Chemical tank applications are about more than just choosing the right tank. For safe, efficient, and compliant storage, it’s critical to specify the proper ancillary equipment—the fittings, vents, monitors, heaters, and more that keep operations running smoothly.
In this guide, we’ll break down what to include and provide real-world examples to help you design a complete, future-ready chemical storage system.
Why Ancillary Equipment Matters
Even with a tank made from the right material, things can go wrong if supporting equipment is overlooked. Imagine storing sulfuric acid in a cross-linked polyethylene tank—but with incompatible fittings and no pressure relief vents. The result? Corrosion, stress, spills, or worse.
- Prevent pressure-related failures
- Ensure full chemical compatibility
- Comply with regulations (EPA, OSHA, local codes)
- Extend system lifespan
1. Tank Selection: Start With the Right Foundation
Before you even look at accessories, ensure your tank is correct for the job.
- Material: Use a chemical compatibility chart.
- Type: Vertical, horizontal, cone-bottom, single or double-wall.
- Location: Indoor/outdoor, seismic zone, UV exposure?
Example: A food processor in Arizona uses a double-wall XLPE tank for sodium hydroxide. This meets secondary containment requirements and withstands harsh sun exposure.
2. Fittings and Vents: Build in Function and Flexibility
Fittings allow fluid transfer, instrumentation, and draining. Vents help regulate pressure and manage air displacement.
Common Fitting Types:
- Bulkhead: Easy to install, best for smaller connections.
- Flange: Works well with insulated tanks in cold climates.
- Metallic: Ideal for aggressive chemicals like bleach or acids.
- Full Drain: Ensures complete emptying (important for cleaning or batch turnover).
Venting Options:
- Mushroom vents
- U-vents
- Anti-foam elbows (for foaming liquids like ferric chloride)
Example: A wastewater plant upgraded to anti-foam elbows on their ferric chloride tanks, eliminating messy overflow during high-speed filling.
3. Flexible Expansion Joints: Prevent Cracks and Failures
As tanks fill and empty, they expand and contract. Expansion joints absorb this motion, protecting fittings and piping from stress-related failure.
Example: A phosphoric acid tank cracked at the outlet due to thermal expansion. After installing flexible joints, no further failures occurred.
4. Lifting, Restraint & Support Systems
Don’t overlook how your tank will be delivered, placed, and stabilized long-term.
- Lifting Lugs: Center- or side-mount for crane placement
- Seismic Restraints: Essential in earthquake zones
- Tank Stands: Required for tanks with full-drain outlets
Example: A distributor in California installed seismic restraints to meet Zone 4 code requirements, ensuring tanks remained secure during a minor quake.
5. Monitoring Equipment: Stay in Control
Proper monitoring protects both your product and your people. Choose based on how critical the application is.
- Leak Detection: Especially for double-wall tanks
- Level Indicators: Mechanical or ultrasonic options
- Temperature & Pressure Sensors: Especially for peroxide, polymers, or acids
- Flow Meters: Track throughput or monitor dosing
- Panel Displays: Aggregate tank data in one place
Example: A food-grade glycerin tank with ultrasonic level monitoring prevented overfills and saved thousands in product loss.
6. Heating and Insulation
Many chemicals need thermal control—either to maintain flow or prevent freezing.
- Immersion Heaters: For direct tank heating
- Heat Trace Systems: Wrap around pipes and tanks to maintain temps
- Insulation Jackets: Save energy and protect contents
Example: A blending facility in Chicago added 2” foam insulation and electric heat tracing to maintain their sulfuric acid tanks at 68°F year-round.
7. Agitation and Access
When mixing is required, safety and structural support are critical.
- Agitators: Top-entry, side-entry, or portable
- Bridges: Reinforce large tank tops with mixing loads
- FRP Platforms: Safe top access with ladders and cages
Example: A micronutrient company used top-entry mixers with FRP ladders for routine inspection and mixing of trace element blends.
8. Chemical Feed Equipment: Dose It Right
In many chemical tank applications, dosing accuracy is key to performance and safety.
- Feed Stations: Skid-mounted, turnkey systems
- Tank Scales: Monitor chemical use in real-time
- Metering Pumps: Sized to exact flow and pressure requirements
Example: A beverage company used metering pumps to inject citric acid into the production line at 2.3 GPH with pinpoint accuracy.
The Bottom Line: Plan Early, Specify Smart
Don’t treat ancillary equipment as an afterthought. Involve engineering partners and suppliers early to avoid redesigns and code violations. The right equipment upfront means fewer surprises later.
Need Help With Your Chemical Tank System?
We help businesses specify and install complete chemical tank systems that meet safety, compliance, and operational needs. Contact us to talk about your application.
