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Engineered Polyethylene Tank Systems – Components

By White Papers

White Paper for Engineered Polyethylene Tank SystemsEngineered Polyethylene Tank Systems – Components

When it comes to liquid process and storage, engineered polyethylene tanks offer unparalleled versatility across industries. From potable water to industrial chemicals, these tanks are built to handle a diverse array of applications. However, selecting the right material and fittings is crucial to ensure performance, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Material Matters

Polyethylene tanks are primarily crafted from two types of resins: Linear Polyethylene (LPE) and Crosslinked Polyethylene (XLPE). While XLPE is often assumed superior, LPE actually offers better overall chemical resistance, similar physical properties, and sufficient temperature tolerance for most applications. LPE is also NSF 61-rated, making it the go-to material for high-purity applications like pharmaceuticals and food processing. Moreover, LPE tanks are recyclable, reducing environmental impact—a growing priority in today’s markets.

Process Fittings: A Critical Decision

The right process fittings can make or break the performance of a tank system. Options range from economical bulkhead fittings to robust welded couplings. Each fitting style presents unique benefits and limitations:

  • Bulkhead fittings are cost-effective and easy to install but may require frequent gasket replacements.
  • Welded couplings provide unmatched durability and chemical compatibility, ideal for heavy-duty applications.
  • Spin-weld fittings offer a low-cost solution but are best suited for light-duty and top-mounted applications.

Advanced options like SUMO or IMFO fittings, integrated during the molding process, reduce leakage risks and maximize drainage but come with fixed locations and limited sizes.

Making the Right Choice

Selecting the optimal tank system goes beyond choosing the right resin or fittings. It requires an understanding of material properties, application needs, and the long-term demands of the system. Collaborating with an experienced tank supplier ensures a tailored solution, balancing performance, safety, and lifecycle cost.

Engineered polyethylene tanks and components are investments in operational reliability. By staying informed about material innovations and partnering with trusted providers, businesses can achieve a seamless, high-performing tank system.

To read the full White Paper Engineered Polyethylene Tank Systems – Components – Fill out form to Download.

Shipping and Packing

Shipping & Packing Of Polyethylene Tanks

By White Papers

Best Practices for Shipping & Packing of Polyethylene Tanks

Peabody Shipping and Packing White PaperWhen investing in a polyethylene tank, ensuring it reaches your facility in perfect condition is critical. At Peabody Engineering, we take every precaution to protect our tanks during transit, but proper handling upon delivery is equally important. This guide outlines best practices for shipping, receiving, and unloading polyethylene tanks of all sizes.

Shipping Methods by Tank Size

Small Tanks (5 to 65 Gallons)
For smaller tanks, standard shipping methods like UPS and FedEx are used. When shipping multiple tanks, they are palletized, strapped, and wrapped in polyethylene film for added protection. Accessories are placed inside the tank to prevent damage, and these shipments can typically be unloaded by hand, pallet jack, or forklift.

Medium-Sized Tanks (70 to 1500 Gallons)
Larger tanks exceed small package shipping limits and are transported via common or contract carriers. These tanks are securely palletized and wrapped to prevent damage. Tanks over 48 inches in diameter are placed on custom-built pallets, with additional protection for welded nozzles and fittings. Unloading typically requires a pallet jack or forklift.

Large Tanks (Over 1500 Gallons)
Larger polyethylene tanks are often customized with welded nozzles, ladders, and other components. They require specialized handling, often shipped via dedicated trucks as “wide loads.” These tanks are typically laid on their side and must be handled carefully during unloading. Peabody Engineering provides a guide on safe tank unloading and installation upon request.

Receiving and Inspecting Your Tank
Upon delivery, conduct a thorough inspection before signing the bill of lading:
Check for damage – Examine both the exterior and interior of the tank for signs of impact or loose parts.
Verify shipment contents – Ensure all items listed on the bill of lading are accounted for, including any accessories.
Document issues immediately – If damage is noted, take photos and document it on the receiving paperwork before accepting the shipment.

Failure to note damages upon delivery can result in difficulty filing a claim with the freight company.

Proper Offloading Procedures
To prevent damage during unloading:

  • Do not roll tanks off the truck – Rolling can damage fittings and accessories.
  • Use the correct equipment – Large tanks should be offloaded with a forklift or crane.
  • Account for environmental factors – Wind and uneven terrain can make handling more challenging.

