Tips for Choosing a Storage Tank

Storage and process tanks are containers used in several industries for the purpose of long and short term storage, blending, mixing, and dispensing. These containers can hold compressed gases and liquids or substances at ambient pressure. There are several considerations to be made if you wish to order custom tanks for your business. This post discusses a few important considerations to be made while selecting a storage tank for your business.

Important Considerations to Make While Ordering Custom Tanks for Your Application
Custom Tank

Custom Tanks

  • Specifications: This is the most basic consideration for selecting a storage tank. First you will need to take into account your storage capacity; the volume needed to store your substance. It directly relates to the weight your container will need to withstand and stipulates what your tank dimensions will be. The orientation of your tank will determine the need for additional parts such as saddles or stands. It is important to consider the exact size and location of all ports and access points when creating a design. The tanks can be placed above the ground, or underground – depending on your facility’s requirements.
    The wall construction of the tank will correspond to its utility. Single wall tanks are used for standard applications while double wall tanks may be used for more extreme applications such as high-temperature, high-pressure, etc.

  • Material of Construction: The material used to construct a tank should be chosen very carefully. The selection of construction material will depend on the type and volume of substance to be stored. Harsh chemicals and extreme temperatures can cause certain materials to degrade so it is critical to know the capabilities of the material you select. Stainless steel, carbon steel, and aluminum are some of the common construction materials used for building industrial grade factory welded, field welded, and bolted tanks. Fiberglass and plastic tanks are ideal for storing smaller volumes. Custom plastic fabricated tanks are the most common storage containers in use today because they are affordable, versatile, and provide long-term benefits. If you are looking to store very large volumes of material you may require a concrete or steel construction.

  • Tank Footprint: The amount of space available for your storage tank is an important factor to consider in your selection. If you have limited space to devote to a tank you will prefer a tank with a smaller diameter. The more space you have to offer, the wider the tank you can select.

  • Standards: There are various industrial standards and practices regulated by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). These standards define wall thickness, testing procedures, quality control measures, design, and fabrication, etc.


You can approach a reliable vendor or a subject expert for further assistance in designing the best tank for your needs. They will guide you to the right product to assure the quality of your investment.