A tank is one of the most essential pieces of equipment that every factory needs. Tanks typically store hazardous materials, like chemicals or fuel oil. They also come in handy when flowing water is needed to keep an industrial process running smoothly. Tanks are long-lasting, sturdy containers that can endure extreme conditions without breaking down. However, tanks can be expensive to purchase and install. They also require a substantial investment to set up and maintain. This is why it is important to consider various factors while sourcing them. Here are a few tips for finding the best tanks for your factory.
Size and Material
Before you purchase the tanks, you need to determine what size tank would be ideal for your business. Tanks come in various sizes and are made of numerous materials. You need to know the exact dimensions of your factory area so that you can comfortably fit in the tank. You may also want to consider if you want one or two tanks. You can then use these dimensions to determine how much space you will have left over for other equipment, such as ventilation systems or internal electrical wiring. Materials also have different qualities and can be made of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or plastic. Before purchasing the tank, you need to be sure it is an ideal size for your factory and is made from the appropriate material.
Your Budget
Tanks are relatively expensive purchases, costing anywhere between $5,000 to $50,000 or more. You need to determine if you have the capital to purchase a tank without tapping into your working capital. When determining your budgeting needs, you need to factor in the initial cost of purchasing a tank and its operating expenses. Typically, the maintenance cost will amount to around 10% of your total purchase price per year. However, understand that the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to the cost of a tank. You will likely want to invest in a high-quality tank to prevent any issues in your factory down the road.
Type
Most factories use one or two tanks to store hazardous material. Some factories, however, have more than one tank and need to keep track of which tank has the chemical in it. You need to determine if you use a combination of different types of tanks. This will require you to keep track of which tank has which chemical in it so that you can easily identify them and ensure they are not mixed up at any time. For instance, an automatic tank welding machine is used to prevent mixing different chemicals in the same tank. You can then use a pipe welding machine or an automatic flange welding machine to ensure that the tanks are not filled with incompatible chemicals.
Longevity and Reliability
You need to ensure that the tanks are durable and do not break down due to poor manufacturing or defective materials. You can test the quality of the tank by tapping on it as hard as possible. If you hear a hollow sound, then it most likely does not have thick enough walls. The tank should also be corrosion-resistant and resistant to scratches and dents. When sourcing a tank, you may consider looking at international manufacturers since they tend to have higher quality products than local ones.
Tanks used in factories come in different sizes, materials, and shapes. Some factors to consider when sourcing your tanks include your budget, the space available for a tank, what type of chemicals you will store inside the tank, and longevity and reliability.