Underground storage tank (UST), at least 10% of the tank's stored volume is buried underground. Such tanks that are used for storing hazardous materials or fuels are regulated, and must have registration with the EPA.
These tanks are suitable for people wanting to maximize the space and/or value of their property. Underground storage tanks can be put beneath lawns and driveways, where they are not visible. Arguably, these types of tanks are safer as the chance of explosion is very little. However, the chance of leaks as well as that of generating pollution is increased in case of these tanks as they cannot be inspected often.
Advantages of Using Fuel Storage Tanks
If your business requires safe storage of fuel and other inflammable liquids, then it's important to use an industrial fuel storage tank. Industrial fuel storage tanks are standards certified containers which provide safe storage of chemicals, solvents, oil, petrol, diesel, and other hazardous and flammable liquids. Fuel storage tanks restrict evaporative emissions as well as prevent any leakage of the substance contained in it.
These storage tanks are manufactured and designed for meeting industry standards, which makes them an efficient and reliable option for addressing your storage needs of hazardous substances. Using industrial fuel storage tanks offers several advantages, which are listed below:
(i) Cost Efficient
Using fuel storage tank is cost efficient since your staff need not leave the business facility for getting equipment or vehicles refueled. This saves both money and time that's otherwise spent to refuel off your business premises. These tanks have a storage capacity lying between 1,000 and 110,000 liters, allowing you to store petrol and fuel according to the amount required on a weekly or daily basis.
(ii) Variety
There are various types of fuel storage tanks you can choose from. The chief types are ' above ground fuel storage tanks and underground fuel storage tanks. These types have already been discussed above.
Another type of industrial fuel storage tank is ' self bunded tank. This type of tank is employed widely because of its durability. Having double steel walls, the self bunded storage tank prevents spillage of the substance contained in it. The capacity of storage of the self bunded tanks and above ground tanks usually lay between 1,000 and 150,000 liters.
If your storage requirements are small, you may choose the minor storage wraptank. This type of fuel storage tank has a storage capacity between 1,000 and 1,450 liters. Similar to self bunded tank, minor storage wraptank has no need for any complex bunding requirements as well as provides maximum versatility and effectiveness.
(iii) Versatility
An industrial fuel storage tank has the ability to hold a variety of inflammable liquids. If your storage needs are very specific, inform your manufacturer about them since they may customize or adjust tank specifications and models so as to fulfill your special requirements. Moreover, industrial fuel storage tanks are installed easily. Some of the models are portable too to allow easy relocation when necessary.
2. Industrial Chemical Storage Tanks
Industrial chemical storage tanks are employed for storing fertilizers, propane, liquefied natural gas, petroleum products (gasoline, diesel), crude oil, and other chemicals. Industrial chemical storage tanks are available in various shapes and sizes. These storage tanks are used for mixing, processing, static storage, and transport of finished chemical products as well as raw materials.
Types of Industrial Chemical Storage Tanks
There are three chief types of industrial chemical storage tanks available '
' Stainless steel tanks
' Polyethylene tanks,
' Fiberglass (FRP) tanks
Stainless steel storage tanks are effective and durable; however, they are not suitable for many acids as well as are the most expensive option.
Fiberglass tanks are suitable for some applications. However, they have seams that may leak, need increased maintenance, more prone to human error as they are handcrafted, and are susceptible to certain chemicals such as hydrofluorosilicic acid ' a chemical which etches glass (FRP's structural component).
Polyethylene storage tanks come in cross-linked as well as linear polyethylene, and make the most versatile industrial storage tanks in the market.
Consider the Chemical to be Stored
When planning an industrial chemical storage tank unit, the most important factor to consider first is the chemical to be stored. It's wrong to believe that if a storage tank can hold water, it can hold a chemical too. While a water storage tank might hold a chemical for some time, remember that the tank has not been designed specifically to store the chemical. Several factors may degrade the tank, causing leaks and leading to other hazards.
Fortunately, polyethylene industrial storage tanks can handle any chemical type that you want to store. Polyethylene chemical storage tanks are affordable, sturdy, and strong. Polyethylene storage tanks are made in a mold that rules out the likelihood of human error. Moreover, these tanks are available in various options which help in protecting your storage environment, the chemical, and your employees.
The chief types of polyethylene materials used for chemical storage tanks are ' Linear Polyethylene and Cross-linked Polyethylene (XLPE).
