Material information for the Ace Roto-Mold Polyethylene Tanks

This page provides information on the Ace polyethylene tank materials, including chemical service temperatures, ultraviolet light exposure, environmental stress crack resistance, specific gravity, material color, FDA compliance, and NSF compliance.

Chemical Service Temperatures

Continued or prolonged service with certain chemicals at elevated temperatures may reduce the life of a polyethylene tank. The effects of the temperature on the polyethylene will depend on the chemical chemistry, specific gravity, size and model of the tank the chemical is to be stored in, and the tank wall thickness. Ace Roto-Mold tanks will handle sustained temperatures of up to 120°F (49°C) and intermittent temperatures of up to 140°F (60°C) depending upon the chemicals to be stored. Consult the chemical manufacturer for recommendations regarding storage in polyethylene tanks and service temperature limits. Please note that higher service temperatures will lower the specific gravity rating of the tank.

Ultraviolet Light Exposure

Ace Roto-Mold tanks are molded from polyethylene compounded with the latest ultraviolet (UV) light stabilizers technology. These UV stabilizers will reduce the harmful effects of ultraviolet light exposure and are intended to extend the life of a tank over similar materials that are not compounded with stabilizers. Our UV rating is "15" on most product materials which generally means that after 15000 hours of exposure to the sun, there will be 50% UV protection remaining. Consult the factory for the specific UV rating of your product.

Environmental Stress Crack Resistance (ESCR Rating)

ESCR is a method utilized to evaluate or test processed polyethylene for stress crack resistance when exposed to a chemical for a given time. Most polyethylene resins are rated according to an ESCR value specified in the material specifications data supplied by the resin supplier. Certain chemicals, although having no direct chemical effect on polyethylene, may accelerate cracking under mechanical stresses. Elevated temperatures may also affect polyethylene cracking. Although all processed polyethylene resins are subject to stress cracking, some are more resistant to it than others. Please reference the material data specifications for ESCR ratings for the tank model selected. To reduce the effect of ESCR, proper care should be taken to reduce stress at fittings, bands, tie-down lugs, etc.

Specific Gravity

Specific Gravity is the chemical weight ratio divided by the water weight per gallon (8.33 lb. per gallon). For example, if a chemical weighs 10 lbs. per gallon, the specific gravity of the chemical is 10.0/8.33 = 1.2. (Metric: kilogram/cubic meter or gram/liter) The Ace Roto-Mold standard tank has 1.7 specific gravity.

Material Color

The standard color for most Ace Roto-Mold tanks is natural (translucent white). Yellow is the standard color for crop care tanks, septic tanks, and liquid feeders. Spot sprayer and vertical tanks may be inventoried in both natural and yellow. Standard stock tanks are spruce green. All tanks may be ordered in non-standard colors such as yellow, black, or green as an option.

FDA Compliance

Ace Roto-Mold tanks are manufactured utilizing FDA-compliant resins. Natural, black, and green colored tanks are in full compliance with current FDA standards for polyethylene tanks. However, when blended into the resin, certain colors (i.e., yellow) may affect this compliance. Consult the factory regarding other colors and FDA compliance. Please specify on your tank order if FDA compliance is required, and we will assist in your selection.

NSF Compliance

National Sanitary Foundation (NSF) compliance considers several factors for approval. Among these are the material and final configuration of the product, including fittings and accessories that are exposed to the chemical. For this reason, please consult the factory regarding NSF approval.