Stainless Steel Tanks

Introduction

This article gives you comprehensive information for selecting and specifying stainless steel tanks. Read further to learn more about:

Why Stainless Steels in Storage Tanks?
Types of Stainless Steel Tanks
Stainless Steel Tank Finishes
Storage Tank Uses
And much more…

Chapter 1: What are Stainless Steel Tanks?

Stainless steel tanks are widely used in various sectors, including food, beverage, dairy, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics, where maintaining hygiene and purity is essential. These tanks are also crucial in industrial settings for storing chemicals and gases, demanding excellent durability against chemical breakdown. This resilience is attributed to its composition; stainless steel is an iron alloy containing chromium that enhances corrosion resistance. The formation of a thin oxide layer helps protect the metal from potentially harmful substances.

Stainless steel tanks come in diverse forms and dimensions, with configurations available in both vertical and horizontal orientations, tailored to space and logistical needs. They range from compact designs of just a few liters to expansive tanks capable of accommodating several thousand gallons. Basic water tanks made from stainless steel typically have an inlet, outlet, and a manhole often found in residential use. In industrial contexts, tanks are equipped with various nozzles to facilitate the blending of liquids and gases and to accommodate monitoring devices. Certain tanks function as reactors or mixers, equipped with agitators and mixing mechanisms to combine materials. Furthermore, they might feature cooling jackets and dual walls for insulation and temperature management. The adaptable nature of stainless steel tanks allows for easy customization to satisfy specific application requirements.

What Makes Stainless Steel Corrosion Resistant?

Stainless steel remains resistant to corrosion through a mechanism known as passivation, which makes the metal mostly "inert" to oxidation. This process occurs by forming a protective oxide coating on its exterior. The passive layer, primarily made of chromium oxides, protects stainless steel from aggressive outside influences and substances in processing fluids.

The main component of stainless steel is iron, augmented with at least 10.5% chromium, crucial for the formation of a protective film made of metal oxides. Additional alloy constituents include carbon, nickel, manganese, and molybdenum. Carbon transforms pure iron into steel, thereby improving its strength. Nickel and manganese provide stability to the austenitic structure, preventing it from hardening under heat while ensuring ductility at elevated temperatures. Compared to ferritic counterparts, austenitic stainless steel remains tough even when cold. Although manganese isn't as effective as nickel, it's a cost-efficient alternative. Molybdenum, akin to chromium, boosts resistance to corrosion and reinforces the steel at high temperatures, yet it can render stainless steel brittle, an issue alleviated by incorporating more nickel.

Passivation

The process of passivation involves exposing stainless steel to air, enabling the creation of an oxide layer that shields the surface. To expedite this layer's formation, chemical treatment is applied, submerging the steel in acidic baths—commonly with nitric acid—that cleanse it thoroughly. This procedure removes contaminants like exogenous iron or free iron compounds that could obstruct the passive layer. After the acid bath, the metal is neutralized by treating it with aqueous sodium hydroxide. Furthermore, descaling eliminates other oxide formations that might form during high-temperature procedures such as hot-forming, welding, and heat treatment.

Chapter 2: What are the different stainless steel grades used in tanks?

Stainless steel is a preferred material for manufacturing storage tanks, process tanks, mixing tanks, and chemical tanks because of its excellent corrosion resistance, longevity, and strength under demanding industrial conditions. Stainless steel tanks are engineered using a range of stainless steel grades, each offering different characteristics tailored for specific applications, chemical compatibilities, and performance requirements. Optimizing stainless steel selection ensures tank durability, hygiene, and maintenance efficiency in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverage processing, water treatment, dairy, and chemical manufacturing. In this section, we explore the most widely used stainless steel grades for tank fabrication: 304/304L, 316/316L, and duplex.

Stainless Steel 304 and 304L

Stainless steel 304, aside from the steel forming alloys, is composed of 18-20% chromium, 8-11% nickel, and 2% manganese. This is the most common stainless steel since it has enough corrosion resistance for most applications and is less expensive than other grades. An austenitic metallurgical structure makes it ductile and well-suited for forming a wide range of products.

Stainless steel 304L contains similar amounts of chromium, nickel, and manganese as stainless steel 304. The key distinction lies in its reduced carbon content, which helps prevent sensitization. Sensitization occurs when chromium and carbon atoms in the steel react at elevated temperatures to form chromium carbides. This reaction depletes chromium that would otherwise contribute to the passive film, particularly at the grain boundaries of the steel, leading to increased susceptibility to intergranular corrosion. This issue is especially significant in high-temperature applications. By reducing the carbide content, the formation of chromium carbides is minimized, thereby preserving corrosion resistance even under high temperatures.

