An Overview of Stainless Steel Tanks
Safeguarding Product Integrity through Effective Storage
Stainless steel tanks are essential components for producers across various industries due to their critical role in storing, processing and maintaining the integrity of liquids and substances. These tanks provide a controlled environment that safeguards products from contamination, degradation, and external factors. They ensure consistent quality by preserving the properties of liquids, such as temperature, viscosity, and chemical composition. Stainless steel tanks are indispensable for efficient production, enabling manufacturers to handle and distribute liquids seamlessly, adhere to regulatory standards, and meet consumer demands for safe and high-quality products.
We’ll cover the following in this guide.
- What are Stainless Steel Tanks?
- How/Where customers use this machine
- Upstream Equipment
- Downstream Equipment
- Popular Manufacturers
- Industries Used In
- Key points to consider when buying or selling
What Makes Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is comprised of ferrous steel and alloyed with a minimum of 10.5% chromium. Other alloying elements are present such as carbon, nickel manganese, and molybdenum.
Carbon is used to create steel from iron and makes the steel harder and stronger.
Nickel and manganese are stabilizing elements that prevent the stainless steel from hardening through heat treatment. This allows the steel to undergo higher temperatures when in production. Manganese produces half of the effects of nickel and is found more in cheaper-grade steel.
Molybdenum has the same effect as chromium and is a larger atom, making it more resistant to corrosion. The use of molybdenum, in turn, makes the steel ferritic, which is associated with the steel becoming more brittle. This can be countered by adding more nickel.
Types of Stainless Steel
304
- Composed of 18-20% chromium, 8-11% nickel, and 2% manganese.
- Most common due to corrosion resistance and is less expensive.
304L
- Same composition as 304 with a lower carbon content.
- This puts the steel at a higher risk of intergranular corrosion.
316
- Contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and 2% manganese.
- Higher corrosion resistance than 304 and is primarily used for higher corrosion materials and used near marine environments
Single Wall Tanks
Single-wall tanks are the most common type of tank. They can be installed vertically or horizontally. These types of tanks are mostly used in storing water for domestic use and in manufacturing plants with liquid raw materials. A majority of silos and larger capacity tanks will be single-walled as it is cost-effective.
Single-wall tanks may come with threaded or flanged inlets and outlets. Threaded inlets and outlets have threads to screw an attachment onto. Whereas with flanged inlets and outlets, the outlet will be wider than the inlet to increase the output of the product.
Jacketed Tanks
Jacketed tanks are primarily used for processes that require additional heating, cooling, or thermal stability. Heating or cooling fluid flows through the space between the two stainless steel plates or sheets.
Standard Jacket
A standard jacket has an outer wall that is only supported by baffles welded between the two metal sheets or plates. This type of jacket is best suited for low-pressure applications. When applied to higher pressure, cost increases significantly due to the increased thickness required for the outer wall.
Dimple Jacket
A dimple jacket is spot or plug-welded into the tank. This method of attachment to the inner wall creates depressions or “dimples.” The arrangement of the dimples can be staggered or inline. Since there is a larger effective area of the attachment, it is stronger compared to conventional jackets, allowing thinner sheets to be used. This type of jacket is not applicable for processes that use fast heating and cooling cycles since thermal shock can weaken the welds.
Where to find tanks in a production line?
Due to their versatility and simplicity, tanks can be found throughout a production line at various points. Therefore tanks may not conform to a traditional format in regard to their placement on a production line.
Popular Manufacturers
- Paul Mueller Company
- Holloway America
- DCI Inc.
Benefits and Features
Some tanks may come with a Resistance Temperature Detector. This allows the tank to maintain a certain temperature for whatever product is being held.
Industries Used In
- Food and Beverage
- Pharmaceutical
- Chemical
- Cosmetic and Personal Care
Questions to consider before buying or selling
Buying
- What is the jacket pressure rating?
- What is the tank’s overall dimensions?
- What’s the capacity?
- If jacketed, check for damage
- Photos of the inside of the tank
- Inspect agitation, if included
- Ensure it has National Board Number or jacket tag
- Confirm direct inlet/outlet
- Manway location and size?
Selling
- Complimentary equipment can include pumps, fillers, and homogenizers
- How do you plan to fill the pump?
- What is the tank made of?
- Is agitation included? If so, what kind?
- Paddle, side scrape, propeller?
- In-feed and discharge dimensions
- Last known application
- How is the tank’s top and bottom shaped?
- Conical, flat?
Summary
Incorporating stainless steel tanks into your operation offers corrosion-resistant storage, precise temperature control, and hygienic conditions for liquids. Their versatility suits diverse industries, enhancing product quality, process efficiency, and regulatory compliance. By adding these tanks, you ensure reliable and customized solutions that contribute to streamlined operations and the delivery of top-notch products.
Click here to view our inventory of stainless steel tanks.
If you’re interested in one of these units, contact our sales team to find the machine that’s best suited for you and your product.