The Risk of Corroding Tanks
Fluid storage tanks are one of the most common aspects of industry. Consider all of the holding variations such as metal, plastic, concrete; sealed or open air; above ground or below; permanent or temporary. Tanks may be stationary or used in rail, air or truck transport. When filled with water, fuel, waste or other corrosive and caustic liquids, tank materials are in an ongoing state of deterioration. Even “simple” compounds like water and air create natural corrosion of metal and degradation of concrete and plastics used in industrial tanks, but deterioration is sped up by more aggressive liquids. Acids, alkalis, and organic wastes very quickly reduce solid containers to crumbled rusting wrecks. Even the condensation and gas fumes emitted by these chemicals can accelerate damage to holding vessels, leading to several short-term and long-term problems.