The combination of affordability and reliable performance makes 304 and 304L stainless steel tanks ideal for general-purpose storage applications, including potable water, breweries, distilleries, and many food-grade storage tank installations. Thanks to their ease of fabrication, these grades are popular for cylindrical tanks, jacketed tanks, and atmospheric tanks where aggressive chemical resistance is not a primary concern.

Stainless Steel 316 and 316L

Stainless steel 316 contains 16-18% chromium, 10-14% nickel, 2-3% molybdenum, and 2% manganese. The added molybdenum makes this grade more corrosion-resistant than stainless steel 304. It has higher nickel content to counter the ferritic forming property of the added molybdenum. Stainless steel 316 is mostly used in highly corrosive environments such as chemical handling tanks and tanks near marine environments. Like stainless steel 304, stainless steel 316 has a lower carbon grade, 316L. Lower carbon content is also used for high-temperature applications to prevent sensitization.

316 and 316L stainless steel tanks are particularly valued for their superior resistance to pitting corrosion and crevice corrosion caused by chlorides, acids, and other harsh chemicals. As a result, they are the preferred choice for industrial process tanks, chemical storage tanks, offshore tanks, brine tanks, and tanks used in saltwater or caustic chemical processes. Industries relying on hygienic stainless steel tanks, such as pharmaceutical production, food processing, cosmetics, and biotechnology, often specify 316L stainless steel for its exceptional purity, cleanability, and resistance to contamination.

When evaluating 316 vs. 316L for tank manufacturing, consult with stainless steel tank suppliers for expert guidance. They will consider the intended application, temperature, chemical concentration, and relevant sanitary or industry standards (such as ASME, FDA, or 3-A) to recommend the most suitable grade.

Duplex Stainless Steel

This type of stainless steel is composed of both austenitic and ferritic metallurgical structures. Austenitic stainless steel offers superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties compared to ferritic stainless steel, but it is more prone to stress corrosion cracking. Stress corrosion cracking occurs when a crack develops in a material exposed to a corrosive environment, potentially leading to sudden failure. On the other hand, ferritic stainless steel is resistant to stress corrosion cracking. By combining the ferritic phase with the austenitic phase, the material gains enhanced resistance to stress corrosion cracking. This makes it particularly suitable for tanks used in environments and processes involving chlorides, such as domestic water applications.

For demanding industrial applications, duplex stainless steel tanks deliver a unique balance of strength and resistance to a broad spectrum of corrosive substances, including aggressive chlorides and sulfides. Duplex alloys exhibit superior mechanical strength, enabling a reduction in tank wall thickness—and therefore material costs—without compromising performance. These tanks are ideal for wastewater treatment, desalination plants, oil and gas storage, pulp and paper processing, and chemical plant reactors. The duplex structure allows for a longer service life, reduced risk of corrosion-induced failures, and greater safety in chemically aggressive or high-stress environments.

Metallurgical Structure of a Duplex Stainless Steel

Duplex stainless steel comprises 20-28% chromium, 2-5% molybdenum, and 5-8% nickel. The increased chromium and molybdenum content enhances the corrosion resistance and mechanical strength of duplex stainless steels. Compared to 316 stainless steel, duplex steel is more cost-effective due to its lower nickel content and higher strength at a given thickness, allowing for the use of thinner plates or sheets. The most commonly used grade of duplex stainless steel is the standard duplex, also known as 2205 stainless steel.

When selecting the best stainless steel tank material, consider factors such as required resistance to specific chemicals, temperature ranges, pressure ratings, and compliance with food-grade, pharmaceutical, or sanitary standards. Reputable stainless steel tank manufacturers can help evaluate the trade-offs between 304 vs. 316 stainless steel, or between duplex vs. austenitic grades, to ensure your tank investment meets your performance, safety, and regulatory needs. For a more detailed comparison of tank materials—including alloy composition, corrosion resistance, maintenance requirements, and life cycle costs—request specification sheets and consult with expert suppliers.

Leading Stainless Steel Tank Manufacturers and Companies

Frain Industries, Inc.

G & F Manufacturing Company, Inc.

Rexarc International

True-Blue Welding and Fabrication LLC

Central Valley Tank Inc.

