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Plastic
Tank Installation and Use Guidelines
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While
our polyethylene
plastic tanks are made with high quality materials
and manufactured to exacting standards, improper handling
and installation can damage them or their fittings. Follow
the guidelines listed on this page to avoid problems. You
may void your warranty if you do not handle and install your
tanks properly.
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Handling:
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When
tanks are delivered, they should be inspected for damage before
the delivery is accepted. If problems of any kind are noted,
they should be listed on the driver's bill of lading and on
the packing list. Contact us immediately so we can work with
you to correct any problems as quickly as possible.
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Extreme
care should be taken when unloading tanks from trucks. Tanks
should be unloaded onto smooth surfaces that are free of rocks
or other sharp objects that could cause damage. Be especially
careful to guard against damage that can be caused by the
blades on forklifts. Use a crane to lift large tanks from
the truck.
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When
tanks are being unloaded, moved or installed, damage to tank
fittings must be avoided. Do not allow the weight of the tank
to rest on any of the fittings. Do not roll the tank over
any of its fittings.
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Installation:
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It
is very important that tanks are installed on a surface that
is smooth, firm and supports the tank completely. In almost
all circumstances, a reinforced concrete base is the best
solution. Even when a tank stand is used, the stand must be
mounted on a solid base. Be sure to secure tanks and stands
to guard against movement that could occur from wind, seismic
activity, motion of contents or other causes.
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Consider
the location of the installation and be sure you have enough
room for maintenance activities. Since polyethylene tanks
may contract or expand due to temperature changes, atmospheric
conditions and the nature of the contents, proper planning
is important regarding the space in which they are installed
and the amount of material that is placed in them.
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should consider the work activities that will take place in
the vicinity of the tank and take precaution against accidental
contact with the tank. Impact with the tank, especially at low
temperatures, can cause tank failure. |
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Certain
tanks require support of the sides to avoid structural failure.
Be aware of the properties of your tanks and the properties
of the contents they will hold.
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| Tanks
are not designed to support the weight of machinery, equipment
or any heavy load. Do not mount items like this on the top of
the tank or on its fittings. |
| If
it is necessary for workers to enter the tank, great care should
be taken to guard against asphyxiation or breathing of hazardous
vapors and fumes. |
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Fittings
and Accessories:
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Be
aware of the type of fittings used on your tank. Hand tighten
plastic bulkhead fittings. If they are over-tightened, fittings
may leak.
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is important that fittings, valves, pipes and other accessories
are fully supported. Fittings and tank attachments should not
carry any weight. |
| Since
different materials expand and contract at different rates,
expansion joints should be used to accommodate those differences
and prevent damage. |
| Care
must be taken with the installation of accessories. Immersion
heaters, for instance, must be installed so that they do not
come in contact with the walls of the tank. Consult the documentation
for the accessory for more detailed installation information.
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| Tank
Use: |
| Use
tanks only for the purpose for which they are created. Do not
apply contents under pressure or create a vaccuum unless the
tank is specifically rated for that use. |
| Make
sure that the materials you store in the tank are appropriate
for the properties of the tank, fittings, gaskets and accessories.
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| Before
Placing the Tank into Use: |
| Test
your installation by filling the tank with water before you
put the unit into use. Verify the integrity of the tank and
its fittings. |
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