Chemical Storage Tanks | Perspex Online

Perspex Online

Chemical Storage Tanks

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Overview

Plastic materials are widely used in chemical storage applications because they provide excellent chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability. Unlike metal tanks, plastic tanks are not susceptible to rust or chemical corrosion when exposed to many aggressive substances.


Chemical storage tanks are commonly used in:

  • Chemical processing facilities

  • Water treatment plants

  • Industrial manufacturing operations

  • Agricultural chemical storage

  • Cleaning chemical storage systems

  • Laboratory and research environments


Because storage capacity, chemical compatibility, and installation environments vary widely, chemical storage tanks are often custom manufactured to match specific process requirements and installation layouts.

Custom Manufactured to Your Drawings

Chemical storage tanks are typically designed according to project-specific capacity requirements, installation constraints, and process integration needs.

We manufacture tank components based on:

  • CAD drawings and technical design specifications

  • Customer sketches or dimensional layouts

  • Reference designs or existing tank systems

  • Prototype tanks for process development

  • Repeat production runs for industrial facilities

All components are fabricated in-house using plastic machining, forming, and welding processes. Mounting features, pipe connections, and access openings are produced according to the supplied specifications.

Because chemical storage systems often integrate with pipework, pumps, and process equipment, most tanks are drawing-led custom fabrications rather than standard products.

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Typical Applications

Chemical storage tanks are used in many industrial and commercial processes, including:

  • Bulk chemical storage systems

  • Water treatment chemical dosing tanks

  • Acid and alkali storage tanks

  • Process chemical holding tanks

  • Agricultural fertiliser storage tanks

  • Cleaning chemical storage tanks

  • Laboratory chemical storage systems

  • Industrial fluid containment tanks


These systems must provide safe containment, chemical compatibility, and structural stability throughout their operational lifespan.

Recommended Materials for Chemical Storage Tanks

Popular Chemical Storage Tanks

Key Performance Requirements

Mechanical

Chemical storage tanks must withstand the structural loads created by stored liquids.


Typical mechanical considerations include:

  • Structural strength to support fluid weight

  • Tank wall thickness appropriate for stored volume

  • Secure mounting of fittings and pipe connections

  • Dimensional stability over time

  • Resistance to cracking or deformation


Environmental

Chemical tanks may operate in demanding environments.


Environmental considerations include:

  • Resistance to chemical corrosion

  • Compatibility with cleaning or treatment chemicals

  • Temperature resistance for stored fluids

  • UV stability for outdoor installations

Recommended Materials

PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride)

PVC is widely used for chemical tanks where strong resistance to corrosive chemicals and structural rigidity are required.

Advantages:

  • Excellent resistance to many acids, alkalis, and corrosive chemicals

  • Rigid material suitable for structural tank fabrication

  • Good long-term durability in chemical environments

Limitations:

  • Lower temperature resistance compared with polypropylene

  • Can be more brittle than HDPE in high-impact applications

 

HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)

One of the most commonly used materials for chemical storage tanks due to its excellent chemical resistance and durability.

Advantages:

  • Resistant to many acids, alkalis, and industrial chemicals

  • Good impact resistance

  • Suitable for large tank structures

Limitations:

  • Limited resistance to certain strong solvents or oxidising chemicals


Polypropylene (PP)

Often used where higher temperature resistance is required.

Advantages:

  • Good chemical resistance

  • Higher temperature tolerance than HDPE

  • Suitable for many industrial process tanks

Limitations:

  • Lower impact resistance compared with HDPE

Material Selection Summary

For many industrial chemical storage applications, HDPE is widely used due to its strong chemical resistance and durability.


Polypropylene may be selected when higher operating temperatures or specific chemical compatibility requirements are involved.


PVC may be used for smaller tanks or fluid handling components, particularly in less demanding environments.


PVDF is typically used in highly aggressive chemical environments where advanced chemical resistance is required.


Material selection should be based on chemical compatibility, operating temperature, and structural requirements.

Design & Installation Considerations

When designing chemical storage tanks, several factors must be considered:

  • Tank capacity and fluid weight

  • Chemical compatibility with tank material

  • Pipe connections and fluid transfer systems

  • Venting and pressure control requirements

  • Structural support and installation space

  • Access for inspection and maintenance


These considerations ensure the tank operates safely within its intended environment.

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Alternative Options:

All components used in this application are manufactured in-house using controlled, drawing-led production processes. We do not supply generic or off-the-shelf products. Each part is produced to specification to meet defined mechanical, environmental, and installation requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plastics are commonly used for chemical storage tanks? +

Common materials include HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, and PVDF, depending on chemical compatibility requirements.

How is chemical compatibility determined? +

Material compatibility is evaluated based on the type of chemical, concentration, temperature, and exposure duration.

Can tanks be manufactured to custom sizes? +

Yes. Most chemical storage tanks are custom designed and manufactured according to capacity and installation requirements.

Can pipe fittings and outlets be included? +

Yes. Tanks can be fabricated with machined openings, threaded fittings, or welded pipe connections.

Are plastic tanks suitable for outdoor installations? +

Yes. Many plastic tanks are designed with UV-stabilised materials suitable for outdoor exposure.

Can existing tanks be replicated? +

Yes. Existing tanks or components can often be replicated from drawings, measurements, or reference samples.

Send Us Your Drawing

Selecting the correct material and fabrication approach for automotive and fleet applications requires consideration of load type, environment, installation method, and service life expectations.