Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG) Storage & Tank Compatibility

Storing Alkyl Polyglucoside (APG)? Start Here

Alkyl polyglucoside (APG) is not a single compound — it is a formulated nonionic surfactant blend made by reacting glucose (from starch) with fatty alcohols (typically C8–C16). Commercial product is an aqueous concentrate that is a complex mixture of homologues, anomers and isomers, plus water and trace free fatty alcohol and glucose. APGs are prized for being plant-derived, readily biodegradable, mild, stable across a wide pH range, and tolerant of hard water and electrolytes.

Industrially, APG is used in hand and surface cleaners, agricultural adjuvants and spray tank-mixes, hard-surface and CIP detergents, personal-care and cosmetic formulations, oilfield and enhanced-recovery fluids, and as a co-surfactant and hydrotrope in countless blends. Because the as-shipped product is a high-actives water solution, material of construction (MOC) is driven by aqueous-surfactant behavior — primarily corrosion of bare metals and the stress-cracking sensitivity of polyethylene to concentrated surfactants — rather than by solvent attack.

Is Polyethylene (HDPE / XLPE) Safe for Alkyl Polyglucoside?

Yes — polyethylene is compatible (rating S). APG is an aqueous nonionic surfactant, and published polyethylene resistance charts rate HDPE Satisfactory for synthetic detergents, soap solutions of any concentration, and glucose solutions at both ambient and elevated temperatures. There is no solvent or oxidizer attack on the polymer backbone.

The one real caveat is environmental stress cracking (ESC): concentrated surfactants are classic ESC agents, and HDPE held under tensile or molded-in stress can craze over time in contact with high-actives surfactant concentrate. For that reason, crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) is the preferred resin for bulk storage of APG concentrate, while HDPE is well-suited to dilute working solutions, transfer and short-term containment. For heavy or high-actives loads, specify a higher specific-gravity rated poly tank and confirm the tank’s SG rating covers your product density (typically approx. 1.1–1.2).

Material compatibility at a glance

Alkyl polyglucoside is a water-based nonionic surfactant blend, so polyethylene is the appropriate, cost-effective material of construction. HDPE and crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE) both handle aqueous detergent and surfactant solutions well (rated Satisfactory). Choose XLPE for long-term storage of high-actives concentrate because concentrated surfactants can drive environmental stress cracking in HDPE under sustained stress. 316 stainless, PP, FKM and EPDM are all suitable for process, seal and CIP service. Avoid bare carbon steel for storage.

Ratings: S suitable · C conditional / limited · U unsuitable. Verify against the cited resistance charts and your concentration/temperature before specifying.

The safety that actually matters

• Serious eye damage (H318): APG concentrate is classified as causing serious eye damage — wear chemical splash goggles and a face shield when handling.
• Skin irritation (H315): repeated or prolonged contact with the concentrate can irritate skin; wear chemical-resistant gloves and protective clothing.
• Slip hazard: spilled surfactant makes floors extremely slippery — contain and clean promptly.
• High foaming: APG foams readily; avoid aggressive agitation, splash-filling and overflow during transfer.
• Not flammable as supplied: the water-based concentrate is essentially non-combustible, but dried residue and added builders may change the profile — check the product SDS.
• Aquatic / disposal: readily biodegradable but still a surfactant load — do not discharge concentrated product to surface water; follow local effluent limits.

Common questions

Can I store alkyl polyglucoside in a poly (HDPE or XLPE) tank?

Yes. APG is an aqueous nonionic surfactant and polyethylene is rated Satisfactory for detergents and surfactant solutions. Use XLPE for long-term storage of high-actives concentrate because concentrated surfactants can promote environmental stress cracking in HDPE under sustained stress; HDPE is fine for dilute working solutions and transfer.

Why is XLPE recommended over HDPE for the concentrate?

Concentrated surfactants are known environmental stress-cracking (ESC) agents. Crosslinked polyethylene resists ESC far better than standard HDPE, so it is the safer choice for bulk concentrate that sits under load for long periods. The chemistry is not corrosive to the polymer — the concern is stress cracking, not dissolution.

What specific gravity rating should my poly tank have?

APG concentrate is typically around 1.1–1.2 g/cm³, heavier than water. Confirm the tank’s specific-gravity rating covers your product’s actual density (check the SDS), and choose a higher-SG-rated poly tank for full-strength, high-actives product.

Is alkyl polyglucoside hazardous to handle?

It is mild compared with many surfactants but the concentrate is still classified as causing serious eye damage (H318) and skin irritation (H315), signal word Danger. It is water-based and not flammable as supplied, and is readily biodegradable. Use splash goggles, gloves and protective clothing, and control foam and slip hazards.