Secondary Containment Tanks
Overview
Plastic materials are commonly used in containment systems because they provide excellent chemical resistance, corrosion resistance, and long-term durability in fluid exposure environments. Compared with metal structures, plastic containment tanks are less susceptible to corrosion and can be fabricated to precise dimensions for integration with tank installations.
Secondary containment systems are commonly used in:
Chemical storage facilities
Industrial manufacturing plants
Water treatment installations
Agricultural chemical storage areas
Fuel storage systems
Laboratory and research environments
Because containment systems must match the dimensions and layout of the primary tank installation, they are typically custom manufactured to specific drawings and project requirements.
Custom Manufactured to Your Drawings
Secondary containment tanks are normally designed around the size and configuration of the primary storage tank or fluid system.
We manufacture containment tanks based on:
CAD drawings or installation layouts
Customer sketches or dimensional specifications
Reference samples of existing containment systems
Prototype containment units for new installations
Repeat production runs for industrial facilities
All containment components are fabricated in-house using plastic welding, machining, and forming processes. Openings, drainage ports, and reinforcement features are produced according to the supplied specifications.
Because containment systems must integrate with tank supports, pipework, and facility layouts, most containment tanks are drawing-led custom fabrications rather than standard products.
Typical Applications
Secondary containment tanks are used in a range of fluid storage systems, including:
Chemical storage tank containment systems
Fuel storage spill containment tanks
Industrial fluid storage bunds
Process tank overflow containment systems
Water treatment chemical containment tanks
Agricultural fertiliser containment systems
Laboratory chemical storage containment
Equipment-mounted containment trays
These systems help prevent environmental contamination and improve operational safety.
Recommended Materials for Secondary Containment Tanks
Perfect for producing complex interior panels, seat backs, dash components, and protective trims. It delivers a durable, hard-wearing finish that stands up to daily passenger use while remaining lightweight and cost-effective to manufacture in volume.
Polycarbonate is a high-impact, virtually unbreakable material perfect for bus windows and safety barriers, providing excellent clarity, strength, and long-term durability.
Acrylic is a clear, rigid material ideal for bus barriers and interior panels, offering excellent optical clarity, a smooth professional finish, and good weather resistance for long-term use.
PVC is a durable, lightweight material suited to internal bus panels, offering good impact resistance, moisture resistance, and easy fabrication for clean, low-maintenance interiors.
Popular Secondary Containment Tanks
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ABS Plastic Sheet
Price range: $113.54 through $340.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Acrylic Sheet (Perspex)
Price range: $60.00 through $2,672.40 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Polycarbonate Sheet (UV Resistant)
Price range: $101.20 through $3,396.60 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Rigid PVC Sheet
Price range: $40.43 through $962.50 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Key Performance Requirements
Mechanical
Containment tanks must support both structural loads and potential fluid spills.
Typical mechanical considerations include:
Structural strength to hold the volume of spilled liquid
Reinforced walls for large containment units
Secure mounting for primary tank supports
Dimensional stability under fluid loads
Resistance to cracking or deformation
Environmental
Containment tanks are often exposed to aggressive fluids or environmental conditions.
Environmental considerations include:
Resistance to chemical exposure
Compatibility with stored fluids and potential leaks
UV stability for outdoor installations
Corrosion resistance in harsh environments
Recommended Materials
HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene)
A commonly used material for containment systems due to its excellent chemical resistance and durability.
Advantages:
Resistant to many industrial chemicals
Good impact resistance
Suitable for large containment structures
Limitations:
Limited compatibility with certain solvents
Polypropylene (PP)
Often used where higher temperature resistance is required.
Advantages:
Good chemical resistance
Higher temperature tolerance than HDPE
Limitations:
Lower impact resistance compared with HDPE
Material Selection Summary
For most secondary containment applications, HDPE is widely used due to its strong chemical resistance and structural durability.
Polypropylene may be selected where higher operating temperatures or specific chemical compatibility requirements are involved.
PVC can be used for smaller containment units or less demanding environments.
PVDF may be required where highly aggressive chemicals are involved and maximum chemical resistance is necessary.
Material selection should be based on chemical exposure, containment capacity, and environmental conditions.
Design & Installation Considerations
When designing secondary containment tanks, several factors must be considered:
Volume capacity relative to the primary tank
Chemical compatibility with stored fluids
Structural support for the primary tank
Drainage systems for safe liquid removal
Inspection access for maintenance
Environmental exposure and UV protection
Proper design ensures containment systems operate effectively as part of the overall fluid storage installation.
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
Secondary containment tanks capture leaks or spills from primary storage tanks to prevent environmental contamination.
Common materials include HDPE, polypropylene, PVC, and PVDF, depending on chemical compatibility requirements.
Containment capacity is usually designed to hold the full volume of the primary tank or a specified percentage of it, depending on regulations.
Yes. Most containment systems are custom fabricated to match the size and layout of the primary tank installation.
Yes. Materials such as UV-stabilised HDPE and polypropylene are suitable for outdoor use.
Yes. Containment tanks can include drainage ports for controlled removal of captured liquids.