Plastic Storage Tanks

Plastic tanks: start with the application, not just the capacity

“We need a 3,000-gallon tank.” That is often the starting point. Yet capacity alone does not tell us whether the tank will remain in place, transport a liquid, or how it will be filled and emptied. The shape, access to the installation site and connections can change the choice entirely.

Agrico Plastics offers several families of tanks for businesses and organizations across Canada. We help you identify the models to consider, then confirm the selected product’s characteristics for your application.

Which type of tank should you consider?

This table helps narrow the search. It does not confirm that a particular model is compatible with a given liquid.

Before choosing a tank shape

Stationary storage or transport

A closed-top vertical tank may suit stationary storage. A horizontal model may be considered when available height is limited or the application involves transport. A tank that fits inside a truck is not necessarily designed to travel while full.

In the field, we sometimes see capacity chosen before anyone checks the route to the installation site. A narrow doorway, low ceiling or insufficient access to the piping can force changes to the project. It is also important to consider how the tank will be inspected and maintained after installation.

Filling, sampling and draining

If an operation requires access from above, an open-top model is worth considering when the lid opening of a closed-top model is too small. If bottom drainage is essential, or the product is heavy, viscous or likely to form deposits, cone-bottom models can be compared.

For a corrosive liquid or a project requiring secondary containment, a double-wall tank will be preferred, and the location of its connections must be confirmed before ordering. Some configurations require special tank preparation to preserve its containment function.

Planning how the liquid will enter and leave the tank helps confirm that its shape accommodates the desired connections and the actual process.

The liquid changes the selection criteria

Potable water and food products

A “food-grade” designation for the plastic alone does not confirm that the entire assembly is suitable for potable water or the intended food product. We check the selected model and the components in contact with the liquid, including fittings and potable water hoses when the application involves transfer.

Needs differ in food processing and agriculture and maple syrup production. Our tank applications page presents other uses.

Chemicals and process liquids

For a fertilizer, water treatment solution or other chemical, we confirm the exact product and operating conditions before determining compatibility. Tank compatibility does not automatically establish the compatibility of gaskets, bulkhead fittings or valves.

The mistake we want to avoid before installation

For a project requiring a buffer tank, receiving only a request for “a tank of about 3,000 gallons” is not enough to prepare the installation properly. If limited height calls for a horizontal shape or connections must be placed in specific locations, those constraints need to be known before ordering. Otherwise, the installation team may have to modify the setup on site. That is why Agrico Plastics can assist you in selecting the tank and its accessories.

We also examine the liquid’s actual specific gravity and temperature. A product that is too dense or water that is too hot could damage a tank that is not suited to those conditions. The applicable limits must be confirmed for the selected model and its intended use.

Vent caps and transfer hoses are also part of the assembly to consider. A connection on the wrong side can create extra work during installation even when the tank itself is suitable.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tank be transported while full?

It depends on the model and application. A tank’s storage capacity does not confirm that it can travel while full. Its intended use, support and tie-down requirements must be checked.

Are all tanks suitable for potable water?

No. The required compliance must be confirmed for the selected model and the project’s requirements. Components in contact with the water must also be suitable for that use.

What is the maximum temperature for a plastic tank?

Most tank models are made of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and have a maximum continuous operating temperature of 120°F / 49°C. We also offer special-order tanks made of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) for use up to 149°F / 65°C.