Seawater Concentrate Tank Selection

Storing Seawater Concentrate? Start Here

If you're dealing with seawater concentrate, you're likely in a coastal industry like desalination, aquaculture, or oceanographic research. This concentrate ranges from regular seawater to highly concentrated brine. It’s a staple in many marine operations, used for everything from aquaculture tanks to shipyard wet-docks. The key is to store it safely and effectively, and that often means using the right kind of tank.

Can you store it in a poly tank?

Yes, you can store seawater concentrate in polyethylene tanks. HDPE and XLPE tanks are standard for this purpose, handling salinity levels from 35 to 75 ppt without issues. They're ideal for outdoor use, especially with UV stabilizers, making them a reliable choice for coastal environments.

Watch out for corrosion

While polyethylene tanks handle seawater concentrate well, be cautious with other materials. Chloride in the concentrate can cause pitting and corrosion in metals like carbon steel, copper, and galvanized steel. Always choose materials that resist these effects, such as HDPE or stainless steel alloys like Duplex 2205.

The safety that actually matters

• Use UV-stabilized tanks for outdoor storage to prevent degradation.
• Ensure gaskets and fittings are compatible; EPDM is a cost-effective choice.
• Avoid using carbon steel or galvanized steel to prevent rapid corrosion.

Common questions

What size tanks are available for seawater concentrate?

Polyethylene tanks range from 200 to 15,000 gallons, suitable for various scales of operation.

Can I use stainless steel for storing seawater concentrate?

Stainless steel like Duplex 2205 is suitable, but avoid 304 and 316L due to potential pitting.

What gaskets should I use?

EPDM gaskets are standard for seawater services, but always match gaskets to the manufacturer chart for best results.