To select the best tank for water storage, various conditions such as climatic conditions, available area and height, the type of use (potable or non-potable water), and other requirements should be examined first. Based on these conditions, the material, shape, and size of the tank should be determined. Therefore, the question arises: which is the best water storage tank? The most prominent type of tank, which has many positive features, is the plastic or polymer tank.
Features of a Good Tank
These tanks have the following features:
- Lower cost: Using polymer materials, such as polyethylene granules, for manufacturing tanks is much cheaper than metals.
- Greater durability and lifespan: Plastic tanks have a long lifespan due to their non-reactivity and high strength. This prevents additional costs for replacement.
- No change in water taste or odor: Polymer materials are highly resistant to chemicals and do not react with them. For potable water tanks, food-grade polymers are used.
- Lightweight: The density of polymers is much lower than that of metals, making them significantly lighter, which is a major advantage.
Lightweight of Polymer Tanks Compared to Other Tanks
- Easier installation and relocation: Due to their low weight, they are easier to move and have lower transportation costs.
- Easy drilling and fitting of connections: Polyethylene tanks are produced without seams and in a single piece. The absence of seams prevents leakage.
- No corrosion or rust: Due to the long-chain polymers, there is no reactivity or corrosion, which prevents rusting.
- Various shapes of plastic tanks: The availability of book-shaped and under-stair tanks is an advantage for small houses, which is not found in metal tanks.
- Aesthetic appearance: Plastic tanks, usually white, are much more aesthetically pleasing compared to metal tanks, which is an important factor in tank selection.
- Earthquake resistance: These tanks are resistant to earthquakes due to their lightweight and excellent strength, preventing serious issues.
Quick Manufacturing of Plastic and Polyethylene Tanks
- Rapid production: Plastic tanks are produced very quickly using rotomolding. They have molds that take shape within seconds to minutes and do not require welding or sealing.
- Compatibility with climatic conditions: Plastic tanks are the best choice considering the climatic conditions in Iran. Therefore, based on the mentioned features, plastic tanks are the best option for domestic water storage. However, for large volumes and in some environments with high sunlight, anti-algae metal tanks can be used. One type of metal tank is the galvanized tank, suitable for industrial uses and in difficult environments where installation on-site is possible. In environments with high mechanical stress or exposure to fire, galvanized metal tanks are a better option. Thus, depending on the conditions, both types of tanks can be important in their respective contexts.
