Purchasing a steel or stainless steel tank can end up being more expensive than you bargained for if you don't do your research. There are many factors that determine how expensive or cheap steel and stainless steel tanks are, including size, coatings, thickness, shipping and more. You can use these factors to figure out the pricing and costs of steel and stainless steel tanks before you buy.

Generally speaking, the larger the tank, the more expensive the tank and the transportation will be. Extra thickness and plating can inflate the price as well. Many of these features are necessary for certain industries, but do make models more expensive.

1. Coating or adding plating to large steel tanks can be more expensive than adding these features to a smaller tank. Large tanks require more materials and take longer to coat.

2. Used stainless steel tanks can be less expensive than newer models, but specific features can be hard to find and used tanks won't last as long.

3. Some stainless steel tank manufacturers factor in shipping costs, while others charge a separate fee. Always check to see whether transportation is included in the purchase price.

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Use steel instead of stainless steel tanks for a cheaper option

Even large steel tanks will probably cost less than a smaller stainless steel model. Although tanks made of steel tend to be cheaper and very strong, they don't work for every industry. Steel tanks are more prone to corrosion and don't work as well for storing liquids. This problem can be avoided by coating the steel tank in an epoxy or other finisher, but if the finish ever cracks or wears away then expensive problems may start. Steel tanks can cost anywhere from $30 to $75 for a small model to thousands for a larger model.

I recommend: Read more about the different types of steel tanks at CST Industries, or check out the advantages of steel tanks at Highland Tank.

Purchase stainless steel tanks for high quality and liquid storage

Stainless steel tanks have a wide variety of uses. Stainless steel storage tanks, like stainless steel wine tanks or a stainless steel water tank, keep liquids carefully contained and monitored. Stainless steel tanks can also store flammable and combustible liquids and gases like petroleum, although storing this type of liquid requires a stronger grade of steel to meet environmental and safety regulations. Smaller liquid tanks for personal or small business use can be anywhere from $50 to $300 dollars, while larger tanks, for example water towers, can be hundreds of thousands.

I recommend: Read more about flammable and combustible liquids safety tanks at Southern Tank, or check out Hanson Tank's selection of stainless steel tanks.

Custom steel and stainless tanks are usually more expensive

Custom stainless steel tanks can be designed with your job in mind. This kind of approach can be cost-effective if you can't find a model with the features you need without a bunch of extras tacked on, but custom tanks are generally pricier than stock models. Ask the custom stainless steel tank fabricators to give you an itemized estimation beforehand. This can save you money in the long run, and give you an estimate of what you'll have to spend.

I recommend: Commission a custom stainless steel tank from Swhift, or let Tri-Mer design one for you.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Local and online auction sites often sell used stainless steel tanks cheaply. If you're looking for a small business or personal-sized tank, checking auction sites first might save you time and money.

Stainless steel storage tanks are used in the medical industry as well as for industrial chemical processing, film processing, food storage and preparation and fuel storage, among other things. Non-stainless steel and alloy tanks are suitable for many of the same applications, but stainless steel tanks are more corrosion resistant. A stainless steel tank also tends to be easier to clean and will not absorb odor.

The type of metal is not the only difference between various tanks. Here is a list of the various stainless steel tank compositions manufactured by stainless steel tank fabricators:

1. Welded sheet metal stainless tanks

2. Welded metal plate stainless tanks

3. Stainless tanks formed in deep-drawing dies

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Get the right stainless steel tank for the job

With such a wide variety of uses, there are many shapes, sizes and qualities of stainless steel storage tanks. Consider the internal volumes and wall thicknesses of various stainless tanks. Don't buy an expensive, think walled, metal plate tank when a thinner, lighter sheet metal tank will work. Also, most stainless tanks are single-wall; but if you have a pressure application, then buy a double-wall stainless steel tank. The best tanks for extreme temperatures or salty liquids are steel-titanium alloys. Another aspect to consider is what pipes and tubes should be built into your stainless steel tank.

I recommend: To take a closer look at these types of specifications, look at Niles Steel Tank (NST). Also, take a look at the options available at Tri Mer Corporation, one of many sources for custom tanks.

Locate the right stainless steel tank manufacturers and retailers

Once you know what kind of stainless steel tank will best fit your application, find the best source before you buy.

I recommend: For high-pressure applications, Buckeye Fabricating Company is an excellent source, but NST covers a huge array of industrial and common stainless tank applications including large steel tanks. For residential and light industrial applications go to Granby Steel Tanks.

Shop for used stainless steel tanks if you are on a budget

Because of the anti-corrosive properties of stainless steel, used stainless tanks are a good way to save money. Buying a used stainless tank over a new one is also a way to reduce waste and help save the environment.

I recommend: Food Processing Equipment conveniently lists their products by type, and Aaron Equipment carries used stainless steel tanks for a wide range of applications.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Besides being the gold standard against corrosion, a titanium alloy stainless steel tank is also lighter and stronger than a steel-only tank.
• •  If you are looking to buy a very large tank, consider putting it underground.
• •  Generally, vertical stainless steel tanks have one access port at the bottom, while horizontal tanks have one at the top and one at the bottom.

