Storage tank fabrication is crucial for every industrial production. Knowing about the types of tanks and building materials is also very important.
At Energy Plus, we have pioneered the field of storage fabrication in India, we want share our experiences with you regarding the same.
First let us be aware of the kinds of storage tanks.
Types of storage tanks
Spherical Storage Tanks: These kinds of tanks are used predominantly for the purpose of storing high pressure fluids. They provide even distribution of stresses on the sphere surfaces.
Advantage: They have smaller surface area per unit volume.
Disadvantage: Costliest among the storage tanks.
Cylindrical Storage Tanks: These are more widely used than spherical cylinders for their cost efficiency. Though, they may have weaker points that can be averted by constructing them from the material used in the construction of spherical tanks.
Advantage: Costs less than spherical tanks
Disadvantage: Has many weak points.
Fixed roof storage tanks: A fixed roof storage tank consists of a cylindrical steel shell with a cone or dome shaped roof that is permanently fixed to the shell.
Advantage: It has a breather valve that allows the tank to operate at the slightest internal pressure. This is the least expensive option.
Disadvantage: They are the most minimally acceptable form of storage.
Floating roof storage tanks: These tanks stores near atmosphere pressure. Floating roofs are designed to move vertically within the frame of the tank to provide a constant minimum gap between the product surface and the ceiling and provide a continuous seal between the periphery of the tank and the floating roof.
Advantage: Can be used in the areas of extreme rainfall and snowfall
Disadvantage: Very expensive and involves complex machinery.
Materials of construction
Storage tanks are welded from both stainless steel and carbon steel. Let us tell you the benefits of both.
| Stainless Steel | Carbon Steel |
| Resistant to corrosion | Better heat distribution |
| Extremely durable | Wear resistant |
| Eco-friendly | Has higher carbon content |
| Leak free | Good for indoor storage |
| Long life span | Malleable |
| Various linings can be added | More affordable |
| Affordable | Requires less materials |
| Recyclable | Can be heated up easily |
| Wide range of products can be stored | Harder and stronger |
Storage tank fabrication is a tedious process and should be done in accordance with the budget, place of storage, weather, type of products etc. Use the above guidelines for a stress free storage.