What should be considered when designing a stainless steel tank?

The design of a stainless steel tank depends on much more than capacity alone. To define the right solution, it is essential to analyse the characteristics of the product to be stored or processed, operating conditions, available space, hygiene requirements, required equipment and applicable regulations.

At PARCITANK, we design and manufacture custom-made tanks and installations, adapting each project to the specific requirements of the installation and process.

1. Stored product and industrial sector

One of the first aspects to define is the product that will be stored in the tank and the industrial sector in which it will be used.

The characteristics of the product determine key factors such as the construction material, surface finish and overall tank configuration.

Each industry also has its own specific requirements, particularly in sectors such as food and beverage, chemical, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and biotechnology.

2. Capacity, dimensions and location

The required capacity must be assessed together with the available space at the facility and the access conditions to the installation area.

The required volume, available dimensions and site access can determine both the final size of the tank and the installation method.

For this reason, location is a key factor during the design phase.

3. Selection of materials and finishes

The choice of stainless steel grade and surface finish must take into account the characteristics of the product and the requirements of each process.

Factors related to hygiene or the chemical conditions of the process may determine both the stainless steel grade and the type of finish required.

The aim is to achieve a solution that is fully adapted to the actual operating conditions of the installation.

4. Process definition

A tank can perform very different functions within an industrial plant, which makes it essential to understand the conditions under which it will operate.

During this stage, we assess, among other factors, whether the process requires:

• Heating.
• Cooling.
• Pressurisation.
• Agitation.
• Mixing or homogenisation.

These requirements must be defined from the earliest stages of the project in order to correctly configure the tank and its associated equipment.

5. Design code and applicable regulations

The operating conditions and structural characteristics of the tank also determine the design code that must be applied.

Depending on the project, standards such as ASME VIII, CODAP, EN 13445, EN 14015 or Eurocodes may be applicable. Likewise, the stored product and the location of the installation may require compliance with specific storage regulations and European directives relating to pressure equipment, machinery or ATEX.

Therefore, regulatory requirements must be taken into account from the initial design stage.

6. Cleaning and maintenance

Ease of cleaning is particularly important in industries where hygienic conditions are essential, such as the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic sectors.

The design should facilitate drainage, minimise product accumulation areas and, when required by the process, allow the integration of CIP/SIP cleaning systems.

A suitable design also helps simplify future maintenance operations.

7. Equipment, instrumentation and automation

A tank can form part of a much wider industrial process. Therefore, in addition to its manufacture, it is necessary to determine which equipment and control elements need to be integrated.

Depending on the application, field instrumentation can be incorporated to monitor parameters such as:

• Temperature.
• Pressure.
• Level.
• Capacity.

Pumping systems and other equipment can also be integrated into the overall process automation system.

Every process requires a tailor-made solution

The design of an industrial tank must take the entire installation into account. Product characteristics, capacity, location, materials, process conditions, regulations, cleaning requirements and automation are all interconnected and influence the final solution.

At PARCITANK, we design and manufacture stainless steel tanks and custom industrial installations, adapting every project to the specific requirements of each customer and process.

Do you need to develop a new tank or industrial installation?

Our team can help you assess the requirements of your project and define the most suitable solution.

+34 967 14 08 55
✉️ parcitank@parcitank.com