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Cresol Storage Tank Selection

Storing Cresol? Start Here

Cresol, also known as cresylic acid, is a versatile chemical used in disinfectants, phenolic resins, and antioxidants. It comes in three isomers: ortho, meta, and para-cresol, with meta-cresol being the only liquid form at room temperature. Cresol is often stored as a mixed-isomer liquid, which is brown to yellow. If you're handling cresol for industrial purposes, selecting the right storage tank is crucial for safety and effectiveness.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

No, polyethylene tanks are not suitable for storing cresol. Cresol can swell and dissolve polyolefin materials, making HDPE and XLPE tanks a poor choice. Instead, use 316L stainless steel or FRP vinyl ester tanks for safe storage.

Key Issue: Material Compatibility

When storing cresol, material compatibility is key. Cresol can attack many common materials, so it's important to choose tanks made from 316L stainless steel or FRP vinyl ester with a hot-cured cycle. Avoid using materials like HDPE, polypropylene, and EPDM, which are not resistant to cresol.

The safety that actually matters

  • Always use tanks made from materials resistant to cresol.
  • Ensure proper ventilation to handle cresol fumes safely.
  • Follow all regulatory guidelines for cresol storage and handling.

Common questions

What materials are safe for cresol storage?
316L stainless steel and FRP vinyl ester are recommended for cresol storage.
Can I use a plastic tank for cresol?
No, plastic tanks like HDPE are not suitable as cresol can dissolve them.
What should I consider for cresol tank gaskets?
Use Viton or PTFE gaskets, as they are resistant to cresol.

Need a tank for this chemical?

Our team will confirm the right material and a freight quote to your ZIP. Call 866-418-1777 or browse the chemical compatibility database.

Designing the storage system, not just picking a tank?

Vendor-neutral engineering guides from our custom fabrication team - material of construction, containment, and code, matched to your chemistry.

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Sources & References

All compatibility ratings, hazard classifications, and chemical identifiers on this page are sourced from authoritative third-party publications. Verify against the original references before final specification.

  1. Snyder Industries Chemical Resistance Recommendations — system-of-construction guidance for polyethylene chemical-storage tanks at industrial ASTM 1.9 SG design rating. SNY-3041 Chemical Resistance Chart. Snyder Industries, current edition. Resin + fitting + gasket + bolt MOC matrix.
  2. Equistar Technical Tip — Chemical Resistance of Polyethylene — LDPE / MDPE / HDPE rating chart by concentration and temperature, distributed by Enduraplas. enduraplas.com (PDF). Equistar polyethylene resin chemical-resistance data, distributed via Enduraplas.
  3. NFPA 704: Standard System for the Identification of the Hazards of Materials for Emergency Response. nfpa.org. NFPA 704 'fire diamond' health/flammability/instability/special-hazard rating system (0–4 scale).
  4. UN Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS), current revision. unece.org/transport/ghs. GHS pictograms, signal words, and H-statement codes referenced in this guide.
  5. ASTM D1998 — Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks, current edition. astm.org. Cited as the design-specific-gravity standard (typically 1.9 SG) for industrial chemical-service polyethylene tanks.
  6. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards — occupational exposure limits, PPE, and IDLH data for Cresol. cdc.gov/niosh/npg. CDC / NIOSH chemical-specific occupational-safety reference.

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