Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

For more than fifty years, Tate Metalworks, Inc. has been an industry leading supplier of both API-650 and API-620 storage tanks and ASME pressure vessels fabricated and erected from stainless steel materials. Our stainless steel storage tanks and pressure vessels can be found in near limitless applications and industries throughout the United States and the world. We have supplied storage and process solutions to the specialty chemicals, plastic recycling, petrochemical, petroleum, pulp and paper, minerals and mining, lithium production, power generation, pharmaceutical, food and beverage industries, and many more. Our expertise is not only the welding of the material but the handling, cleaning, and erection of the stainless steel tanks to safeguard the material’s corrosion resistance properties and assure our clients years of reliable process serviceability.

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Key Features & Benefits of Stainless Steel Tanks

Stainless steel storage tanks are renowned for their exceptional corrosion resistance and hygienic properties, making them a popular choice for industries where cleanliness and longevity are paramount. The most common grades of stainless steel in tank construction are dual certified 304/304L and 316/316L. Our tanks are manufactured using high-grade stainless steel alloys, ensuring maximum resistance to corrosion from the harsh environmental conditions they are exposed to.
 

Some of the key benefits to utilizing stainless steel materials for storage tanks include:

• Material strength and durability: Stainless steel is chosen for its robustness and resistance to corrosion, making it suitable for storing both corrosive and non-corrosive liquids. It withstands extreme temperatures and maintains structural integrity over time.
• Hygienic properties: Stainless steel tanks are easy to clean and maintain, which is crucial for industries like food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare where cleanliness is paramount.
• Versatility: They can store a wide range of substances including water, chemicals, food products, pharmaceuticals, and beverages without compromising the quality or safety of the stored material.
• Customization: Tanks can be customized in size, shape, and features to meet specific storage needs, whether for large-scale industrial applications or smaller residential installations.
• Longevity and cost-effectiveness: While stainless steel tanks may have a higher initial cost compared to some other materials, their durability and minimal maintenance requirements often result in lower long-term costs.
• Environmental considerations: Stainless steel is recyclable, which supports sustainability efforts and reduces environmental impact compared to other non-recyclable materials.
• Regulatory compliance: They often meet stringent industry standards and regulations for safety, quality, and environmental protection, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.
• Corrosion resistance: Stainless steel is renowned for its exceptional corrosion resistance, which is one of its primary advantages in various applications.
   

Key Factors to Stainless Steel's Corrosion Resistance

• Chromium content: Stainless steel contains a significant amount of chromium (typically at least 10.5%), which forms a passive oxide layer on the surface of the material. This oxide layer is extremely thin (only a few nanometers thick) but dense and stable, preventing further oxidation and corrosion of the underlying metal.
• Passivation: When stainless steel is exposed to oxygen-rich environments, such as air or water, the chromium in the alloy reacts with oxygen to form this protective oxide layer. This process is called passivation and occurs naturally, enhancing the material's corrosion resistance.
• Other alloying elements: Besides chromium, stainless steel often includes other alloying elements such as nickel, molybdenum, and sometimes nitrogen. These elements can further enhance corrosion resistance, particularly in harsh environments or when exposed to specific corrosive substances.
• Types of stainless steel: There are different grades and types of stainless steel, each tailored for specific applications based on their alloy composition. For instance, austenitic stainless steels (such as 304 and 316 grades) are highly corrosion-resistant and widely used in industries like food processing, pharmaceuticals, and marine environments.
• Resistance to specific corrosive agents: Stainless steel exhibits resistance to various corrosive agents, including acids, alkalis, chloride solutions (saltwater), and atmospheric conditions. The exact resistance depends on the specific alloy composition and environmental conditions.
• Surface finish: The surface finish of stainless steel can affect its corrosion resistance. Smooth, polished surfaces are generally more resistant to corrosion than rough surfaces because they minimize opportunities for corrosion initiation and facilitate easier cleaning.

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Critical Steps in Successfully Welding Stainless Steel Storage Tanks

• Preparation and cleaning: Proper preparation of the metal surfaces is essential. Remove any contaminants, such as oils, grease, paint, or scale, that could interfere with the welding process or affect the quality of the weld. Stainless steel should also be free from carbon steel particles or tools used on carbon steel to prevent contamination.
• Use suitable welding equipment and consumables: Stainless steel welding typically requires equipment and consumables specifically designed for this material. This includes welding machines capable of precise control over heat input, as well as filler metals (electrodes or wires) that match or are compatible with the base metal grade.
• Control heat input: Stainless steel is sensitive to heat during welding, which can affect its corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Use low heat input techniques and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures to minimize distortion, oxidation, and the formation of undesirable phases like chromium carbides along the grain boundaries (sensitization).
• Shielding gas: Use a shielding gas appropriate for stainless steel welding, such as argon or a mixture of argon and CO2. The gas protects the weld area from atmospheric contamination, which could otherwise cause oxidation and affect the weld quality.
• Post-weld cleaning and passivation: After welding, clean the weld area thoroughly to remove any heat tint or oxide scale that may have formed during welding. Passivation, which is the process of restoring the protective oxide layer on the surface of stainless steel, may also be necessary to ensure optimal corrosion resistance.
• Consider joint design: The design of the joint can impact welding ease and quality. Ensure joints are well-prepared with appropriate fit-up and geometry to facilitate smooth welding and minimize the risk of defects.
• Welding processes: GTAW, SAW, GMAW, FCAW and SAW processes are commonly used for welding stainless steel materials depending on the application, joint configuration, and thickness of the materials being welded. Control of heat input and cleanliness of the weld are paramount to successfully joining stainless steel materials.
• Post-weld inspection: Inspect the welds after completion to ensure they meet quality standards, including visual inspection and possibly non-destructive testing (NDT) methods if required.

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At Tate Metalworks, we are committed to excellence, safety, reliability, and innovation in our craftsmanship. No matter what type of material is used, you can trust that our tanks are engineered to meet the highest standards of quality, performance and safety. Tate Metalworks offers peace of mind and long-term value for all your storage tank needs.

Contact us to learn more about our proven expertise in your industry, or request a proposal to get started on your stainless steel tank.

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