Storage tanks are useful for both households and businesses. Their uses are endless, from storing chemicals and holding water for municipal use to segregating fuels in warehouses. While these tanks are easily available in the market, they come in different types. As a result, homeowners and businesses need help choosing before they invest their hard-earned money. Here is some valuable information that will simplify your buying decisions when it comes to storage tanks.

Types of storage tanks
There are several ways to classify such tanks. For instance, you could group them based on their manufacturers or categorize them based on what they would be used for (for instance, storage tanks for water, chemicals, and other substances). Here, we have classified storage tanks into three types based on their design:

Fixed-roof tanks
Storage tanks can be installed above the ground or underground. Fixed-roof tanks fall under the first category. These tanks contain a roof permanently fixed to the cylindrical shell or body. Usually, they have a dome- or cone-shaped roof and are used to store water, petroleum, pulp, and chemicals in industries. Most latest fixed-roof tanks are liquid-proof and vapor-tight.

Fixed-roof tanks contain a breather valve that acts as a pressure vacuum to enable them to operate at a slight internal pressure or vacuum. This arrangement prevents vapor release from the tank with minute changes in liquid levels, barometric pressure, or temperature. The liquid- and vapor-tight storage capability of fixed-roof tanks make them ideal for containing volatile chemicals in industries.

Floating-roof tanks
As the name suggests, these types of tanks do not have a fixed, standard-fitted roof. Instead, they have a platform that floats over whichever liquid is stored within the tank. Floating-roof tanks can be classified into external floating roof (EFR) and internal floating roof (IFR) tanks. In EFR tanks, the floating roof is the only barrier between the liquid stored in the container and the external environment. On the other hand, in IFR tanks, an additional traditional steel roof protects the floating roof and the material stored in the tank.

Like fixed-roof storage tanks, floating-roof containers can safely store any liquid, but companies in industry settings mainly use them to store petroleum products.

Horizontal tanks
As the name implies, horizontal tanks are installed in a sleeping position on a surface. They arguably have the widest array of applications in industries. Companies can store several products in them, including food supplies, chemical solutions, water, and petroleum items.

Horizontal tanks can be installed above or below the ground level. If placed underground, they need to be given several insulative coatings and protective layers to prevent the material stored inside from corrosion. In terms of robustness, horizontal tanks are perhaps the best and most durable containers. These tanks are nearly indestructible, making them ideal for use in military-based operations too.

Variable vapor space tanks
These tanks come equipped with expandable vapor reservoirs. This means they can handle vapor volume fluctuations (a common phenomenon, especially for volatile liquids) caused by dramatic changes in the temperature and barometric pressure of the liquid stored within them. In most cases, these tanks are used independently, but they may sometimes be connected to the vapor spaces of multiple fixed-roof storage tanks. Variable vapor space tanks are known for their stable and flexible nature and ability to store even the most volatile chemicals.

Factors to consider when buying storage tanks
There are many storage tank manufacturers in the market, each with multiple products. Hence, buyers need to verify certain aspects while purchasing a storage tank to get the best product for their domestic or commercial needs. Some considerations include the following:

Frequency of cleaning required
Usually, storage tanks for water get contaminated with bacteria, microorganisms, and algae. To keep their contents safe, they must be regularly cleansed. The frequency will depend on factors like the quality of water stored, the size of the tank, and how much of the tank is used. After carefully evaluating these aspects, you can zero in on something that will not require ultra-frequent cleaning.

The tank’s life cycle
When investing in a tank, check the quality of its coating, the build strength, and the size to evaluate its possible life span. If necessary, consult experts to deduce the life cycle of a tank before investing in it.

Surrounding environment
Buyers must assess environmental factors, such as wind loads, snow loads, and seismic conditions, and buy a tank that perfectly suits these conditions and lasts long without causing a safety hazard.