For commercial use or as part of your industrial infrastructure, holding tanks are versatile and relatively inexpensive solutions for liquid storage. They can be made from a range of materials (including stainless steel, aluminum, concrete, and plastic storage tanks) and into a variety of shapes and sizes. The largest tanks can hold 25,000 gallons of liquid or more.
For smaller applications, there are many traditional sizes and materials, although the holding tank material itself may depend on what’s being held or where it’s located. Concrete is a popular choice for buried infrastructure while plastic is preferred for mobile uses. Certain products (oil, gas, propane, or chemical storage) need to meet very strict requirements for obvious safety reasons.
For many larger operations, industrial storage tanks are a popular choice for fuel. Being able to put gas in the tank of a fleet of vehicles or equipment on site is much more efficient and cheaper than going off-site. Smaller interior tanks are ideal for food processing or chemical handling along production lines.
Types of Industrial Holding Tanks
While many tanks are enclosed, there are uses for roofless holding tanks. Reservoir water tanks and other precipitation tanks are often open as are many wastewater treatment operations. Other open tank uses include chemical storage tanks for mixing or “dipping” tanks for plating or coating other materials. These are mainly for interior industrial processing applications.
Above Ground vs. Buried Holding Tanks
In most cases, making a decision between these two types of tanks comes down to preference and price. Above-ground tanks are much easier and cheaper to install because there’s little need for excavation or more extensive plumbing. They are easier to maintain, service, and spot needed repairs because of the overall access.
Depending on the size and use, they can also be an eyesore. While that may not be an issue for industrial facilities, if there is a concern about aesthetics or even space considerations, underground tanks are a viable solution. The size of the tank can also play a part in this decision.
While there’s less chance of explosion with underground holding tanks, they are much more difficult to maintain or repair and any leaks can create huge environmental issues. There are many more codes, regulations, and guidelines to follow when installing these types of holding tanks.
Storee Construction has decades of experience installing or retrofitting potable water storage tanks, double-walled tanks for more volatile materials, and other liquid storage solutions to meet the needs of our clients. This includes exterior and interior tanks as well as the piping needed for incorporation to the facility.
As a full-service industrial, manufacturing, and commercial construction company, we provide several other services as well. Our design-build teams are ready to help with production upgrades, building expansion, new plant construction, and much more. Reach out to Storee to see how we can help.