Midwest Tank Company

Chapter 3: What are the different types of stainless steel tanks?

Stainless steel tanks offer extensive customization options to meet specific requirements. They can be designed with various features, including single or double walls, horizontal or vertical orientations, and insulation or heating capabilities. The following are general classifications of stainless steel tanks based on their function and construction.

Single-walled Stainless Steel Tanks:

These are the simplest stainless steel tanks, usually cylindrical in construction. These can be oriented vertically or horizontally depending on the application and size restrictions. Having a single wall offers protection from corrosive compounds on both the internal and external surfaces of the tank. These are mostly used in storing water for domestic use and in manufacturing plants with liquid raw materials.
Double-walled Stainless Steel Tanks:

These are used for applications requiring secondary containment in case of spillage, as regulated by the EPA in its oil spill prevention programs, particularly SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure). Double-walled tanks can have one or both walls of stainless steel, depending on where the corrosion resistance is needed. Other double-walled stainless steel tanks have insulation in between. The insulation protects the product from ambient temperature variations.
Stainless Steel Clad Tanks:

Constructing large stainless steel tanks with thick walls are very expensive and impractical. A solution to this is to construct the tank with carbon steel plates that are subjected to the static load and pressure of the process fluid while being covered with a thin sheet of stainless steel cladding for corrosion protection. Stainless steel cladded carbon steel plates are formed by pressing and heating the two metals together. A metallurgical bond is formed during this process. Stainless steel sheets can be bonded on one side (single-side cladding), or both (double-side cladding). Aside from pressing, other techniques are available such as hot roll bonding, cold roll bonding, and explosive bonding.
Jacketed Stainless Steel Tanks:

These types of stainless steel tanks are primarily used for processes that require additional heating, cooling, or thermal stability. Heating or cooling fluid flows through the space between the two stainless steel plates or sheets. Heat transfer takes place through the inner wall. After heat transfer, the heating or cooling liquid returns to the utility systems (boiler or cooling towers). There are three types of jacketed stainless steel tanks:
- Conventional Jacket:
  
  This stainless steel jacketed tank has an outer wall that is only supported by baffles welded between the two metal sheets or plates. The space between the walls is an annular space. Conventional jacketed stainless steel tanks are best suited for low-pressure applications. When applied to higher pressure, cost increases significantly due to the increased thickness required for the outer wall.
- Dimple Jacket:
  
  In this type of jacketed tank, the outer wall is spot-, or plug-welded into the tank. This method of attachment to the inner wall creates depressions or "dimples", as seen on the external surface of the outer wall. The arrangement of the dimples can be staggered or in-line. Since there is a larger effective area of attachment, it is stronger compared than conventional jackets, allowing thinner sheets to be used. However, this is not applicable for processes that use fast heating and cooling cycles since thermal shock can weaken the welds.
- Half-pipe Coil Jacket:
  
  Instead of using an outer metal sheet wall, a split pipe is wound and welded around the tank wall. This method of attachment is stronger compared to the other two jackets, making this design useful for high-pressure applications without being affected by thermal fatigue. For large tank volume applications, this is more expensive than a dimpled jacket but cheaper than conventional.
Stainless Steel Process Tanks:

This type of stainless steel tank is used for mixing, dissolving, or homogenizing process components or ingredients found in most manufacturing and industrial plants. The main feature of these tanks is the agitator or mixing head. There are many different agitator designs that can be used. Examples are high shear mixing heads, mixing paddles, impellers, and helical agitators. Instruments are installed for monitoring parameters such as temperature, pressure, and level. Stainless steel process tanks can have additional features such as heating and insulation by utilizing double walls.
High-pressure Stainless Steel Tanks:

Tanks used for domestic and commercial applications have low pressures, usually rated at atmospheric pressures up to 1 barg. When operating pressure exceeds 1 barg, design and construction must follow standards such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. This is to ensure that the energy stored in the vessel does not threaten workplace safety and the environment. The ASME code stipulates design considerations, design factors, material selection, fabrication methods, and testing requirements. Certification marks are added to the tank specifications indicating compliance. High-pressure vessel standards are applied to all vessels regardless of type.
Compressed Air Tanks:

This type of tank is also covered by the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code since most compressed air systems for industrial and manufacturing plants have pressures around 5 to 6 barg. Stainless steel tanks are commonly used as air receivers or air buffer vessels. Wet-type air receivers are designed to store air and cut down moisture by letting water vapor condense inside the vessel, which is then drained to the tank blowdown. Since moisture and air are present, it is necessary to use corrosion-resistant materials.

