Important structural decisions while building steel storage tanks

Although steel storage tanks may look the same they are not. They vary widely in the structural parameters based on the things to store, the environment, and the disposable techniques.

Storage tanks may contain water, industrial chemicals, Industrial wastes, polluted water, and even radioactive wastes in nuclear stations.

If you are a storage tank manufacturer or looking to hire a manufacturer for your company or locality then there are some important things to consider.

Let's look at a few of them- 

Deciding on construction materials

Storage tanks can be made from various substances. This again is dependent on the quality of the fluid that will be stored in the tank and the quantity required.

Storage tanks can be made using metals such as stainless steel, reinforced steel, concrete, etc. The material of the tank should be such that it does not react with the materials stored in the tank under any circumstance.

Size of the tank and its placement

This is a very important parameter to consider for a stainless steel tank manufactures. If you are building a storage tank for your factory then it occupies a huge floor space. You have to consider the size of the tank and the volume of the fluid that can be stored in the tank.

You may opt for building the tank on the ground floor if it requires regular access or is small in size. Or else if you are short on floor space you can build a platform with supporting steel beams on which you will build the storage tank.

Prevention from corrosion

Storage tanks made of steel are prone to corrosion based on the environment. If you’re steel storage tanks are out in the open they will be prone to extreme sunlight and heat, rainfall, and humidity based on the surrounding climate.

It is very essential to consider electroplating and also using very good quality stainless steel for building storage tanks. If they are inside the factory or any shed then you using stainless steel is enough for your storage tanks to last a few decades.

Other environmental things to consider

For the structural strength of the storage tank, you may also consider the seismic activity in your region. This is especially important if you are building a large overhead tank. In such a case, the supporting structure should be strong enough to withstand any earthquakes in your area.

Is your storage tank expandable?

Find out whether you need to expand the capacity of the storage tanks. Your business will likely grow in the future and you need a bigger storage tank. Building another storage tank is easy but that occupies more space in your factory.

Consider taking suggestions from your stainless steel tank manufacturer. Concrete tanks are not expandable at all while bolted steel tanks can be expanded easily with a bit of hardware work.

Consider regular maintenance of the tanks

It is very important for the structural check-up of the tanks. For this cleaning and structural maintenance is highly important as well.

So these are the few main points that you need to keep in mind while building your storage tanks.