Need Assistance?
Peabody Engineering has over 40 years of experience in polyethylene tank manufacturing and logistics. If you encounter issues or have questions about handling your tank, our team is ready to assist. Contact us at 1-800-4-PEABODY for expert support.

Fill out form to Download this white paper to serve as a reference to understand what to expect when receiving your tanks.

ASTM Whitepaper

ASTM Wall Thickness Formulas

By White Papers

This white paper delves into the dynamic journey of manufacturing rotationally molded polyethylene tanks over the past four decades. Unlike tanks crafted from traditional materials such as mild steel, stainless steel, and fiberglass, the realm of rotationally molded polyethylene tanks is a relatively youthful domain.

Exploring the origins of ASTM wall thickness calculations, we uncover their pivotal role in shaping the landscape of manufacturing rotationally molded polyethylene tanks today.

If you’re intrigued by the advancements in molding technologies that have revolutionized the production of consistently high-quality parts, we invite you to delve deeper into the evolution of manufacturing rotationally molded tanks by downloading our white paper for a comprehensive exploration.

All You Need To Know About Rotational Molding

By White Papers

Rotational MoldingIf you are looking for quality, low tooling costs, high tensile strength, uniform wall thickness, and a single, seamless one-piece construction in a tank or other product, then a rotationally molded part is your best solution.

What is Rotational Molding?

Rotational molding is a three-stage, no-pressure, plastic molding process. During the heating stage, the mold slowly rotates in two planes (bi-axial rotation). Heat transfer causes the plastic charge inside the mold to melt and uniformly coat the interior of the mold. During the second stage, the mold moves to the cooling station, where it is cooled by air and/or water spray. In the final load/unload stage…To read more download our white paper to learn more about Rotational Molding.

Seismic Restraint Systems for Polyethylene Tanks

Seismic Restraint Systems for Polyethylene Tanks

By White Papers

About 35 years ago, Peabody Engineering did a study in cooperation with California State University Long Beach Engineering Structures Lab to design a viable seismic restraint system for our polyethylene tanks.

Based on that study, we determined that the cable and post systems that were being used as an industry standard for seismic restraint of polyethylene tanks were an ineffective and unsafe design. We decided that a new design should be developed that would safely restrain plastic tanks without the potential for damaging them. Peabody does offer a cable system for our tanks if you have budget constraints, but we strongly recommend you consider one of our three other superior designs outlined below based upon the risks associated with the cable systems noted above.

 

Download this white paper to serve as a reference for our Seismic Restraint Systems for Polyethylene Tanks.

Special Application Tanks

Special Application Tanks

By White Papers

Special Application TanksWith more than 40 years in the plastic tank business, you would be hard pressed to find an application we haven’t seen before. When it comes to building polyethylene tanks for custom applications, there are always unique design considerations. Our whitepaper includes important factors when configuring and specifying a special application storage tank.

Download this white paper to serve as a reference for our Special Application Tanks.

Peabody Plastic

Plastic Chemical Storage and Process Tanks

By White Papers

Chemical storage tanks for industrial, agricultural, high-purity and municipal applications are available in a very wide variety of sizes and styles. They are also available in a variety of different materials of construction. This paper will discuss the benefits of “Plastic Chemical Storage and Process Tanks”.

Peabody Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy of Rotationally Molded Polyethylene Tanks

By White Papers

Life Expectancy of Rotational White Paper ThumbWhen it comes to maximizing the life cycle of your storage tank assets, and your ROI, it’s natural to choose the most cost-effective, durable construction material for your application. For those reasons and more, polyethylene for commercial storage tanks is ideal for applications storing a wide range of liquids. But what is the expected life cycle of a polyethylene tank?  This white paper, Life Expectancy of Rotationally Molded Polyethylene Tanks, addresses the factors that can impact the poly tank life and outlines recommendations for tank care.

This white paper introduces you to Linear Polyethylene Resins (LDPE), and outlines four parameters affecting the lifespan of an LDPE tank:  its applications, its characteristics, its environmental exposures, and its care.

Learn about what makes polyethylene a superior tank solution:

  • Excellent UV inhibitors
  • Service life up to 20 years
  • Extremely chemical resistant
  • Excellent impact resistance
  • Very low maintenance

Download the white paper now to get more details about these important factors and features and how they can help you maximize the Life Expectancy of Rotationally Molded Polyethylene Tanks. 

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