Steel and Stainless Steel Tanks

Find a corrosion-resistant stainless steel tank to store your company's product
By W. Aiman Mueller 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

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

• 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.