Sodium Hypochlorite, also known as bleach, can be an invaluable chemical in many different processing sectors. However, it is absolutely one of the more difficult chemicals to store correctly. This is because sodium hypochlorite can be incredibly oxidative. If stored improperly, sodium hypochlorite can degrade the tanks that they are kept in, which can quickly become a dangerous situation, with the potential to do a lot of damage.
A good place to start in reducing potential damage and danger is making sure you pick the proper sodium hypochlorite tanks. Something highly recommended when choosing tanks to store a chemical like sodium hypochlorite is opting for a tank with as minimal sidewall fittings or connections as can be helped. This is because it is important to try to avoid the tendency of sodium hypochlorite to cause oxidation near fittings. You may also benefit from choosing a sloped bottom sodium hypochlorite storage tank. This is due to the chemical composition of sodium hypochlorite, which can include heavy metals. These heavy metals can accumulate at the bottom of storage tanks and cause excess oxidization when mixed with new batches of sodium hypochlorite. Opting for a sloped bottom tank can minimize the chances of there being a residue of heavy metals at the bottom of your tank.
The lifespan of sodium hypochlorite tanks is also very dependent on the quality of the sodium hypochlorite being stored within the tanks. Once you have chosen the best sodium hypochlorite storage tank you can find, you will want to make sure you take the proper precautions to ensure that it stays safe and effective for as long as can be. To do this, there will be a few factors you want to keep in mind, namely: product stability, temperature, and U.V. protection. To ensure product stability, you will want to ensure that your sodium hypochlorite being stored is made with DI or soft water and does not contain iron or contamination from heavy metals. A stable pH of 11 to 12 must be maintained. Decomposition of sodium hydrochloride can result in something called a corrosion barrier attack. Avoiding higher temperatures and making sure that there is proper tank U.V. protection can help prevent this. Here at Belding Tank, we offer an exterior resin layer that contains a U.V. inhibitor to make sure that the lifespan of your outdoor tank does not suffer due to U.V. exposure. You can also consider an additional white gel coat as another solid option. At Belding Tank, our motto is “Quality is our Standard, Customer Service is our Specialty”. We will work closely with you to ensure that you get exactly the tank necessary to fit your needs.