Safety Concerns for Chemical Tanks
A failed or damaged chemical tank can lead to serious property damage and environmental contamination. If chemical storage tanks spill or leak, the chemicals stored may flow into streams and lakes, contaminate groundwater and drinking water, or catch fire. Chemical fire can lead to contamination of water and soil as well as pose threats to human health.
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Failure of chemical storage tanks may occur due to deterioration or corrosion, construction flaws, poor maintenance, spills during transfers, overfills, and lack of or improper containment for leaks.
3. Industrial Oil Storage Tanks
Oil storage tanks are reservoirs or containers that hold oil temporarily during the different phases of processing into oil products of various types, or before it's consumed or used. The materials and structure of industrial oil storage tanks are based on their application as well as the safety, environmental, and legal requirements of other kinds in the storage area.
Oil storage tanks in different sizes, shapes, materials, and types are employed from crude oil's initial production to the distribution and refining of different petroleum oil products.
Modern industrial oil storage tanks come in the materials ' carbon steel, stainless steel, reinforced concrete, and plastic. They are also carved on rock salt deposits that are mostly impermeable, for underground storage of oil. Various oil storage tank types have been built over time.
Types of Industrial Oil Storage Tanks
Floating Roof Tank
As the name suggests, the floating roof tank consists of a floating roof which falls or rises according to the level of oil in the tank. To prevent the build-up of vapor inside the tank, the floating roof in this type of tanks has been incorporated as a safety feature.
Fixed Roof Tank
In the fixed roof tank, the oil stored is not exposed. This tank type is employed for holding oil products in lower volumes than in case of tanks having floating roofs.
Bunded Tank
Bunded tanks are enclosed by one more tank or have a containment dike surrounding the tank. The containment dike or outer tank acts as a catch system for preventing leakages, oil spills, or other types of oil contamination from being spread to the surroundings.
Single Skin & Double Skin Tanks
Single skin tank has one layer and double skin tank has two layers of plastic or steel. Double skin tanks are also known as twin-walled tanks.
Open Top Tank
This type of industrial oil storage tank was used earlier. Its use is limited now due to evaporation losses as well as the risk of oil catching fire.
4. Industrial Hot Water Storage Tanks
Industrial hot water storage tanks are ASME certified built to be used in industrial applications in which a constant hot water supply is required. During low demand periods, water is heated and stored inside the water storage tank, which will be available to be used in times of high hot water demand. This enables efficient energy use while offering hot eater whenever required.
Water makes a good medium of heat storage due to its high specific heat capacity. Water can store greater heat per unit weight in comparison with other substances. Moreover, water is low cost and non-toxic.
An industrial hot water storage tank that's insulated efficiently has the ability to retain the stored heat for many days, thus reducing the fuel costs. These storage tanks in industries may consist of an inbuilt oil or gas burner system, and electric immersion heaters. Hot water tanks of certain types utilize external heat exchanger, like a central heating system. Alternatively, these tanks types may use heated water from a different energy source.
Insulation of Hot Water Storage Tanks
Hot water storage tanks typically have heat insulation for lowering energy consumption, quickening the heating process as well as maintaining desired operating temperature. Standby heat loss is reduced by thicker thermal insulation. Water heaters come in varied insulation ratings; however, extra layers of insulation can be added outside the water heater for reducing heat loss. In case of extreme conditions, a water heater may be fully enclosed within an insulated space that's specially constructed.
Fiberglass makes the most common type of insulation for water heaters. It's fixed in place using straps or tape or with the water heater's outer jacket. In cases where burner is used, the combustion gas outflow or air flow should not be blocked by insulation.
Most of the modern water heaters comprise insulation of applied polyurethane foam (PUF). In cases where it's crucial to access the inner tank (where particularly aggressive oxygen levels or minerals are present in local water supply), PUF insulation is used in an encapsulated form. This allows the insulation layer to be removed to conduct regular integrity checks as well as repairs to the tank (if needed).
Safety Concerns
Hot water can lead to dangerous and painful scalding injuries, in the elderly and children especially. Water temperature at the outlet must not be greater than 49 degrees Celsius. Whereas, water stored below the temperature of 60 degrees Celsius may allow bacteria growth (the bacteria causing Legionnaire's disease).
5. Industrial Water and Liquid Storage Tanks
Water and liquid storage tanks are used to store a variety of liquids like kerosene, jet A, diesel, gasoline, waste oil, and for underground burial and pressurized applications. Liquid storage tanks come in different types, each type having its own specific applications.
