Plastic Tank Installation and Use Guidelines

While our polyethylene plastic tanks are made with high quality materials and manufactured to exacting standards, improper handling and installation can damage them or their fittings. Follow the guidelines listed on this page to avoid problems. You may void your warranty if you do not handle and install your tanks properly.

Handling:

When tanks are delivered, they should be inspected for damage before the delivery is accepted. If problems of any kind are noted, they should be listed on the driver's bill of lading and on the packing list. Contact us immediately so we can work with you to correct any problems as quickly as possible.

Extreme care should be taken when unloading tanks from trucks. Tanks should be unloaded onto smooth surfaces that are free of rocks or other sharp objects that could cause damage. Be especially careful to guard against damage that can be caused by the blades on forklifts. Use a crane to lift large tanks from the truck.

When tanks are being unloaded, moved or installed, damage to tank fittings must be avoided. Do not allow the weight of the tank to rest on any of the fittings. Do not roll the tank over any of its fittings.

Installation:

It is very important that tanks are installed on a surface that is smooth, firm and supports the tank completely. In almost all circumstances, a reinforced concrete base is the best solution. Even when a tank stand is used, the stand must be mounted on a solid base. Be sure to secure tanks and stands to guard against movement that could occur from wind, seismic activity, motion of contents or other causes.

Consider the location of the installation and be sure you have enough room for maintenance activities. Since polyethylene tanks may contract or expand due to temperature changes, atmospheric conditions and the nature of the contents, proper planning is important regarding the space in which they are installed and the amount of material that is placed in them.

You should consider the work activities that will take place in the vicinity of the tank and take precaution against accidental contact with the tank. Impact with the tank, especially at low temperatures, can cause tank failure.

Certain tanks require support of the sides to avoid structural failure. Be aware of the properties of your tanks and the properties of the contents they will hold.

Tanks are not designed to support the weight of machinery, equipment or any heavy load. Do not mount items like this on the top of the tank or on its fittings.

If it is necessary for workers to enter the tank, great care should be taken to guard against asphyxiation or breathing of hazardous vapors and fumes.

Fittings and Accessories:

Be aware of the type of fittings used on your tank. Hand tighten plastic bulkhead fittings. If they are over-tightened, fittings may leak.

It is important that fittings, valves, pipes and other accessories are fully supported. Fittings and tank attachments should not carry any weight.

Since different materials expand and contract at different rates, expansion joints should be used to accommodate those differences and prevent damage.

Care must be taken with the installation of accessories. Immersion heaters, for instance, must be installed so that they do not come in contact with the walls of the tank. Consult the documentation for the accessory for more detailed installation information.

Tank Use:

Use tanks only for the purpose for which they are created. Do not apply contents under pressure or create a vaccuum unless the tank is specifically rated for that use.

Make sure that the materials you store in the tank are appropriate for the properties of the tank, fittings, gaskets and accessories.

Do not use the tank for storing liquids that are above or below the coninuous use temperature for that tank.

Before Placing the Tank into Use:

Test your installation by filling the tank with water before you put the unit into use. Verify the integrity of the tank and its fittings.

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