Chemical Storage Tanks

2007-05-02 10:04:19

( Business )



Chemical storage guidelines recommend that the amount of chemicals present in your laboratory should be kept to a minimum. Segregation of chemicals should also be done, based on chemical categories, and not in random or alphabetical order. Stored chemicals may be segregated based on their incompatibility or their hazard classes. In the former, incompatible substances, such as acids and bases, cannot be stored near each other; in the latter, the chemicals are categorized according to the hazards that they can cause, such as flammability and corrosive ability. If chemicals are not stored properly, they can produce polymerization reactions, explosions and release of lethal gases or compounds in the atmosphere.

Safe laboratory practices also require you to use different chemical storage equipment when storing different kinds of chemicals, such as chemical storage tanks. Chemical storage tanks are containers made especially for chemicals. These chemical storage tanks are made up of chemical-resistant material, typically stainless steel, fiberglass and polyethylene. Stainless steel tanks are best used for corrosive material, while fiberglass tanks are best in preventing physical damage. Polyethylene tanks, meanwhile, are utilized when both the metal and the fiberglass tanks are unsuitable. Polyethylene tanks are usually preferred because of the broad range of chemical resistance and the cost. Some tanks can be modified based on your specifications, including provision of additional insulation.

Proper handling and storage of chemicals require you to clearly label all chemical storage tanks and other chemical containers. Labels should include the specific contents, description of hazards, precautions, and specific instructions in case of emergencies.

To most important thing to determine when choosing the ideal chemical storage tank for your chemicals is whether the tank is chemically compatible. You should also look into other properties of the storage tanks, such as resistance to impact and high temperatures, lifespan and, of course, cost.


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