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• February 21, 2019

4 Types of Underground Storage Tanks

The United States federal regulations states that when at least 10% of a tank’s volume is buried underground, it can be labelled as underground storage tank (UST).

Underground pipes connect several underground tanks. These Tanks are used to store regulated liquids (petroleum or any other hazardous elements).

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency regulates the manufacturing process of USTs in the country.

The agency works to prevent liquid leakage that can contaminate soil and underground water. Service stations, convenience stores, local governments and fleet services are the main users of USTs in the USA.

In the USA, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has implemented regulatory policies to ensure the safety of all living beings. EPA is working in the USA to bring awareness among citizens about the dangers related to faulty tank servicing.

Underground storage tanks can be of different sizes and shapes. Here we’ll talk about 4 types of USTs. Read on!

Aluminum or Steel Tanks

Most of the American states use steel or aluminum UST. The Steel Tank Institute of the USA sets the standards of these tanks. The cylindrical, square or rectangular tanks can be set horizontally or vertically.

A variety of accessories, such as hold-down lugs, internal baffle plates, ladders, saddles and dispensing valves can be used in this kind of tank.

To maximize the life expectancy of your tank, you can invest in primer, paint, inner barrier coating, potable water coating and special epoxy coating. You can store up to 50,000 gallons of material in these tanks.

Composite Over wrapped

This type of tank is built with the mixture of two or more materials that are significantly different from each other.

The different chemical and physical properties lead to a very unique material.

The characteristics of this material are completely different from the original materials. The tank contains filament winding made of amid, glass fiber, carbon fiber or other plastic compounds.

These protective shields maximize the lifespan of the metal cylinder as they are corrosion-resistant.

Metal matrix composite is another type of composite material where a metal is mixed with some other metal or it can be a completely different object, such as organic compound or ceramic.

Usually when metal is mixed with ceramic, it’s called cermet. Cermet is complementary to Metal matrix composite.

Thermoplastic Tanks

Composite materials are popularly used in underground storage tanks. Many USTs are made with a polymer liner on the carbon fiber.

These cost-effective tanks can be set vertically or horizontally. These tanks are extensively used for chemical storage, industrial oil storage and water storage. Thermoplastic offers chemical and corrosion resistance.

Cisterns

This is the most common among various kinds of UST. Underground water storage tanks are also called cisterns.

Underground cisterns are extensively used for rainwater collection and storage along with well water storage.

Other than these, cisterns are also used for cooling tower make up, air conditioning condensate and fire protection services.

These tanks can be made of two materials: polyethylene and fiberglass. A properly functioning cistern has access to hatch, air vent, fill port, withdrawal pipe and water pump.

GSC Tanks is a popular tank manufacturer from USA that supplies storage tanks made of polyethylene, fiberglass, alloy, reinforced concrete, steel and stainless steel.

We provide our products for chemical production, food and beverage companies, power generators, mining operations, agricultural products and paper plants.

You can expect value for your money and highly professional technical support from us. For more information, call on 470-589-7790 or write to sales@gsctanks.com.

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