Plastic Tank Installation and Use Guidelines
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While our polyethylene
plastic tanks are
made with high quality materials and manufactured to
exacting standards, improper handling and
installation can damage them or their fittings.
Follow the guidelines listed on this page to avoid
problems. You may void your warranty if you do not
handle and install your tanks properly.
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When
tanks are delivered, they should be inspected for
damage before the delivery is accepted. If problems
of any kind are noted, they should be listed on the
driver's bill of lading and on the packing list.
Contact us immediately so we can work with you to
correct any problems as quickly as possible.
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Extreme care should
be taken when unloading tanks from trucks. Tanks
should be unloaded onto smooth surfaces that are
free of rocks or other sharp objects that could
cause damage. Be especially careful to guard against
damage that can be caused by the blades on
forklifts. Use a crane to lift large tanks from the
truck.
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When tanks are being
unloaded, moved or installed, damage to tank
fittings must be avoided. Do not allow the weight of
the tank to rest on any of the fittings. Do not roll
the tank over any of its fittings.
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It is very important that
tanks are installed on a surface that is smooth,
firm and supports the tank completely. In almost all
circumstances, a reinforced concrete base is the
best solution. Even when a tank stand is used, the
stand must be mounted on a solid base. Be sure to
secure tanks and stands to guard against movement
that could occur from wind, seismic activity, motion
of contents or other causes.
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Consider the location
of the installation and be sure you have enough room
for maintenance activities. Since polyethylene tanks
may contract or expand due to temperature changes,
atmospheric conditions and the nature of the
contents, proper planning is important regarding the
space in which they are installed and the amount of
material that is placed in them.
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You should consider the
work activities that will take place in the vicinity of
the tank and take precaution against accidental contact
with the tank. Impact with the tank, especially at low
temperatures, can cause tank failure.
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Certain tanks require
support of the sides to avoid structural failure. Be
aware of the properties of your tanks and the
properties of the contents they will hold.
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Tanks are not designed to
support the weight of machinery, equipment or any heavy
load. Do not mount items like this on the top of the
tank or on its fittings.
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If it is necessary for
workers to enter the tank, great care should be taken to
guard against asphyxiation or breathing of hazardous
vapors and fumes.
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Fittings and Accessories:
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Be aware of the type
of fittings used on your tank. Hand tighten plastic
bulkhead fittings. If they are over-tightened,
fittings may leak.
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It
is important that fittings, valves, pipes and other
accessories are fully supported. Fittings and tank
attachments should not carry any weight.
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Since different materials expand and contract at
different rates, expansion joints should be used to
accommodate those differences and prevent damage.
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Care must be taken with the installation of accessories.
Immersion heaters, for instance, must be installed so
that they do not come in contact with the walls of the
tank. Consult the documentation for the accessory for
more detailed installation information.
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Tank Use:
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Use
tanks only for the purpose for which they are created.
Do not apply contents under pressure or create a vaccuum
unless the tank is specifically rated for that use.
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Make sure that the materials you store in the tank are
appropriate for the properties of the tank, fittings,
gaskets and accessories.
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Do not use the tank for storing
liquids that are above or below the coninuous use
temperature for that tank.
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Before Placing the Tank into Use:
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Test your installation by filling
the tank with water before you put the unit into use.
Verify the integrity of the tank and its fittings.
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