21 May Storage Tanks: Differences in Storing Oil, Water & Chemicals
When it comes to industrial storage tank, not all tanks are made the same. Water, oil, and aggressive chemicals each require specific tanks and designs for proper storage, and each one has differences in material, design, and regulatory standards.
If you have use for storage tanks, selecting the right one is essential to maintaining operational efficiency and protecting your facility from risk. Here’s how tank design and construction vary across different applications.
Water storage tanks
Carbon or stainless steel is normally used in tanks storing water.
Water storage tanks are commonly used for municipal supply, rainwater harvesting, industrial process water, and fire safety reserves.
These tanks are typically made from carbon steel or stainless steel. For potable water, SS304 or SS316 stainless steel is preferred for its hygiene and corrosion resistance. For non-potable applications, carbon steel tanks with internal epoxy or glass linings are commonly used to prevent rust and maintain water purity.
Most water tanks are cylindrical, either vertical for gravity-fed use or horizontal for easier ground installation. In Malaysia, local standards such as SPAN, MS1390, and MS1228 apply to drinking water systems.
Key considerations:
- Material: Stainless steel (potable), carbon steel with linings (non-potable)
- Common types: Elevated, ground-level, bolted or welded
- Standards: SPAN, MS1390, MS1228
Oil storage tanks
Oil storage calls for corrosion-resistant tanks.
Oil storage tanks are used to contain crude oil, diesel, and lubricants. They must be leakproof, fire-safe, and vapour-sealed. These are usually carbon steel tanks with welded seams, often fitted with floating roofs or pressure-relief valves to manage vapour and thermal expansion.
They may be configured as fixed-roof, floating-roof, or horizontal cylindrical tanks. In Malaysia, API 650 standards are commonly followed, along with BOMBA fire safety guidelines. Petronas PTS specifications may also apply to industry-specific operations.
Key considerations:
- Material: Welded carbon steel with protective coatings
- Designs: Fixed-roof, cone-roof, floating-roof
- Standards: API 650, BOMBA, Petronas PTS
Chemical storage tanks
Chemical storage tanks are engineered to withstand and properly contain strong liquids and materials.
Chemicals like acids, alkalis, and solvents require storage tanks with high chemical resistance. These are typically made from SS316L, duplex stainless steel, or carbon steel lined with rubber, PTFE, or epoxy. Tank selection depends on chemical reactivity, temperature, and pH.
Chemical tank designs may include double-walled tanks, jacketed tanks for thermal control, and venting or leak detection systems for hazardous materials. Due to their nature, compliance with DOE Malaysia, API 620, or MS1390 is often required for regulated chemical storage.
Key considerations:
- Material: SS316L or carbon steel with resistant linings
- Designs: Double-wall, vertical cylinder, vented
- Standards: DOE Malaysia, API 620, MS1390
Other stored liquids: Fuel, food-grade, and wastewater
While water, oil, and chemicals are the most common categories, there are other liquids with their own storage tank requirements:
- Fuel tanks (e.g. petrol, biodiesel) must meet fire safety and leak prevention standards. Most use carbon steel with vapour recovery features.
- Food-grade tanks must be built from high-grade stainless steel and follow sanitary design principles (e.g. smooth welds, CIP-ready).
- Wastewater tanks may require coatings to handle sludge, acidity, or biological activity depending on the treatment phase.
Though not as complex as chemical tanks, these still require careful selection based on the fluid’s properties and environmental exposure.
Find the right tank solution with SJEC
Proper storage of water, oil, or chemicals calls for the right tank by a trusted storage tank supplier and manufacturer, like SJEC! Storage tank and tank farm construction is one of our specialties, and we offer end-to-end industrial tank design and fabrication solutions that meet stringent standards across various industries in Malaysia.
Explore our capabilities in storage tank construction and tank farms by reaching out to us today, all backed by export-ready options like FOB, EXW, and CIF delivery.
FAQ
How big are industrial storage tanks?
Industrial storage tanks vary widely in size and capacities, ranging from 10,000 litres for small-scale operations to over 5 million litres for large facilities like refineries or municipal storage.
Vertical tanks save more floor space, while horizontal ones offer easier access and maintenance.
What is the difference between a storage tank and a reservoir?
Storage tanks are enclosed and designed to hold liquids like water, oil, or chemicals under controlled conditions. On the other hand, reservoirs are usually open-air basins (natural or excavated) used to store large volumes of water, typically uncovered and used for raw water supply or irrigation.
What materials are storage tanks made of?
Industrial storage tanks are built with different materials depending on the substance being stored. Carbon steel is cost-effective and strong, but needs coatings for corrosion protection. Stainless steel offers excellent corrosion resistance, making it suitable for food-grade, chemical, or high-humidity applications. FRP and polyethylene are also used for lighter, chemical-specific applications.
How can industrial storage tanks be maintained?
Routine inspections for leaks and structural wear, non-destructive testing, internal cleaning, and coating renewal help ensure storage tanks are safe to use and compliant with regulations.