Selecting the right liquid storage tank is essential for ensuring safety, efficiency, and durability. With so many types of tanks available, it’s important to choose a solution that aligns with your specific needs, whether for fire protection, drinking water, waste storage, or industrial applications. Here’s a comprehensive guide on the key factors to consider when choosing the right liquid storage tank, brought to you by Franklin Hodge, a leader in reliable and proven site-assembled liquid storage tanks.
1. Determine the Purpose of the Tank
The first step in choosing a storage tank is identifying its primary use, as different applications often require specific tank types and features. Here are some common uses and what to consider for each:
- Fire Water Storage: Fire water tanks must meet safety standards and regulations, often requiring anti-vortex plates, specific coatings, and capacity requirements to ensure adequate fire protection.
- Drinking Water Storage: Tanks storing potable water should be constructed from materials that prevent contamination, with food-grade linings and secure covers.
- Waste and Effluent Storage: For waste and effluent, tanks must be resistant to corrosive materials, so selecting tanks with chemical-resistant linings is essential.
- Cooling Tower Water Storage: Industrial cooling systems require tanks with reliable temperature resistance and corrosion-resistant materials for optimal longevity and efficiency.
2. Assess Capacity Requirements
Determining the correct tank capacity is crucial to meet your operational needs effectively. Underestimating your capacity can lead to shortages, while overestimating may lead to unnecessary costs and space use. When estimating your storage needs:
- Consider peak usage or flow requirements, especially for applications like fire protection, where an adequate water supply must be readily available.
- Evaluate your site’s available space to ensure the tank will fit without impeding other operations.
- Think about future scalability—if your demand may increase, it might be wise to opt for a modular tank solution that can be expanded.
Franklin Hodge offers a range of tank sizes and modular options, allowing flexibility to scale your storage capacity as your needs grow.
3. Select the Right Material
The material of the tank significantly impacts its longevity, durability, and compatibility with the stored liquid. Here are some options and their common uses:
- Steel Tanks: Steel is highly durable and often used for fire water storage and industrial applications. It’s resistant to high pressure and can be lined with various coatings for additional corrosion resistance.
- Glass-Fused-to-Steel: This material combines the strength of steel with a glass coating, providing excellent durability and resistance to chemicals, making it ideal for wastewater and effluent storage.
- Polyethylene (PE) Tanks: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, PE tanks are a cost-effective choice for smaller storage needs, such as drinking water.
- Concrete Tanks: Known for durability, concrete tanks are often used for large-scale or underground storage applications but are generally less flexible in installation.
Franklin Hodge’s site-assembled tanks can be constructed with materials tailored to meet the demands of different storage requirements, ensuring safety and durability.
4. Consider Environmental Conditions
The environment where the tank will be installed plays a vital role in determining the ideal tank type, material, and additional features. Some factors to keep in mind:
- Climate: Tanks in extreme climates—whether hot, cold, humid, or dry—require materials and coatings that withstand temperature fluctuations and resist UV exposure.
- Location Accessibility: If your site has limited access, consider modular or site-assembled tanks that can be easily transported and assembled on-site.
- Corrosion Risk: For coastal or high-humidity areas, corrosion-resistant materials and coatings are crucial to prolong the tank’s life.
- Seismic Activity: In regions prone to seismic activity, choosing a tank with seismic reinforcements can help prevent structural damage during earthquakes.
5. Evaluate Installation Requirements
Different tank types come with varying installation requirements. For example, site-assembled tanks are often ideal for locations with limited access or unique spatial constraints, as they can be transported in sections and assembled on-site. Pre-fabricated tanks, while convenient, may require more clearance and space during installation.
6. Prioritise Safety Features
When storing liquids, especially hazardous or drinking water, safety is paramount. Key safety features to look for include:
- Anti-Vortex Plates: These are essential in fire water storage tanks, helping to prevent the formation of a vortex during water discharge and ensuring steady flow rates.
- Secure Lids and Covers: For potable water tanks, secure lids prevent contamination and ensure water quality.
- Secondary Containment Systems: For waste and chemical storage, a secondary containment system can prevent leaks or spills, protecting both the environment and your facility.
- Venting Systems: Proper venting prevents pressure buildup, particularly in tanks storing chemicals or high-temperature liquids.
Franklin Hodge’s tanks are designed with these safety features in mind, ensuring regulatory compliance and the highest standards of protection for both people and assets.
7. Consider Maintenance and Longevity
Maintenance requirements vary by tank type and material, so it’s essential to choose a tank with a maintenance plan that fits your resources and operational demands. For example, tanks with a protective liner often have longer maintenance intervals and are easier to clean. Opting for corrosion-resistant materials and durable coatings can also reduce maintenance costs and prolong the tank’s lifespan.
Franklin Hodge offers tank refurbishment and lining services to extend the life of existing tanks, providing a cost-effective solution that maximises your investment.
8. Ensure Compliance with Industry Standards
Depending on your industry and the tank’s application, there may be specific regulatory standards to meet, such as those for fire protection (LPCB for fire water tanks) or drinking water (food-grade certifications). Ensuring your tank meets these standards is crucial for operational safety and regulatory compliance.
With over 40 years of continuous approval under FOC and LPCB for fire water tanks, Franklin Hodge’s products are trusted worldwide and built to the highest standards of quality and compliance.
Choose Franklin Hodge for Reliable Liquid Storage Solutions
Selecting the right liquid storage tank is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of multiple factors. At Franklin Hodge, we offer a range of site-assembled liquid storage tanks and the expertise to help you make an informed choice that meets your specific needs. From material selection and capacity planning to compliance and installation, our team is here to ensure you get a tank that’s built to last and perfectly suited to your requirements.
Ready to find the perfect storage solution? Contact Franklin Hodge today to discuss your project and discover how our reliable, high-quality tanks can support your operations safely and efficiently.