Stainless steel storage tanks are used in many industries and can be seen all over the country. You might notice small tanks placed on stands or large, dome-shaped tanks that are bigger than houses. These tanks are very useful in industries like agriculture, construction, livestock, and even petroleum.
But why are they so common? The simple answer is that they help save money.
By using ss storage tanks to store important materials like fuel or feed, companies can have these materials available whenever they need them. This reduces waiting times, improves work speed, and allows businesses to buy materials in bulk, which saves money on the materials and delivery costs.
Stainless Steel vs. Plastic Tanks
Plastic storage tanks are another option, and they have some advantages like being cheaper and easy to make. Plastic tanks can also be translucent, which means you can see how much material is inside. However, plastic has several limitations compared to stainless steel:
Bursting: If you fill or empty a plastic tank too quickly, it can burst because the air inside doesn’t escape fast enough.
Expansion & Contraction: Plastic tanks can expand or contract when temperatures change, which can cause problems if the pipes connected to the tank are rigid and don’t move.
Handling Harsh Contents: Plastic tanks are not suitable for storing liquids that are very hot, very cold, or corrosive, like petroleum products or strong chemicals. These materials can damage plastic tanks easily.
Common Uses of Stainless Steel Storage Tanks
Stainless steel storage tanks are much stronger than plastic and can handle tougher conditions. These tanks are used for different purposes, and their main uses include:
Chemical Storage: Stainless steel tanks are ideal for storing chemicals because they are strong and don’t corrode easily. They protect the environment by preventing leaks and can be either large stationary tanks or smaller, portable ones used in the field. The portable ones are called nurse tanks and can be moved around on trailers.
Feed Storage for Livestock: On farms, storing feed for animals like cows, pigs, and chickens is very important. Stainless steel tanks make it easy to keep large amounts of feed available at all times, keeping animals healthy. The tanks can be designed to make filling and unloading feed easy. For example, some tanks are built with hoppers to allow feed to flow out smoothly. Tanks can also be placed on legs so that trucks can drive underneath them to collect the feed.
Water Storage: Many industries need a steady supply of water. Stainless steel tanks are perfect for storing water for irrigation, manufacturing, or even fire protection. The tanks can be designed with a conical bottom, which helps in draining water completely and quickly. These tanks are also great for storing drinking water for use in the food and beverage industry.
Choosing the Right Tank for Your Needs
If you’re looking for a storage tank, stainless steel is a strong and reliable choice. It’s long-lasting, can handle tough conditions, and can be customized to suit your specific needs. Whether you need it for chemicals, feed, water, or any other material, stainless steel tanks can be made in different sizes and designs to meet your requirements.
At Southern Metal Fabricators, we have more than 30 years of experience in making stainless steel storage tanks. We help our clients design and build tanks that fit their needs perfectly. We even make large tanks that are up to 60 feet high, ensuring that businesses have the right storage solutions for their operations.
Conclusion
Stainless steel storage tanks are a great choice for industries that need strong, durable, and reliable storage solutions. Whether it’s for chemicals, animal feed, or water, these tanks offer safety and efficiency. While plastic tanks are suitable for some uses, stainless steel is the better option for handling tougher conditions, saving money in the long run, and keeping materials safe and secure.
