What do you know about plastic tanks? These are containment vessels made from different materials to store various kinds of substances. Plastic is the most commonly used material and this type is referred to as polytanks. Plastic tanks have a wide range of applications in different industries such as: gas and oil, agriculture, water treatment, chemical, food & beverage, recycling, and manufacturing.
Plastic tanks came to widespread use around the mid-20th century when engineers and chemists started fabricating them using lighter material. With research and progress in technology, better and heavier tanks have been synthesized with time due to improved processes and new plastic compounds. Plastic tanks can be recycled, which plays a big part in sustainability. Many companies like https://www.polymaster.com.au/ has specialized in designing innovative products engineered with confidence to cater to all your storage needs.
There are different ways to categorize plastic tanks:
- The material the tank contains.
- The type of material the tank was fabricated from.
- The application and design of the tank.
Types of Plastic Tanks
As mentioned earlier, plastic tanks are categorized by the material they store like water tanks, plastic fuel tanks, chemical tanks, and oil tanks. Further, tanks can be categorized according to the material used to fabricate like polyethylene tanks, polypropene tanks, and FRP tanks. There are variety of tanks defined by the application and design like septic tanks, storage tanks, double wall tanks, and cone bottom tanks.
- Vertical tanks – This is the most common type of tank with a wide variety of applications. They are limited to above the ground and cannot be buried because the walls would collapse. Their applications range from rainwater harvesting to industrial and agricultural use. They must be installed on a firm, level base or a tank stand.
- Horizontal tanks – These are equipped with molded-in legs and are mainly used for transporting fluids; water, chemicals, fuel, or hazardous waste. The walls are usually translucent for easy viewing with gallon indicators to help ascertain the level of the contents.
- Underground tanks – These types of tanks are usually buried underground and are made with material that can withstand pressure from the surrounding earth. Their applications range from storing water to chemicals, fuel, as septic tanks, and for containing hazardous chemicals. They are mostly preferred in places where space is low and for security and environmental reasons.
- Silo tanks – These tanks require specialized tank stands to facilitate access to the stored material from the conical end. Silo tanks are designed for industrial or agricultural use to store feedstuff, chemicals that are easily accessed through a tap at the bottom.
- Drums – These are industrial-range containers made with high-density polyethylene. They are usually lighter and more cost-effective compared to their steel counterparts. Their uses range from storing water, chemicals, food, fertilizers, and animal feed. They are ideal for storing materials indoors where they need to be moved often.
Conclusion
Plastic tanks are designed to be long-lasting if you take good care of them. For instance, ensure you mount your tank comfortably to avoid collapsing or rupturing. You should also regularly clean the tank to avoid the accumulation of algae that can cause deterioration. Always remember to keep your tank away from flammable materials and excess heat or cold to ensure its longevity.