For any business that deals with chemical storage, it’s extremely important to have a proper tank that can keep the storage safe. There are several factors that need to be considered when looking for a chemical storage tank or getting a customized one made by chemical tank manufacturers. And one of these factors is the chemical’s specific gravity.
What is specific gravity?
As one of the essential factors for chemical tank manufacturers, specific gravity describes how dense the chemical is as compared to the standard liquid, such as water. This means that if a chemical has, let’s say, thrice the weight when compared to water, its specific gravity will be 3.0.
Chemical storage tanks are generally made to handle a specific gravity between 1.0 to 1.35. Chemicals that have a specific gravity beyond this range need specially designed tanks to handle them.
This also means that if a company uses a traditional storage tank for chemicals with a specific gravity of more than 1.35, it is putting its employees and equipment at significant risk.
What Else Should be Considered When Selecting a Chemical Tank?
Another thing to consider for any tank, be it horizontal or vertical chemical storage tanks, is the temperature at which the chemical needs to be stored. The temperature of the chemical also influences the specific gravity rating.
Some chemicals have to be stored at a slightly higher temperature than the room temperature. These temperatures can put tremendous pressure on the tank and increase overall hoop stress. This is why the chemical tanks must be designed so that they can withstand stress at a greater temperature.
The thickness of the tank should also be designed in such a way that the tank can protect itself from the chemical. Substances like sulfuric acid can cause the chemical to damage the walls of the storage tank. Heavier chemicals at higher temperatures can also exert a lot of pressure on the tank. Accordingly, such chemicals require thicker tank walls.
The fittings, gaskets, and hoses connected with the tank should also be examined to ensure no signs of cracks or deterioration. Forgetting to examine the tank can be dangerous, as the tank might leak or burst at any time.
Final Takeaway
There are a lot of chemical storage tanks available out there with different arrangements. However, it is important for businesses to use the right storage tanks or put their employees and equipment in danger. If you are looking for safe chemical storage tanks for your business, then contact us today.
