Storage Tanks
Storage tanks store substances utilized in industrial processes, such as water, sewage, petroleum, and chemicals. They are utilized in numerous industries, such as the agricultural, oil/gas, water, waste treatment, medical, scientific, and pharmaceutical industries. Storage tanks are typically quite large and constructed of a wide range of plastic materials.
Storage tanks are formed using either a molding or a welding process. Plastic tank molding involves using a model shape to form the tank, while plastic tank welding is a process in which two pieces of heat-softened plastic are joined through the application of pressure. Examples of this welding process are hot air and extrusion welding.
Storage tanks differ in size and capacity, ranging from small tanks holding a few gallons to tanks exceeding 35 feet in length, with a storage capacity of 50,000 gallons or more. Common types of storage tanks include water, septic, chemical, fuel, and double wall tanks.
Storage tanks are formed from a wide variety of plastic materials. Polyethylene (PE), a light, chemical-resistant thermoplastic, is the most commonly used plastic resin. Polypropylene (PP) is a light, durable thermoplastic that is denser, stiffer, and stronger than polyethylene and has a high melting point. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a durable, transparent thermoplastic that is resistant to non-essential oils but cannot be exposed to some solvents. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) is another durable thermoplastic that has high resistance to chemicals and abrasion.