When it comes to designing a tank, it is critical to consider the quality of the tank material to be used. The material choice is vital to the long term viability of the project and to the contractor’s bottom line. To ensure you choose the correct material, there are 3 fundamental rules to follow:

Be Clear and Specific

Most projects undergo a significant amount of planning and structure but occasionally adjustments must be made. Communicating the project requirements in a clear and effective manner reduces the likelihood of miscommunication or misunderstandings that can delay your project. Naturally, this communication must flow in both directions. Considered obvious by some, failure to provide clear and specific project requirements can result in ineffective materials being used for your project.

Correct Design

It is important to keep in mind the application of the tank when designing it. The material you decide to use must take into account important metrics such as temperature, pressure rating, and cost in order to make the correct decision. Certain materials such as carbon steel, and stainless steel inherently handle warm temperatures better than materials such as plastic. The same can be said for a tank that are designed to hold pressure. It’s important to keep these things in mind and not just focus on cost. While cost is a consideration that should be important to your decision, it should never be the only factor in choosing the right material for your tank.

Proper Placement

Knowing where the tank will reside is vital to success of the material. An unlined, carbon steel tank placed in a high moisture environment will result in rust, which will create concerns over the life of the tank. Knowing how the tank material will react with the surrounding environment is essential to deciding on the appropriate material for your project.

These rules could be considered an overall generalization of picking the correct tank material. However, because they are considered fundamental, they are often overlooked in the processes leading to project completion. By providing the correct design specification, being clear about the project requirements, and choosing the correct material, the resulting tank will give your project the long term viability it needs to be considered a success for you and business.