Cone Bottom Tanks - Closed Top Plastic Tanks

Closed-top cone-bottom tanks: plan for drainage and installation

A closed-top cone-bottom tank directs liquid toward an outlet at the bottom of the cone. Its stand raises the tank to allow connections underneath. The closed top limits exposure to dust, while the lid provides access to the contents.

This tank is primarily used for heavy, viscous or heterogeneous products containing sediment, or when complete drainage or cleaning between uses is important. Tank selection depends on the liquid and the installation: a cone bottom alone does not guarantee that every viscous product will flow.

To compare possible uses, visit our section on tanks for food, agricultural and industrial applications.

Compare configurations

Differences in the stand, roof shape and specific gravity rating matter as much as capacity. We select an assembly suited to the project, without assuming that all cone-bottom tanks have the same characteristics.

The stand designed for the tank is part of the installation. It must not be replaced with an improvised support. That is why it is included in the tank price. Installation on the original stand is required for the manufacturer's tank warranty. To compare another storage configuration, our closed-top vertical tanks offer an alternative to consider.

An outlet beneath the cone: plan for accessories too

At Agrico, we can prepare additional connections to suit the application. The location of inlets, outlets, the overflow, the vent or any other connection must be discussed before ordering, taking piping and access constraints into account.

An important point: the distance between the cone and the floor is not automatically sufficient for your installation. A change in piping direction may be needed, for example with a 90° elbow, if space and the configuration allow it. The valve and adapters are then planned, with appropriate support for the assembly. To validate the project, we check the tank with its accessories installed and the surrounding equipment, not just the tank height.

A polypropylene or PVC ball valve can control the liquid outlet, but the chemical compatibility of the materials must always be checked. Elbow fittings allow a different piping direction to be considered. Their selection depends on the thread, diameter and available space.

For an additional connection, stainless steel bolted bulkhead fittings can be evaluated if standard threaded fittings do not meet the requirements. If transfer requires a flexible connection, we select liquid suction and discharge hoses according to the liquid and service conditions.

Check the liquid and operating conditions

Before recommending a tank, we need to know the product, its concentration, its specific gravity and its actual temperature. Compatibility must also be checked for the fittings, gaskets and valve.

A higher specific gravity rating does not automatically make the tank suitable for a chemical or a hot liquid. These criteria must be validated together.

For food processing applications, resin compliance with FDA requirements is not enough to validate the entire installation. The product, accessories and planned cleaning must also be considered.

These tanks are intended for above-ground use and cannot be pressurized. A closed top does not turn the tank into a pressure vessel.

Frequently asked questions

Does a cone bottom guarantee drainage without residue?

It directs the contents toward the bottom outlet. The result also depends on the liquid's viscosity, its behaviour and the drainage assembly. For a thick product, we validate the application before promising complete drainage. However, a cone bottom promotes drainage toward the outlet, unlike a flat bottom.

Can a cone-bottom tank be used without its stand?

No. The tank must be installed on the stand designed for its configuration. This stand supports the tank, avoids inappropriate pressure points and provides access to the outlet beneath the cone. Installation on the original stand is also a condition of the manufacturer's warranty.

When should you choose a closed-top cone-bottom tank?

When your operation requires complete drainage or the product is thick, viscous or contains sediment, and access through the lid is sufficient for your operations. For full access from above, consider open-top cone-bottom tanks instead. The choice must account for the access required and the protection needed for the contents.