Introductions to the Types of Storage Tanks
The term tank is used to refer to any artificial container that is used for storage purposes. Storage tanks are used in the manufacturing industry to hold liquids and compressed gasses. Tanks can also be used to store water. Tanks are used in a variety of industries like the petroleum refining industry, petrochemical industry, transfer operations as well as any other industry that consumes or produces liquids and/or vapors. Some of the liquids that need to be stored in such industries are volatile in nature. It is important for businesses to choose the right storage tank for such volatile liquids and gases. Improper storage can lead to fires and explosions (KLM Technology Group, STORAGE TANK SELECTION AND SIZING - ENGINEERING DESIGN GUIDELINE, n.d.). Proper maintenance with the help of professional tanklyft service providers should be carried out. Mentioned below are some of the types of storage tanks that businesses can use.
Fixed-roof tanks
Fixed roof tanks are the least expensive to construct. They can be used for storing liquids. The tank is made up of a cylindrical steel shell. A domed or conical roof is permanently fixed to the top of the tank shell. Newer tanks are fully welded and are vapour tight however older fixed roof tanks were made with a riveted or bolted construction and hence could not be used to store vapour.
External floating roof tanks
External Floating roof tanks are also cylindrical in shape. Instead of a fixed roof, these tanks have a floating roof. The roof sits on the surface of the liquid stored and rises and falls with the level of liquid. This type of design minimizes the standing storage loss of liquids as evaporation is limited.
Internal floating roof tanks
This type of tank is a combination of the two mentioned above. Along with a fixed roof, internal floating roof tanks have a secondary roof that is inside the tank. The internal floating roof may be directly in contact with the liquid or hover a few inches above the liquid surface with the help of pontoons.
Horizontal tanks
Horizontal tanks are usually small in size. Access to such tanks is achieved through manholes. These tanks are generally also equipped with gauge hatches and sample wells. They are made from steel and may be placed underground.
Variable vapor space tanks
The volume of vapour inside a tank may fluctuate based on temperature and barometric pressure. Such tanks are designed to deal with such fluctuations. The loss of vapour in such tanks only occurs when the vapour holding capacity is exceeded.
One company that provides tank lifting equipment along with cistern maintenance, caissons and more is Bygging Uddemann. More information is available on their website.













