Storage tanks are categorized in several ways, most commonly by their shape, what they store, and their roof design.
1. By Shape & Orientation:
Cylindrical Tanks: The most common shape, offering excellent strength and efficient use of materials. They can be placed either vertically or horizontally.
Vertical Tanks: Used for high-volume storage of liquids like water, oil, chemicals, and food products. They have a small footprint, making them ideal for facilities with limited space.
Horizontal Tanks: Often used for shorter-term storage, transportation (on trucks, trains, or ships), and as pressure vessels for gases like propane (LPG) and compressed natural gas (CNG).
2. By Roof Design (for Vertical Tanks):
Fixed Roof Tanks: Have a permanent cone or dome roof. They are cost-effective and ideal for storing non-volatile liquids (like water or certain chemicals) where minimal evaporation is not a critical concern.
Floating Roof Tanks: Designed to minimize evaporation and prevent the buildup of explosive vapors. The roof floats directly on the surface of the stored liquid (like crude oil or gasoline), rising and falling with the tank level. This is crucial for both safety and reducing product loss.
3. By Material of Construction:
Carbon Steel: The workhorse of the industry. Strong and cost-effective, used for storing oil, water, and many chemicals. It requires coatings and cathodic protection to prevent rust.
Stainless Steel: Highly resistant to corrosion and easy to clean. Essential for the food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries where purity is paramount (e.g., storing milk, wine, juice, or specialty chemicals).
Fiberglass (FRP) & Plastic (Polyethylene): Lightweight, highly corrosion-resistant, and maintenance-free. Perfect for storing water, mild chemicals, and fertilizers at lower volumes and pressures.
Concrete: Used for very large-scale water storage, such as municipal drinking water reservoirs and wastewater treatment tanks.
Post time: Aug-28-2025