Stainless steel tank construction: All the advantages and areas of application
The areas of application for stainless steel tank construction are constantly expanding, and with them the requirements in a wide range of industries.
In this guide, we take you through the key aspects of stainless steel tank construction, including material selection, manufacturing processes and industry applications.
Different types of stainless steel containers in the industry
Storage container
These containers are often used to store liquids and bulk goods, especially in the food and beverage industry. Due to their material resistance and durability, they are often also used for water-polluting media.
Process container
Specially designed to meet the needs of complex industrial processes, process containers play a central role in production and processing lines.
Pressure vessel
Stainless steel pressure vessels are known for their ability to withstand high pressure, making them ideal for the chemical and pharmaceutical industries.
Tank construction Stainless steel round tanks
Materials in tank construction with stainless steel
Choosing the right stainless steel
The choice of suitable stainless steel depends on
- corrosion resistance,
- Strength and
- the temperature resistance required for the application.
The most popular material is V2A stainless steel, material number 1.4301-1.4307, because it is resistant to a wide range of substances and influences.
For example, this alloy is resistant to petrol, diesel fuel, ethanol, cold cleaning agents, urea, heating oil, machine oils, wine, mineral oil and lubricating greases.
If higher corrosion resistance is required, V4A (material number 1.4571 or 1.4404) with an even higher quality than V2A stainless steel is used.
V4A stainless steel is used, for example, for containers that come into contact with acidic media or salt water.
Other materials in container construction
In addition to stainless steel, plastics such as polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) or glass fiber reinforced plastic (GRP) are often used.
The manufacturing processes in container construction with stainless steel
Construction and processing of raw material
Even before production begins, solid planning and 3D-supported design are crucial for a precisely fitting and high-quality container solution.
Based on the container design, the raw sheet metal material is cut to size using state-of-the-art laser cutting systems and then folded or rounded.
Bending
Bending stainless steel requires special machines.
Fully automatic swivel bending centers can now be used to shape the right stainless steel as required without compromising the structure of the material. This processing step and the right machines can be used to create rectangular or round containers, for example, but also conical or cylindrical container shapes.
Welding
The semi-finished parts produced in this way are joined together and sealed using the TIG welding process (tungsten inert gas welding) in order to comply with the AD regulations and WHG.
Pickling
Stainless steel is pickled after processing in order to restore the passive layer, particularly in the area of the weld seams, and thus complete corrosion resistance.
Stainless steel containers are mainly treated by means of:
- Immersion pickling – the entire container is immersed in a bath of pickling solution or
- Spray pickling – the entire container is sprayed with the pickling solution using a spray gun (if the container dimensions exceed the bath dimensions).
Complete cleaning of the pickling solution from the container using high-pressure cleaners is crucial for the final quality of the pickling process.
The use of stainless steel containers in various industries
Food industry
Stainless steel containers are indispensable in food processing due to their hygiene and durability.
Stainless steel tank construction in the chemical industry
In the chemical industry, they offer a safe solution for the storage, processing and treatment of aggressive substances.
Metalworking industry and mechanical engineering
Due to their durability and individual design options, they are used for the storage, intermediate storage and treatment of corrosive and water-polluting substances.
Pharmaceutical industry
Their purity and resistance to contamination make them ideal for the pharmaceutical industry.
Rinsing and washing containers
The advantages of stainless steel containers
Durability and resilience
Stainless steel is known for its durability and can withstand the harsh environments of many industries.
Hygiene and cleanliness
The smooth surface of stainless steel facilitates cleaning and sterilization.
Adaptability
Stainless steel containers can be easily adapted to specific needs.
Choosing the right manufacturer for customized stainless steel tank construction
When choosing a manufacturer, you should look at their experience, expertise and proven track record. It is best to gain an insight into the manufacturing techniques on site and ensure that high-quality manufacturing techniques are used.
Light liquid separator “System H” with pointed bottom and 3-phase separation
Conclusion: Why tank construction with stainless steel could be the right choice for your requirements
Stainless steel containers offer a combination of durability, hygiene and adaptability that make them the ideal choice for many industries.
Our offer from LK Metallwaren
Are you looking for a metalworking company with expertise in plant engineering and based in Germany? – Take advantage of fast delivery times and short supply chains with us! In addition to decades of know-how, LK Metall has a modern, CNC-controlled machine park at its disposal: including a laser cutting system, various folding benches, round bending systems and a fully automatic swivel bending center.
We also have many years of experience in the use of welding processes (TIG & MAG) and are ISO-9001 certified.
We are also a WHG specialist company (§62 AwSV).
