Types of plastic storage tanks – an overview of applications

There are many types and sizes of polyethylene storage tanks available; some are adaptable to a range of uses, others are more specialised.

Here is a brief overview of the various types of poly tanks and their applications:

Vertical tanks

These are probably the most commonly know type of tank. They are general purpose tanks and can be used for a wide variety of applications. They are limited to above-ground applications and cannot be buried (their walls would collapse) unless they are placed in underground chambers with bricked/concrete walls. Vertical water tanks are the most commonly used type of tank for rainwater harvesting systems. Vertical chemical tanks are also popular for industrial and agricultural applications. These tanks must be installed on a firm, level base or a properly rated tank stand. Vertical tanks come in the widest range of capacities; click here for the range of JoJo vertical tanks available in South Africa.

Horizontal tanks

Horizontal tanks, also known as transporter tanks, are first and foremost designed to be used as a mobile storage tanks. Horizontal tanks can be semi-permanently or temporarily affixed onto the back of pick-ups, trucks or trailers and their design allows for easy filling from the top as well as a flat base. These tanks are low in profile to ensure the vehicle’s centre of gravity is not upset. Uses include transporting water to building sites, rural areas, for fire fighting or to wherever water is required. Heavier duty versions of horizontal tanks can be used for transporting fuel, chemicals and hazardous waste. Horizontal tanks can also sometimes be useful for stationary applications, such as where a very low water storage tank is required to fit under a building structure. Horizontal tanks must not be buried- they are not designed to withstand external pressure. Click here to view the range of JoJo horizontal tanks.

Underground tanks

As the name suggests, these are specially engineered tanks that are made to be buried and can withstand the substantial forces that the surrounding earth exerts. Underground tanks are mainly used for water storage and sewage/septic tank applications. Certain chemicals and hazardous waste can also be stored in underground tanks. Underground tanks have a few advantages over above-ground tanks – hidden from view, great where space is limited, safe from vandals and environmental conditions. Underground tanks should always be properly installed according to the manufacturers’ guidelines. Click here for more information on JoJo Tanks’ rugged 6000 litre underground water tank.

Silo tanks

Also known as conical tanks, silo tanks have a number of applications. These tanks are most commonly used in industrial or agricultural applications to store chemicals, feedstuffs, certain foods and more. Silo tanks require specialised tank stands that allow access underneath the tank (at the conical point) so that the stored substance can be accessed via a lid or tap. The cone-shaped nose of these tanks facilitates easy feeding of the stored substance to the very bottom of the tank and also allows it to be completely emptied. Click here for more information on silos.

Drums

Plastic storage drums could probably be classified as miniature vertical water tanks and usually range from about 50 litres to 250 litres capacity. Anything larger would probably be a vertical water tank. Drum lids are often a similar diameter to the main body of the tank allowing for easy filling and emptying of the contents. Drums are also used for a wide variety of storage applications from water, chemicals, foods, fertilisers and animal feed. They are ideal for storing indoors and/or where they need to be moved often. Drums can also be packed onto the load bays of delivery vehicles and are relatively easy to transport.

In South Africa, JoJo Tanks has been manufacturing a huge range of poly storage tanks for more than 30 years; click on the links below for more information.

JoJo Tanks South Africa offer a wide range of products such as plastic water tanks and chemical tanks to suit every household, business or agricultural need, including silo tanks and silo tank stands as well as other high quality JoJo Tanks products.  See JoJo Tanks’ VERTICAL TANKS, HORIZONTAL TANKS (transporter tanks), STEEL TANK STANDS and OTHER JOJO PRODUCTS and see JoJo Tanks’ NEW 6000 LITRE UNDERGROUND TANKS. Also see our FAQ and WATER TANK PRICES.