When it comes to industrial storage solutions, storage tanks play a crucial role in various applications—from storing water and chemicals to oil and other materials that are essential to industrial operations. Understanding the types of industrial storage tanks is fundamental to making informed decisions about their construction. Among the many options, shop-built tanks—tanks that are constructed entirely in a controlled factory environment—stand out as a significant category. This article explores what is a shop-built tank, its applications, and how it compares to other tank types.
What Are the Three Types of Tanks?
Tanks can be categorized into three primary types: atmospheric, pressure, and vacuum tanks. Depending on the material being stored and the environmental considerations, each serves distinct purposes.
- Atmospheric Tanks: These are designed to store liquids at or near atmospheric pressure (non-pressurized), like water, chemicals, or fuel.
- Pressure Tanks: Built to store gases or liquids under high pressure, such as gases, oil, or certain chemicals, these tanks require containment stability.
- Vacuum Tanks: Designed to handle substances lower than atmospheric pressure, vacuum tanks are used in specialized applications, such as waste collection and certain types of chemical processing.
What Is a Shop-Built Tank?
A shop-built tank refers to a storage tank constructed in a controlled factory setting rather than on-site at the location of use. Typically, smaller than their field-erected counterparts, these tanks are transported to the installation site fully assembled.
Key features of shop-built tanks include:
- Precision manufacturing due to controlled conditions.
- Suitability for smaller capacity requirements.
- Cost-efficiency for projects that do not need large-scale storage solutions.
Shop-built tanks are appropriate for applications in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and small-scale industrial operations. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often references shop-built tanks in its guidelines, particularly in contexts involving compliance with environmental regulations.
What Is the Most Common Type of Storage Tank?
Among the various options and considerations, atmospheric tanks are the most common type of industrial storage tanks. Their versatility and cost-effectiveness make them ideal for storing a wide range of liquids, from water to chemicals to fuels.
These tanks are available in numerous designs, such as vertical, horizontal, aboveground, or underground, allowing them to meet diverse operational needs. Additionally, different configurations, such as cone bottoms, and fixed or floating roofs, add to the design variations.
What Are the Different Types of Tanks?
Storage tanks can vary widely depending on material, size, and intended use. Different material categories include:
- Steel Tanks: Durable and capable of handling extreme temperatures, steel tanks are ideal for fuel and oil storage.
- High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Tanks: Lightweight and corrosion-resistant, plastic tanks are suitable for chemicals and potable water storage.
- Fiberglass-Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Tanks: Known for their strength and resistance to environmental degradation, these tanks are often used for waste treatment or chemical processing.
How Many Types of Storage Tanks Are There?
The exact number of storage tank types depends on how they are classified—by material, purpose, or design. Generally, tanks are grouped into categories such as atmospheric, pressure, vacuum, and specialty tanks, such as thermal tanks that require the storage of energy (in the form of heat).
The configurations of shop-built tanks are limitless based on all these characterizations and the unique specifications of each project.
Shop-built tanks offer a reliable, efficient solution for industries needing compact and customizable storage. With a clear understanding of the types of industrial storage tanks, strategic choices can be tailored to the operational demands of any project.
As one of the top shop-built or field-erected tank-building companies, Kennedy Tank can guide you to the right storage system for your needs. Contact us today so we can put our 125 years of tank-building experience to work for you.
