Are Chemical Storage Tanks safe?

When it comes to storing dangerous chemicals, finding the right chemical tank solution is critical to maintaining a safe work environment. Chemical tanks are used to store fluids such as sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, aluminium sulphate, fluorosilicic acid, coagulant and ferric chloride just to name a few. Storage tanks are generally utilised in settings such as farms, shipping areas and industrial sites; with the purpose of either storing or transferring chemicals. The size, material and shape of the tanks will vary depending on their intended function and the chemical that they are storing.

Are there any environmental hazards?

Though functioning chemical tanks pose no threat to the environment, a failed tank is capable of causing damage to the environment and surrounding property or infrastructure. These failures are largely attributable to poor construction and maintenance, corrosion or spilled transfers. These variables must be eliminated, since the stored chemical may contaminate drinking water, combust or contaminate the environment. 

Chemical tanks are designed to store a specific chemical. There is no one-size-fits-all alternative since the corrosion potential varies depending on the type of substance that is to be stored. While a water tank may be capable of withstanding a chemical for a specific duration of time, it is highly likely that the tank will progressively degrade and erode over time, leading to leaks and potentially dangerous outcomes

How can you prevent these risks?

We suggest considering the following steps to prevent the risk of any failures:

1. Establish the specific chemical that you are intending to store. The tank will then be engineered to withstand the corrosion potential of the chemical.
2. Hire a fully qualified team to perform the necessary civil work and installation, to adhere to industry and safety requirements.
3. Conduct frequent on-site inspections to seek out potential risk factors.
4. If any issues are found, ensure it is quickly repaired by a professional.

These necessary precautions must be considered before installing a chemical storage tank in your facility. If ignored, the potential risks of erosion and degradation are severely heightened, which in turn may potentially lead to environmentally hazardous outcomes. When controlled, chemical storage tanks are the most effective method of storing and transferring substances.