Tanks safely store water, fuel, chemicals, and many other liquids or gases. There are above-ground and underground tanks. They keep fluids clean and safe when collected and stored.
Common Types of Tanks
There are different kinds of tanks for several purposes. The type of tank varies depending on its contents and the location it is installed.
1. Aboveground Tanks
These tanks are stationed on the ground or elevated platforms. They are simple to put in, examine, and repair. Aboveground tanks are commonly used on farms as well as construction and industrial sites.
2. Underground Tanks
Below ground, tanks are buried beneath the substrate. They do not take up space and hide the storage area. These tanks are used in fuel stations and also in places where there is a space constraint. It requires robust safety checks to avoid leaks.
3. Fixed-Roof Tanks
The roof of these tanks is solid, and it does not move. They are designed to guard the interiors against rainfall, dust, and sunlight. Similarly, stable liquids like water and oil are best stored in fixed-roof tanks.
4. Floating-Roof Tanks
These tanks have a roof that rises and falls with the level of the liquid. This lessens vapors and stops air from mixing with the contained liquid. They are primarily used for fuel and other combustible liquids.
5. Pressure Tanks
Pressure tanks are used to hold gases or liquids under pressure. Their thick walls and strong fittings are purposely engineered to hold the gas without leaking or bursting. These tanks are found in chemical plants and factories.
6. Specialty Tanks
Certain tanks are built for specific tasks. As an example, septic tanks store sewage. Cryogenic tanks can hold extremely cold gases, such as liquid nitrogen. There are also portable tanks for transport by truck, ship or rail.
Materials Used in Tanks
The tank material is dependent on the item it will contain. There are advantages to each material.
- Steel Tanks: Steel tanks offer strength and durability. They are used for high pressured liquids and large volumes. Steel is subject to rust, which is why these tanks are often lined or coated.
- Plastic Tanks: Plastic tanks, such as polyethylene tanks are light and won’t rust. They’re inexpensive and portable. These tanks are beneficial for storing water, chemicals, or fertilizers.
- Fiberglass Tanks: These tanks are durable and corrosion resistant. They perform well in extreme cold or salty air. These tanks are used mainly in chemical plants and coastal areas.
- Concrete Tanks: Concrete tanks are very heavy and robust. They are widely used underground or in large water storage systems of water. These tanks are durable but require maintenance to ensure they don't crack.
Key Features of Tanks
All tanks are inherently safe and simple to operate. These characteristics are based on the tank type.
Different Sizes and Shapes
Many different types of tanks exist, ranging from large industrial tanks to small backyard ones. They may be elliptical, square or custom-made to fit into a space. Some tanks can be enlarged later if needed more space is needed.
Built for Long Life
Tanks are built to last. The right material and design make them resistant to weather, pressure or chemicals. To avoid degradation, some tanks are also internally coated with special coatings.
Safety Systems
Tanks may also have vents, pressure valves and alarms. These are useful for avoiding spills, leaks, or dangerous pressure build-up. Tanks for fuels and chemicals are subject to stringent safety regulations.
Easy to Clean and Check
Modern designs allow for ease of maintenance. They typically have ports for washing, inspection hatches, and ladders or platforms for safe access.
Where Tanks Are Used
Tanks are handy for many fields. Here are some of the primary uses of tanks.
- Industry and Manufacturing: Factories use tanks to store water, fuel, oil, chemicals, and gases. Some tanks assist cool machines, store fire water, or keep raw materials ready for production.
- Farming and Agriculture: Tanks are used by farmers for the storage of water for irrigation, mixing of fertilizers and keeping feed for animals. Tanks help with rainwater harvesting as well, which conserves water and reduces costs.
- Municipal and Public Services: Tanks are elements of public water systems. They hold clean water for homes and dirty water for treatment. Tanks are also used by cities for stormwater management and flood control.
- Fuel and Chemical Storage: Tanks at fuel stations, airports and chemical plants contain gasoline, diesel, gas and more. That means these tanks require robust safety systems to prevent fires, leaks, or environmental contamination.
Design Rules and Safety Standards
There are safety and quality standards to be met for tanks. These rules are based on what the tank holds and where it is used.
- API Standards: The American Petroleum Institute (API) has standards such as API 650 and API 620. These govern how aboveground and low-pressure tanks must be constructed, tested and inspected.
- ASME Pressure Vessel Code: The ASME Section VIII code is designated for tanks intended to store high-pressure liquids or gases. It ensures the tank can safely withstand high pressure internally.
- European and Global Standards: To aid in tank design and security in Europe, standards such as EN 14015 cover aspects of listing and safety. Different nations have different regulations, particularly for tanks that are at risk of earthquakes or heavy storm zones.
- Environmental Safety Rules: The EPA’s SPCC rule and other environmental laws in the U.S. require tanks to be leak-proof and have backup containment systems. These laws help safeguard the environment and neighboring communities.
Summary
Tanks are fundamental for the storage of liquids and gases in homes, farms, factories and cities. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes and materials, all designed to serve different needs. From storing clean water and fuel to chemicals and wastewater, the right tank ensures safe, efficient, and long-term use. For this reason, understanding which tank is the right tank is a money-saver, eco-friendlier and helps keep things running smoothly.