Protect Your Chemicals With a Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tank

Sodium Hypochlorite Guidelines

An aggressive oxidizer which requires special storage consideration.

Sodium hypochlorite is most often encountered as a pale greenish-yellow dilute solution commonly known as chlorine liquid bleach or simply bleach, used in a variety of applications. When it comes to storing this chemical, the following three factors must be considered:

Product stability.
Temperature.
U.V. protection.

What Is a Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tank?

A sodium hypochlorite storage tank is a corrosion-resistant vessel designed to safely store sodium hypochlorite (bleach) for applications such as water treatment, wastewater disinfection, and industrial processing. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) tanks are commonly used for their excellent corrosion resistance, durability, and low maintenance.

The life of a tank is affected by quality and stability of the Sodium Hypochlorite stored. The sodium hypochlorite must be made using DI or Soft water and contain NO iron or heavy metal contamination. The sodium hypochlorite must always remain STABLE with regards to pH level (11 to 12). Higher temperatures and the lack of U.V. protection contribute to the decomposition of the sodium hypochlorite, resulting in corrosion barrier attack.

Product Storage

NaOCl

Technical Data

Resin:

Concentration %	Temperature¹	Resin²
0.5 – 5.25	≤ 150° F.	Derakane 411
0.5 – 5.25	> 150° F. to ≤ 180° F.	Derakane 510A, B or C
> 5.25 – 18	≤ 120° F	Derakane 411
> 5.25 – 18	> 120° F. to ≤ 150° F.	Derakane 510A, B or C
> 18 – 21	≤ 110° F.	Derakane 510A, B or C
> 21 – 25	≤ 100° F.	Derakane 510A Only

1. Elevated temperatures contribute to chemical decomposition.
2. Belding Tank’s bulk stored house resin is Derakane 411.

CAUTION! The life of a Sodium Hypochlorite Storage tank is greatly affected by the quality of the chemical itself. Tank owners are cautioned to use high quality sodium hypochlorite, to avoid decomposition of the chemical and degradation of the tank.

Veil:

Two-ply C-Glass or Nexus® (Synthetic)

Catalyst:

BPO/DMA (Benzoyl Peroxide / Dimethylaniline) in the corrosion barrier

Co/MEKP (Cobalt Octoate / Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide) in the structural layers

Cure:

Hot air post cure after assembly for four hours @ 180˚ F.

Tank Exterior:

If the Sodium hypochlorite tank is to be located outdoors:

Each tank has U.V. inhibitor in the exterior resin layer.
White gel coat should be considered as an option.

Fittings:

Belding Tank uses only Integral (neck and flange face molded together) flanged nozzles.

Bolting Material: T-316 S.S. Standard (Titanium Optional)

Gasket Material: EPDM Standard (Viton™ Optional)

Venting:

Unless otherwise noted, all tanks are designed for atmospheric pressure only. Belding Tank recommends the vent be equal to or larger than the largest inlet or outlet fitting.

Plumbing to the tank:

Use of flexible connections resistant to sodium hypochlorite –

Allows for lateral and vertical expansion and contraction of the sodium hypochlorite storage tank
Reduces pump and piping vibration stress on the sodium hypochlorite tank

NOTE: Flexible Connections should be connected to the tank flange. Piping, valves and pumps must have structural support independent of the tank.

FAQs:

Can sodium hypochlorite storage tanks be installed outdoors?

Yes. Sodium hypochlorite storage tanks can be installed outdoors when designed with UV-resistant materials or protective gel coats. Proper UV protection and temperature control help reduce chemical degradation and extend the service life of both the chemical and the tank.

How does temperature affect sodium hypochlorite storage?

Higher storage temperatures accelerate the decomposition of sodium hypochlorite, reducing its effectiveness and increasing stress on the tank's corrosion barrier. Maintaining recommended temperature limits helps preserve chemical stability and prolong tank life.

What should be considered when installing a sodium hypochlorite storage tank?

Proper installation includes providing a stable foundation, using flexible piping connections, ensuring adequate venting, supporting external piping independently, and following the manufacturer's installation guidelines to reduce stress on the tank.

Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tank