May 23,2023
Water is a resource that is essential for industrial processes and household requirements. Be it an industrial setup or a residential household, water storage tanks are a common and necessary feature without which no industry or house can function. Since water tanks are so vital, it is important to select the right kind of storage tank that will ensure the purity of water for all domestic and industrial purposes. Storage tanks are usually available in two versions, steel tank, and plastic tank.
If you are someone who is confused about whether to buy a steel water tank or a plastic one, then you're in the right place because, in this blog, we will be making a detailed comparison of plastic and steel tanks. So keep reading further to make the correct choice.
Steel tanks are popular in many areas of the industrial sector. Primarily steel tanks are forged from two types of steel, namely stainless steel and mild steel. Steel tanks have numerous benefits, such as
Steel tanks are known for being tough and withstanding all types of weather conditions. They are more resistant to UV radiation and do not get damaged by the sun's rays. Steel tanks are made from a type of steel that is resistant to rust internally and externally. Therefore these tanks have a long usage life. Additionally, steel tanks can be repaired in case they get damaged. In most cases of damage, you will not need to replace the whole tank. Plastic tanks are not as robust and need to be replaced if they get damaged.
Industries that require storage tank designs that fit their particular needs opt for steel tanks, as the design can be customized and molded accordingly. Many features can be added during the molding process, such as inlets and spaces for valves. Plastic tanks are not made to order and come in standard sizes.
Whether it is storing water or any other substance, steel tanks are known to provide a germ-free atmosphere. Steel tanks are not susceptible to bacterial growth, which means that they remain largely free from algae growth. This characteristic makes them popular in the industrial processes of the food industry. Moreover, even in domestic areas that involve the storage of drinking water, steel containers are preferred as they are more hygienic and preserve the purity of water.
If liquids of significant value are being stored, such as oil, then steel storage tanks are the preferred option because a steel fuel tank is more difficult to pierce or cut through, and this provides better security against theft.
Moreover, in industrial settings involving heavy machinery, steel tanks minimize the risk of shattering or getting damaged by moving machinery, unlike plastic tanks. As steel tanks can be custom molded, they are usually fitted with a sealing design that removes any risk of dust or insects polluting the liquid.
Expensive
Whether it is for industrial or domestic purposes forging steel tanks is a labor-intensive task. As a raw material, the price of steel is higher than plastic. This price, coupled with labor costs, means that steel tanks are double the price of plastic tanks.
Moving and transporting a steel tank is a time-consuming process. Replacing a steel tank can become a headache as the storage tanks are quite bulky. Moving the steel tank from one place to another requires machines and also leads to a greater fuel cost.
The manufacturing and forging process of the steel storage tank takes a significantly longer time than the manufacturing of a plastic container. In domestic and industrial aspects, time is of essential importance, and a slow industrial pace can hurt the profitability of the business.
Affordable
If you are looking to save money, then plastic tanks are the ideal choice for you. As a raw material, plastic is easy to manufacture and much cheaper than steel. The labor cost is also significantly less as most of the storage tanks are made using an automated molding process called roto molding. Unlike plastic tanks,
steel tanks involve manual welding, which increases labor charges.
Plastic storage tanks are widely used in a wide range of industries, such as the pharmaceutical, pesticide, and chemical industries, for storage of chemical solvents, acids, and alkalis. Steel tanks are unsuitable for chemical storage as they get corroded. This is a significant advantage that plastic tanks have over steel tanks.
Compared to steel tanks, plastic tanks can be transported comparatively easily. This means a lesser transportation cost. Being significantly lighter, they are easy to replace also and can be easily attached and detached.
As opposed to steel tanks that require welding and requires manual labor, molding plastic tanks is a relatively fast process. Plastic tanks are manufactured by roto-molding, which involves a machine-operated mold in which soft plastic is poured into the rotating mold to shape the tank.
Susceptible To Damage from UV Radiation
Plastic containers are unable to withstand extended exposure to UV rays and can get damaged from them. This is especially true for storage tanks made from low-grade plastics. UV radiation can cause such tanks to crack, bulge and lose their shape. But high-quality plastics do not suffer from this problem.
For people who need a special-purpose design to fit the needs of a particular industry, plastic storage tanks are not a viable choice, as the molding techniques used in manufacturing plastic tanks limit the design features and capacity to standard sizes and designs. So if you are thinking of installing a sealing mechanism or any other design features, then it can only be accomplished in steel tanks.
Choosing between a plastic and steel tank depends greatly on the intended application. Having said that, if you are looking for value for money and are not limited by specific industrial design requirements, then it is better to opt for a top-quality plastic storage tank. They have many versatile uses and can store a variety of liquids and chemicals, and are much easier and cost-effective to replace. However, if you have specific design requirements and want to go with a really long-lasting solution, steel tanks are the way to go.