Types of Water and Liquid Storage Tanks
Onion Tanks
Onion tanks are a great option to store water quickly during emergency events. These tanks are self-rising having fittings that are easy to access. Moreover, these tanks can be moved as well as set up within minutes.
Pillow (Bladder) Tanks
Collapsible tanks ' referred to as blivet, bladder, or pillow tanks also ' are an effective re-usable temporary storage solution.
Poly Tanks
Poly tanks have domestic uses too. They are used for various applications including rainwater collection and drinking water storage. Poly tanks are available in different types that include wastewater tanks, mobile tanks, above ground tanks, and more.
Fiberglass Tanks
Fiberglass liquid storage tanks are durable as well as they don't corrode or rust easily. These tanks have a high level of temperature resistance. They come with different coatings so as to offer optimum performance with various liquid storage needs.
Welded Steel Tanks
Welded steel tanks make a reliable solution for storage over long term. They come in various shapes and sizes to fit different types of applications.
Corrugated Steel Tanks
Corrugated steel liquid storage tanks are versatile, durable, economical, and have a good longevity. They are made using galvanized corrugated steel. These tanks are available in various sizes as well as can be customized for meeting specific project needs. Corrugated steel tanks are used for rainwater collection, industrial process water, or fire suppression.
6. Industrial Plastic Storage Tanks
Water storage is important for domestic, residential, industrial, and commercial purposes. Plastic water storage tanks are one among the best ways for water storage conventionally. Plastic tanks are light-weight, highly durable, and occupy less area compared to cement and concrete tanks. Moreover, plastic tanks have greater flexibility compared to conventional storage tanks. Such advantages of plastic water tanks have made them a popular option.
Materials Used to Make Plastic Water Storage Tanks
Plastic water tanks are made with different materials like linear low density polyethylene, fiber glass materials or polypropylene.
Applications of Plastic Water Storage Tanks
Plastic water storage tanks are seeing increased applications in food processing, wastewater containers, chemical manufacturing, suppression valves, and agriculture and irrigation.
Plastic tanks are built on the basis of the liquid type to be stored. The storage capacity of these tanks lay between 1.5 and 1.9 specific gravity. Plastic used in a storage tank usually allows the liquid level to be visible easily.
Plastic storage tanks are employed widely to store liquids that include brine, waste vegetable oil, soaps, cleaning agents, industrial chemicals, agriculture and farm chemicals, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), liquid fertilizers, potable water, and non-potable water.
Classification of Plastic Water Storage Tanks
Plastic water storage tanks can be classified into various types based on polymer type, plastic type, size, shape, and application.
' On the basis of polymer type, plastic tanks can be classified into ' polyethylene, fiberglass, and others.
' Based on plastic type, plastic tanks can be spilt into ' fresh and recycled.
' According to shape, plastic water storage tanks can be split into ' rectangular, cylindrical, and others.
' Based on size, these tanks can be classified into ' large (greater than liters), medium (from liters to liters), and small (less than liters).
' Based on application, these storage tanks can be split into ' industrial, municipal, residential, and commercial.
Cylindrical water tanks of medium size are usually made with recycled polymers that are polyethylene based.
7. Industrial Gas Storage Tanks
Most materials which are in gaseous state at ambient pressure and temperature are supplied in the form of compressed gas. The gas is compressed into pressure vessels for storage (like tube trailers, gas cylinders, or gas canisters) using a gas compressor through piping systems. Gas cylinders are most commonly used for gas storage, with large numbers being produced at 'cylinder fill' facilities.
However, all of the industrial gases are not supplied in gaseous phase. Some gases are vapors, liquification for which can be done under pressure alone at ambient temperature, so these gases can be supplied in the form of a liquid too in a suitable container. These gases are useful in the form of ambient refrigerants owing to this phase change. The well-known industrial gases having this property are ' sulfur dioxide, butane, propane, and ammonia.
Delivery of Gas
The important industrial gases are bulk produced and delivered by pipeline to customers. However, they can be packaged and then transported too.
Most of the gases are sold inside gas cylinders and a few gases are sold in the form of liquid inside suitable containers or in the form of bulk liquid that's delivered by truck. Originally, the industry supplied gases within cylinders to prevent any necessity for generation of gas locally. However, for large customers like oil refineries or steelworks, a large-sized gas production plant can be built nearby (known as 'on-site' facility) for avoiding the use of cylinders in large numbers manifolded together.