Chapter 4: What are the different surface finishes for stainless steel tanks?

Stainless steel typically features a smooth and slightly reflective surface, though it can also have a grainy or brushed texture in certain applications. These different profiles are known as surface finishes. Surface roughness is a key characteristic, representing the deviation of microscopic peaks and valleys from the ideal surface. The choice of surface finish and roughness is crucial for stainless steel tanks as it influences moisture retention and material adhesion on the tank's surface.

Mill Finish:

This is the basic supply condition of stainless steel sheets or plates after manufacture from the steel mill. Thus, a mill finish is not yet altered by mechanical or chemical means to suit a specific purpose. Manufacturing is usually through hot and cold rolling. Secondary milling operations such as pickling are done to enhance the stainless steel corrosion resistance. The most popular type of mill finish used for stainless steel tanks is No. 2B. No. 2B, as designated by ASTM, is characterized by a smooth and slightly reflective surface. The average surface roughness, Ra, is typically in the range of 0.30 – 0.50 µm. The process used to achieve this smoothness is skin pass rolling. Other types of mill finishes are No. 1D, No. 2D, and BA (bright annealed).
Polished, Ground, and Brushed (Mechanical) Finishes:

From a standard mill finish, additional processes are applied to achieve the desired surface smoothness. Mill finish grade is chosen closest to the surface characteristics desired to lessen polishing effort. Polishing and brushing are achieved by using fine, abrasive materials bonded on belts and disks that cut in a unidirectional manner. The average roughness for this finishing varies depending on the application. This is usually done on stainless steel process tanks where a specific surface roughness for the inner walls is required to achieve the proper flow of materials as they are mixed or agitated. Popular mechanical finishes are No. 3 and No. 4.
Electropolished:

Electropolishing is an electrochemical process that removes or levels microscopic peaks on the surface of the metal. This is done by submerging the metal into a heated electrolyte bath. The metal is then connected to a DC power supply together with a cathode submerged into the electrolyte as well. As the current passes through the metal, the surface dissolves into the electrolyte solution. The microscopic surface peaks dissolve faster than the flatter regions. Eventually, the surface becomes smoother in the order of less than 0.2 µm. Electropolished stainless steel tanks are used in food and pharmaceutical industries where product contamination is an issue. The surface of the tank must be smooth enough so that no moisture can linger since moisture promotes the growth of microbes. Also, for tanks featuring clean-in-place (CIP) capabilities, having a very smooth surface prevents any product from adhering to the surface, making the rinse phases easier.

Chapter 5: What are the specifications and additional features for stainless steel tanks?

Specifications, or ordering information, are design details provided to the manufacturer that depend on the intended application. Before proceeding with an order, it is crucial to confirm that the supplier can produce the required features. Below is the essential information needed for specifying a stainless steel tank.

Capacity:

This is one of the most important design considerations, as determined by the process owners. This is the nominal volume of the tank usable for storage or processing. Note that this is different than the overall or gross volume, which accounts for space reserved for vapors and expansion.
Pressure Rating:

Aside from the capacity, pressure rating is an important design parameter that affects the thickness of the metal sheet or plate to be used. Additional specifications such as welding processes and inspection methods are required according to the experienced pressure of the tank.
Size Restrictions:

This is the process owner‘s preferred dimensions of the tank. Still, this depends on the manufacturer‘s capability and governing standards. It is best to start from commercially available or standard sizes and tweak them accordingly.
Stainless Steel Grade:

As discussed earlier, there are three stainless steel grades commonly used for tanks. These are 304/304L, 316/316L, and duplex. Stainless steel 304/304L is the cheapest and suited for mildly-corrosive environments and chemicals. 316/316L has superior properties than 304/304L but is significantly more expensive. Duplex stainless steel has comparable properties (better for more expensive grades) than 316/316L. Duplex is more expensive; however, technological advances bring lower costs.
Type of Finish:

The usual stainless steel tank finishes are standard mill finish and electropolished. Mechanical polishing is employed to achieve a specific surface roughness for agitation and mixing processes.
Nozzles and Manholes:

Nozzles are stub-in connections welded into the stainless steel tank for joining, coupling, or bolting inlet, outlet, and instrument pipes. Manholes provide access to tank internals for cleaning and maintenance. Nozzle and manhole sizes are usually specified by the process owner.
Pressure Relief or Liquid Overflow Valves:

