Storage tanks can be seen in many industries. Storage tanks are used frequently in the food industry in the production of beer and wine. Wastewater and other fluids can also be stored in a suitable tank. In principle, all tanks that contain a liquid or a dry substance for a certain amount of time can be called storage tanks. They’re exposed to their product for a pre-determined period of time, so they need to stay nice and secure in the long term. Storage tanks can be used above or below ground.

Storage tanks material

The material storage tanks are made of depends on what they’ll be filled with. There are water tanks that are made of plastic and are suitable for storage drinking and process water. However, depending on the type of plastic, such tanks may not be suitable for storing hazardous substances. These are subject to additional rules and regulations.

Storage tanks in the food industry

In the food industry, storage tanks can also serve as anaerobic digestion tanks. Anaerobic digestion tanks are needed in beer brewing and wine production. As the beer or wine is in the tank for a certain period of time, these tanks count as storage tanks. This type of tank is generally made of stainless steel and is cylindrical in shape. So that samples can be regularly taken from the tank, many tanks have the option of attaching a sample cock. Many tanks also have a manway which can be used for carrying out checks and cleaning. With anaerobic digestion tanks, there are generally two different processes. In this way, residue that has sunken to the bottom stays there and doesn’t come out with the rest of the contents. Instead, it’s removed for other purposes or for cleaning in a drainage cycle on the floor of the tank.

Using storage tanks as silos
In agriculture, storage tanks can also be referred to as silos. These silos generally store grain, i.e. dry substances. It’s important that they are impermeable and moisture cannot enter. If it does, mould can form and the foodstuff will perish.

Using storage tanks as water tanks
These can often be seen in dry regions or on top of buildings. Tanks that store water for agriculture or fire-fighting. In large American cities, such storage tanks are commonly found on high-rise buildings and are used as water tanks for sprinkler systems. In the case of fire, they can help to contain the spread of the fire.