Types of Industrial Gas Storage Tanks
There are different types of storage tanks in industries available. The type of industrial gas storage tank required by a plant depends on several factors including the holding capacity, measurement, and shape of the container.
The most common types of industrial tanks are as follows:
Internal Floating Roof
Internal floating roof storage tank, popularly known as IFR, is employed for liquids having lower melting points like Gasoline and Ethanol. These tanks have a cone shape with a floating roof within, hence its name is floating roof tank. The roof suspended within the storage tank moves along the level of the fluid, i.e., with the increase of the liquid, the roof moves up and with the lowering of the liquid, the roof goes down. If the tank has no liquid, the roof of the tank is held by the legs on which it is placed.
Bullet Tanks
Bullet tanks are sphere and flat-shaped industrial storage tanks used mostly in large plants. These types of tanks are usually preferred over the other types to store liquefied gases like Butane and Ammonia for which the melting point is very low.
Its name derived from the tank's long cylindrical form, the tank stores these liquids at a temperature below -148 degrees Fahrenheit. These types of tanks mostly have the ability to hold huge amounts of gases that range from 5,000 to 30,000 gallons. Additionally, they can be installed horizontally as well as vertically. A unique characteristic of bullet tanks is that they have the ability to hold fuel as well as other additives required for the operation of the plant.
LNG Storage Tank
LNG storage tank or liquefied natural gas storage tank is specially used to store Liquefied Natural Gas. These types of storage tanks in industries are available in LNG carriers, in ground, or above ground. LNG storage tanks have the special characteristic of being able to hold LNG at the extremely low temperature -162 °C.
These tanks consist of double containers ' the inner container holds LNG whereas the outer one holds insulation materials. The full containment storage tank makes the most common type of tank. Roughly, the diameter of such a tank is 75 m and the height is 55 m (180 ft.).
If the LNG vapors aren't released in such tanks, the temperature and pressure inside the tank would keep on rising. Being a cryogen, Liquefied Natural Gas is stored in its liquid form at extremely low temperatures. The temperature inside these tanks would stay constant in case the pressure is maintained as constant by releasing the boil off gas from the tank. Such phenomenon is referred to as auto-refrigeration.
Difference between Compressed Natural Gas & Liquefied Natural Gas
Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) are often confused with each other. Both are natural gas in stored form. The chief difference between the two is that Compressed Natural Gas is stored at high pressure and ambient temperature, whereas Liquefied Natural Gas is stored at ambient pressure and low temperature. Under their respective conditions of storage, CNG is supercritical fluid and LNG is liquid.
The cost of storage and production is lower for CNG than LNG since it doesn't need cryogenic tanks and a costly cooling process. However, for CNG, much larger volume is required for storing an energy equivalent of petrol or gasoline as well as extremely high pressures (205 to 275 bar, or to psi). Due to this, Liquefied Natural Gas is often employed for the transportation of natural gas over long distances, in pipelines, trains, or ships, where conversion of the gas into CNG is done before distributing to end user.
Safety Measures to Prevent Tank Failures
Several catastrophic storage tank failures have occurred in the past, one of them being the failure that happened on January 14, at Boston in Massachusetts. This Boston molasses disaster occurred due to poor construction and design. The wall was too thin to withstand loads repeatedly from the contents. Testing of the tank had not been done before use by water fill up. The tank was poorly riveted also.
Several other accidents have been caused by tanks, often resulting from sub-standard steel or faulty welding. Some more common problems around the seal of tanks have been resolved to some extent by new inventions. However, when empty, another problem is presented by storage tanks. If the tanks have been used for holding oil products or oil, like gasoline, the tank atmosphere may become highly explosive since the space is filled up with hydrocarbons. In such a situation, if welding operations are carried out, the contents can easily get ignited by the sparks, leading to catastrophic results for welders. This problem is quite like that of the empty bunkers over tanker ships, which now need to use inert gas blanket for preventing the building up of explosive atmospheres from the residues.
So, industrial storage tank of any type should be efficiently designed and constructed, adhering to all safety standards, and following all safety rules and regulations. They should also be maintained well, with quality and safety checks and inspections being conducted at regular intervals.
Summing Up
This information will give you a brief idea of the different types of industrial storage tanks. Industrial tanks have a wide range of applications. However, industrial tank owners and users should ensure that adequate safety measures are taken to maintain the tanks in a safe and secure condition.
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