These are safeguards in the event of emergencies such as equipment failure or process upsets. Excessive pressure and flow can exceed the limits of the tank, causing explosion and spillage. This is particularly relevant to high throughput process tanks and pressurized tanks.
Requirement for Ground Flush Welds:

For tanks utilized in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and dairy industries, there can be no regions where the product can stagnate. Weld caps can prevent liquid from flowing. Microbes can grow in these areas, causing contamination. Process owners may opt to specify ground flush welds. However, this process significantly weakens the joints and should be considered in designing the thickness of the sheet walls.
Application-specific Features and Accessories:

These include cooling jackets, insulation, connections for agitators and mixers, brackets, supports, lifting lugs, and internal structures such as baffles, trays, and ladders.

Chapter 6: What are the uses for stainless steel tanks?

Stainless steel tanks offer limitless applications due to their durability and strength. Every sector of society benefits from the positive properties of stainless steel, ensuring high-quality performance and protection for stored materials. While stainless steel is often associated with antiseptic and sterile environments, these tanks are also widely used in various industrial storage and containment applications.

Cold Storage: Various substances and liquids react poorly to the effects of low-temperature conditions where they may crack or freeze. Stainless steel tanks are resistant to the effects of low-temperature environments. In such conditions, they are capable of maintaining their strength and resilience, which makes them ideal for use as low-temperature storage containers.
Medical Storage: The medical field places a great deal of demand on the types of materials that it is able to approve and use. Hygienic restrictions dictate the types of metals that meet the stringent demands required to protect patients and save people’s lives. The storage and care of medical instruments and tools necessitate a sterile and hygienically clean environment that can meet the standards set by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Stainless steel tanks meet and exceed the necessary requirements. They can be easily cleaned, do not absorb bacteria, and cannot be contaminated. In essence, medical professionals' first choice is stainless steel tanks when designing storage units for medical devices.
Food Storage: The conditions for food storage follow the same requirements as the medical field since contaminated and unclean conditions can lead to the same types of problems that can harm people. Stainless steel tanks are found in every part of food preparation, production, and storage. Their clean, smooth finishes and easily cleaned surfaces ensure that any harmful substances are removed. Since stainless steel is tightly sealed, it is unable to absorb toxins, ingredients, enzymes, or juices used in food preparation. Additionally, any substance found on a stainless steel surface is easily spotted and removed.
Waste Storage: Concerns over pollutants, sustainability, and ecological conditions have been rapidly rising. New and improved methods have been developed to dispose of toxic chemicals and dangerous substances. One of the methods that is depended upon is stainless steel tanks due to their tight seal, bacterial resistance, and corrosion and rust resistance. The stability of stainless steel tanks guarantees that any harmful contents will be controlled and contained.
Outdoor Storage: Storage tanks have been a part of manufacturing and industrial operations for many years in many shapes and forms. Unfortunately, the old metals of years ago would rust, corrode, and deteriorate, which required regular and planned replacement. With the advent of stainless steel tanks that don’t rust or corrode, the need to plan for the replacement of outdoor storage tanks has become minimal. Large tanks for oil transport are made of stainless steel because it can withstand the effects of heat, rain, cold, hail, snow, and all of the elements of nature. Regardless of the environmental conditions, stainless steel tanks can withstand and endure them.

The five uses for stainless steel tanks mentioned above represent just a small sample of their diverse applications in everyday life. Their strength and durability ensure that stored or protected materials are kept safe and secure. The different varieties and grades of stainless steel provide a wide range of solutions for manufacturing these tanks.

Conclusion:

Stainless steel tanks are widely used in food, beverage, dairy, medicine, cosmetics, and other manufacturing processes where cleanliness and purity are important.
The main advantage of using stainless steel is its corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel utilizes the principle of passivation, wherein metals become "passive" or unreactive to oxidation. The passive film in stainless steel consists of chromium oxide.
The main alloying elements to create stainless steel are chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and manganese. Varying the composition produces different grades such as stainless steel 304/304L, 316/316L, and duplex.
The different constructions of stainless steel tanks are single-walled, double-walled, cladded, and jacketed. Stainless steel tanks can also be classified according to their application, such as process tanks and storage tanks.
The type of surface finish and the surface roughness are important specifications for stainless steel tanks since they affect moisture retention and material adhesion on the tank‘s surface.