Stainless steel tanks can be used to store almost every liquid under the sun. They are common in water treatment, food industries, the chemical industry and the petrochemical industries. Steel tanks come in many different forms, each optimized for a specific function, like a stainless steel water tank, or stainless steel wine tanks. They can also be custom-created to meet your business' individual needs.

New and used stainless tanks are usually available from both tank manufacturers and distributors for a wide range of prices, depending on the model's features and size. Used tanks are usually cheaper than new stainless steel tanks, but must be inspected carefully before purchase to ensure quality.

1. Stainless steel tanks can be installed in either a horizontal or vertical position. Which you pick depends on the size of your space, and the tank's purpose.

2. You can use small and large steel tanks to store a number of gases. These gases can be anything from propane to oxygen.

3. Steel and stainless steel tanks basics are often available at a discounted price from manufacturers. Generally, the more special features you add, the more expensive the tank.

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Choose high pressure stainless steel tanks for volatile substances

Stainless steel tanks can be used to store pressurized materials for the chemical, utility, water treatment and petrochemical industries. These tanks are specially formulated with reinforced walls to withstand immense pressure inside. This helps protect both the liquid and the tank from damage and leaking. If you're purchasing used stainless steel tanks, always check to make sure that there are no holes or weak spots.

I recommend: Buy a high pressure tank from Genemco, or All-Weld.

Purchase coated stainless steel tanks and steel tanks

You can sometimes purchase steel and stainless tanks can sometimes with coated interiors, so they can store things like food products. Coated interiors are also extremely corrosion resistant. Stainless steel storage tanks can be coated on the outside or inside with anything from a polymer to glass or epoxy. Coating a tank on the outside can help keep the tank cool, provide protection from leaks, and protect the tank from weather.

I recommend: Check out the coated stainless steel tanks available for rent from Rain for Rent, or read more about how coated steel tanks are used in the wine industry at American Winery.

Get a quote on a custom-designed stainless steal tank

Often, stainless steel tank manufacturers offer the option of a custom-designed tank if none of their stock fits your needs. Not all companies offer this type of service, and the kind and size of tanks they can create is limited by the stainless steel tank fabricator's manufacturing capabilities. A custom-designed tank works well if you need a tank for unusual uses or a new product. Let a tank manufacturing company help you create the perfect tank.

I recommend: Buy a custom-designed stainless steel or steel tank from Central Fabricators or Walker Engineered Products.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Large stainless steel tanks can often be delivered to areas close to the manufacturing site. Because of their size, large tanks must be shipped on heavy-duty trucks, making transportation expensive.

Whether you are driving a truck, building a silo or even storing wine, understanding steel and stainless steel tanks key terms helps you communicate with other professionals, so you get exactly what you are looking for. Knowing these terms also establishes you as a professional, dedicated to learning the ins and outs of the business.

Knowing steel and stainless steel tanks key terms also benefits you when it comes to troubleshooting. The knowledge could help you determine problems and give you insight on how to repair the problems.

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Steel

Steel is an iron alloy with small carbon amounts. It has a wide range of mechanical properties, ideal for storage and construction, as well as vehicular and building projects.

I recommend: Thomson Reuters offers a definition for steel and includes information on the properties of different classifications of steel.

Stainless steel

The term stainless steel refers to a selection of metals that resist corrosion. This type of steel contains at least 10.5% chromium. It might also have other alloy elements, and it remains strong even in high temperatures.

I recommend: EngineerOnLine offers a detailed description for designing and finishing stainless steel tanks. It offers images and measurements with tips for design, including surface finishing.

STI-P3 SW

A STI-P3 SW is a tank with a single wall that meets specified criteria of the Steel Tank Institute in regards to application and design of cathodically and coated steel tanks.

I recommend: Modern Welding Company describes the benefits of using a STI-P3 SW for underground storage. It offers images of the tank on its website.

STI-P3 DW

The STI-P3 DW tank is similar to the STIP-3 SW when it comes to meeting the specified criteria of the Steel Tank Institute. It differs in the fact that it's a double-walled tank instead of a single-walled tank.

I recommend: Go to General Industries for information on the STI-P3 DW and its applications. This site details ideal usage for a double-wall tank.

Plasteel

Plasteel shares the same categorization as Fiberglass Clad Steel tank and a Permatank. All three tanks have fiberglass outer covers and interstitial backing barriers along with double walls.

I recommend: Plasteel International addresses the issue of the strength of its products in comparison to other steel products. It describes the advantages of using this product and offers links to other manufacturing sites and product comparison sites.

SW/DW steel

SW/DW steel is a specific type of tank, collected or painted without damage.

I recommend: Tanks Unlimited highlights various steel tanks and defines SW/DW steel tanks. It also recommends above ground storage or underground storage for each individual tank.