Polypropylene tanks are often advantageous as liquid storage tanks when aggressive materials, such as acetone (dimethylketone) or diesel fuel, are involved.
CPVC (chlorinated PVC) plastic tanks, and polypropylene tanks are both usable to 220°F. PTFE is a plastic tanks material usable to 400°F. Polypropylene tanks are not recommended for temperatures below freezing.
White plastic tanks, or black plastic tanks made with UV-impregnated resins are highly UV-resistant, and are UV stabilized through the material.
Polypropylene tanks are suitable for pH applications at both extremes.
Roto mold tanks can be elliptical, rectangular, cylindrical – virtually any shape.Restrictions on tanks involve shipping. If plastic tanks have a weir (separator), for instance, care must be taken when the plastic tanks are designed, in order to prevent bowing during shipment.
Polypropylene plastic tanks are compatible with alkaline solutions, mineral oils, amines, jet fuel (JP3, 4, 5), and hydrogen peroxide, plus common acids including hydrochloric (20%), maleic, nitric (50%) and phosphoric.
There are instances where polypro is not appropriate, including concentrated acids, benzene and toluene. For concentrated acids, Hastalloy is preferred. For benzene and toluene, PVDF, a special plastic tanks resin, is often specified. PVDF plastic tanks are exceptionally resistant to inorganic acid solutions.
Natural unpigmented polypropylene tanks are classified as food grade plastic tanks, also potable water tanks. Other food grade plastic tanks are stainless steel or FRP fiberglass.
“Poly” can mean polypropylene or polyethylene. Plastic tanks is a category that includes those, also PVDF, a plastic tanks material that’s resistant to halogens, acids and radiation, and is the plastic tanks material of choice in the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries.
Plastic tanks also encompasses PTFE, a plastic tanks material with excellent thermal and electrical insulation characteristics.
Tri-Mer’s fiberglass tanks are suitable for liquid storage. Fiberglass tanks are resistant to acids, caustics and high heat, also galvanic and aerobic corrosion and many chemicals. Fiberglass tanks are suitable for petrochemical storage
Consult Tri-Mer regarding the best chemical tank material for your application.
Fiberglass tanks are made differently from plastic tanks or poly tanks. Polypropylene tanks are homogeneous. The homogeneity of polypropylene tanks protects against chemical attack if the plastic tanks are scratched or gouged. Fiberglass tanks are laminated, and can de-laminate over time. If fiberglass tanks are scratched or gouged, chemical attack can occur.
Normal expansion and contraction can cause cracks within the layers of fiberglass tanks, allowing wicking and chemical attack. Expansion/contraction doesn’t adversely affect polypropylene tanks.
Also, repair (both internal and external) is easier with a polypropylene tank than with a fiberglass tank.
Polypropylene tanks provide a cosmetically cleaner appearance than fiberglass tanks.
Polypro is FDA-approved and prices for these plastic tanks are low.
Polypropylene tanks are suitable for many applications. Exceptions include strong oxidizing agents, and chlorinated or aromatic hydrocarbons. Polypro plastic tanks are not suitable for these.
Polypropylene is homogeneous and is not laminated, as is FRP. Also, if the tank is damaged, polypropylene tanks are easier to repair than FRP, regardless of whether the damage is internal or external.
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