What are your guidelines for handling, installation, and use of your tanks?

Improper handling and installation can damage tanks, fittings, and accessories. Proper handling, installation, and use guidelines should be followed.

• When your tank is delivered, immediately inspect the tank for defects or damage from shipping. Any discrepancies or problems found should be noted on the delivery receipt.
• When unloading your tank off the truck, care should be taken to avoid contact with sharp objects. When using a forklift to move the tank, precautions must be taken to prevent damage. The unloading area should be free of rocks, sharp objects, and other materials that can damage the tank.
• Tanks must be fully supported on the bottom. Concrete pads are the best method of supporting a tank. Tanks with a base load bearing less than 800 pounds per square foot can be placed on a compacted bed of sand, pea gravel, or fine soil that will not be subject to erosion.
• If the tank is going to be supported on a stand, the stand must be mounted on a concrete base. This is due to the tank's weight being concentrated on the stand's legs supported by a smaller area.
• Seismic and wind factors must be considered, and necessary tie-downs and the bolting down of stands must be done to prevent movement due to agitation, wind, seismic loads, and accidental contact.
• Tanks should be protected from impact, especially at low temperatures.
• Tanks should be used within the recommended operating temperatures.
  - Tanks should be installed in an accessible area where proper maintenance can be done.
• All our tanks, except the Cistern tanks, are for above-ground installation only.
• Tanks should not be moved while holding liquid. Tanks should only be moved when empty.
• To ensure no leaks in your tank, we recommend you hydro-test tanks before use by filling them with water and letting them set for a minimum of 5 hours. This will prevent material loss in case there is a problem with a fitting, shipping damage, or a manufactures defect.
• Chemical Compatibility must be checked to ensure the tank, fittings, and fitting gaskets are compatible with the chemicals at the anticipated operating temperatures. Please get in touch with our Technical Department with any questions regarding the chemical compatibility of your application with our products.
• Bulkhead or tank fittings should be hand tightened and then another 1/4 turn. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN, as this may cause the gasket to distort and result in a leak.
• Some of our rectangular tanks require additional support. Any rectangular tank over 18" tall requires bracing with angle iron or 2x4s and plywood. Note: fabricated tanks have built-in reinforcements and do not require additional support as long as they are used at the operating temperature and with the compatible chemical. Please contact us with any questions or concerns about chemical compatibility.
• Mixers and heavy equipment should not be mounted on the sides of the tank.
• Tanks fittings should not be supporting any weight. Pipes and valves attached to fittings must be supported.
• Due to expansion and contraction, rigid pipelines attached to the tank must have expansion joints to prevent damage.
• Tanks are designed for atmospheric pressure only. Tanks SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR VACUUM OR PRESSURE.
• If immersion heaters are used, they must be installed, so they do not touch the tank's wall.

Please contact us with any questions regarding the installation and use of any of our tanks. We would be more than happy to assist in selecting the appropriate tank for your application.