Tank Terminology Guide
New to plastic tanks? Here is what the terms mean.
Materials
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| HDPE | High Density Polyethylene. Standard tank plastic. Excellent chemical resistance. FDA-approved grades available. |
| XLPE | Cross-Linked Polyethylene. Tougher than HDPE. For aggressive chemicals, diesel, high temps. 15-25% premium. |
| PP | Polypropylene. Used in fittings, valves, couplers. Higher temp tolerance than HDPE. |
| FRP | Fiberglass Reinforced Plastic. Higher temp rating. More expensive, brittle on impact. |
Specifications
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Specific Gravity (SG) | Liquid density vs water. Water = 1.0. A 1.5 SG tank holds liquids 50% heavier than water. Always match or exceed your liquid SG. |
| NPT | National Pipe Thread. Standard US pipe threading. Tapered threads seal with Teflon tape. |
| Bulkhead Fitting | Fitting that passes through the tank wall, sealed with gaskets. Drill hole, insert, tighten. |
| Manway / Lid | Top opening for filling and access. Measured by diameter (8", 16", 22"). |
| FDA Approved | Resin meets FDA requirements for food and drinking water contact. |
| NSF 61 | NSF standard for drinking water materials. More rigorous than FDA. |
| UV Stabilized | UV inhibitors compounded into resin. Not a surface coating. |
Tank Types
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Vertical Tank | Upright cylinder. Small footprint. 10 to 20,000 gallons. |
| Cone Bottom | Cone bottom for 100% drainage. Requires stand. Chemical mixing. |
| Inductor Tank | Cone bottom for mixing chemicals into spray systems. |
| Doorway Tank | Slim profile fits through 32" doors. Indoor storage. |
| Horizontal / Leg Tank | Sideways on legs. Transport applications. |
| Elliptical Tank | Horizontal with oval cross-section. Lower trailer profile. |
Manufacturing
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Rotomolding | Heated rotating mold creates seamless one-piece tank. |
| Parting Line | Thin ridge where mold halves meet. Normal. |
Shipping
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| LTL | Less Than Truckload. Shared trailer. 3-7 days. |
| Liftgate | Hydraulic platform lowers tank to ground. Extra $50-100. |
| Will Call | Pick up from nearest plant. No freight. |
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