There are two main options when it comes to picking a solution for chemical tank storage: GRP tanks or poly tanks. Both types of storage tank are available to buy in a range of sizes, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to use. Here we will compare the two so you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your application:
GRP Tanks
Seams That Are Prone To Leaks
Firstly, GRP tanks have seams. They are not one-piece vessels and are made of separate pieces of material. As a result, GRP tanks can be susceptible to leaks with the seam areas, often proving weak spots.
Human Error In Production
GRP tanks are made by hand, meaning that during their production and manufacture, this type of tank is exposed to the possibility of human error.
What Are GRP Tanks Made Of?
GRP tanks are costly to make. They are produced by GRP tank manufacturers that use expensive materials such as resin-rich corrosion barriers that are strong enough to contain common chemicals.
High Maintenance
GRP tanks also need significant maintenance. Because they are prone to leaks and corrosion over time, GRP tanks require frequent inspections and maintenance that can be both time-consuming and hazardous.
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Polypropylene Tanks
No Seams And One-Piece Construction
Polypropylene tanks have the advantage of being made using a one-piece moulded construction. This means they have the advantage of no seams, and consequently, a greatly reduced risk of leakage.
Automated Production
The manufacture of polypropylene tanks is fully automated, so the risk of human error during production is completely eliminated.
Enhanced Durability And Corrosion Resistance
Polypropylene tanks, and in particular, high-density crosslinked polypropylene tanks, are extremely resistant to a wide variety of otherwise corrosive chemicals. This not only makes poly tanks more durable but also removes the need for any coating applications that can be very expensive.
More Cost-Effective Than GRP Tanks
Another advantage of polypropylene tanks is the material used to make them is cheaper than GRP tank material, and lower-cost manufacturing equals lower-cost price.
What Are Poly Tanks Made Of?
There are two kinds of poly tank – linear polyethylene and high-density crosslinked Polypropylene (XLPE), with the latter being a thermoset resin engineered especially for critical applications such as chemical storage.
We have a wide range of polyethylene tanks for sale and if you have any questions or are still unsure about which product is best for you, then get in touch and one of our storage tank specialists will help you out.
If you’re an arable farmer, chances are you need to store liquid fertiliser for your crops. Storing chemicals requires a suitable tank that you can rely on to safely store your liquid fertiliser until it’s needed. When choosing a tank, you will notice that there are two main types: those made of glass-fibre reinforced plastic (GRP), and those made of polyethene.
Making the right choice when you need a tank for your liquid fertiliser is essential, so when deciding whether to opt for GRP or polyethene, what should you consider?
Manufacturing Processes
GRP tanks are manufactured by hand or a semi-automated process, while polyethene tanks are made using a fully automated process. Anything made by hand is subject to human error and discrepancies. Where processes are automated, the result is a consistent product with minimal likelihood of defects. The process used to produce polyethene tanks minimises the chance of defects.
Cost
Manufacturing by hand or semi-automated manufacturing is labour-intensive. Automated production has much lower labour costs, meaning that polyethene tanks are cheaper to produce. Also, chemicals can wick into GRP over time, so these tanks require lining with resin-rich corrosion barriers to prevent damage. In contrast, polyethene tanks need no lining due to their high-density, hard-wearing properties, helping to keep manufacturing costs low.
Seams and Weak Spots
Polyethene tanks are moulded as one whole unit, with no seams or joins. Some GRP tanks, however, are constructed in pieces, which are then joined together. Often, this includes separate lids and bases, as well as joins in the main body. These seams are weak points in the structure and, over time and even with good maintenance, can become prone to leaks.
Maintenance
Thanks to their design, polyethene tanks require very little maintenance. In contrast, due to the seams, the linings, and the more reactive fabric, GRP requires regular maintenance to ensure that they remain safe and usable. Periodic inspections of all parts of the tank are necessary, which often involves having to work in confined spaces.
Fragility
Sometimes tanks need to be moved. With polyethene, this is simple, as the plastic can withstand bumps, knocks and even, in some cases, being dropped. GRP, however, is much more brittle and inflexible, meaning that they can easily crack, even when moved by the experts. Moving them can be a hazardous business.
The Enduratank polyethene liquid fertiliser tanks are available in 24 sizes ranging from 1,250 to 30,000 litres, and larger capacities up to 90,000 litres can be achieved by interlinking the tanks. They’re ideal for storing bulk orders of ready mixed fertiliser, removing the need for mixing or constant agitation. Enduratank also manufactures framed support bases for their polyethene tanks, making them the perfect choice for your liquid fertiliser.
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