Industrial & Hygienic Stainless Steel Tanks – Your Questions, Answered

To choose the right size, consider the following:

• The size of your facility and available space
• Your average annual usage and peak demand
• The intended application, whether for storage, mixing, or processing
• The required flow rates and connection points for your system

If you’re unsure, our team can help guide you based on your specific requirements.

Tapflo UK provides a wide range of Stainless Steel Tanks designed to suit various applications. Our portfolio includes 50L up to 20,000L options, with larger capacities available on request:

• Flat Open Top Tanks
• Conical Tanks (angled and high-angled options)
• Insulated Tanks for temperature-sensitive storage
• Horizontal Flanged Tanks for chemical or liquid storage
• And many more to suit your application

Each tank is customisable to meet your specific operational needs, whether for industrial or hygienic use.

Stainless Steel offers several advantages over materials like plastic or mild steel:

• Longevity: If maintained properly, stainless steel tanks can last over 40 years
• Durability: Withstands extreme temperatures, pressure, and harsh conditions
• Hygiene: Non-porous, easy to clean, and doesn’t react with water or chemicals
• Environmental Benefits: Fully recyclable, making it a sustainable choice
• No Chemical Leaching: Unlike some plastics, stainless steel does not degrade over time or release harmful substances into stored liquids

The difference lies in the finish, welds, and intended application:

Industrial Tanks:

• Welds are ground back smooth but left visible
• Finish is typically a dull polish (240-grit sanded) or bead blast to 3.2 Ra

Hygienic Tanks:

• Welds are ground flush, polished to a seamless finish, and passivated
• Interior and exterior surfaces meet stringent 0.8 Ra standards for cleanliness
• Suitable for Food, Beverage, Pharmaceutical, and other high-sanitation industries

The surface finish depends on the tank’s application:

• Industrial Tanks: Dull polish (240-grit) or bead blast to 3.2 Ra
• Hygienic Tanks: High polish surfaces with 0.8 Ra finish inside and out, ensuring optimal cleanliness and reducing the risk of bacterial growth

Installation depends on the type of tank and its intended use. Some key factors to consider:

• A level, stable surface to prevent structural stress
• Proper support or mounting for larger tanks
• Secure connections to your system if the tank integrates with other equipment
• For insulated or jacketed tanks, ensuring adequate temperature control infrastructure

If you need assistance, our team can provide installation recommendations.

Tapflo UK primarily supplies high-quality tanks, but we can advise on installation requirements and recommend trusted professionals for setup if needed.

While Stainless Steel is inherently hygienic and doesn’t require pre-use washing, it is recommended to rinse the tank with clean water or an approved sanitising solution before use. This ensures any residual dust or manufacturing residues are removed. For Food or Pharmaceutical applications, additional sterilisation may be necessary.

Cleaning frequency depends on what the Tank is used for. A general guideline:

• For Food, Beverage, or Pharmaceutical Applications: Regular cleaning after each batch or as per industry regulations
• For General Storage: A deep clean at least twice a year is recommended
• For Corrosive or Chemical Storage: Follow manufacturer guidelines to prevent build-up and contamination

Routine inspections will help determine if cleaning is needed more frequently.

Specifically for Hygienic applications, we recommend Clean in Place (CIP) Systems to maintain cleanliness and reduce manual cleaning efforts. CIP Systems are designed to:

• Remove product residues and contaminants without disassembling equipment
• Use cleaning agents and sanitisers efficiently. Visit our Guide to CIP Systems page to explore options tailored to your setup

Stainless Steel is highly resistant to corrosion, but it can rust if not maintained correctly. Proper cleaning, avoiding prolonged exposure to harsh chemicals, and ensuring the tank is in a well-ventilated area can help prevent rusting. Regular inspections and maintenance will extend its lifespan.

We work to meticulous welding standards for both Industrial and Hygienic tanks. All welds undergo the following:

• Passivation: Ensures the welds are corrosion-resistant
• Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): Confirms structural integrity
• Purging During Welding: Ensures consistent, high-quality welds free from oxidation

Absolutely! Our tanks are fully customisable to suit your specific application. Options include:

• Tank Capacities: Ranging from 50L to 20,000L (larger capacities are available on request)
• Tank Types: We commonly supply conical, flat, insulated, dished, and horizontal tanks to name a few
• Special Features: Integrated pipework, structural leg welds, bunds, and so much more.

From small-scale prototypes to large-scale production runs, Tapflo UK specialises in tailored solutions for seamless integration into your process.

Choosing the right tank depends on factors such as:

• Capacity and Shape: From 50L pots to 20,000L insulated or conical tanks
• Application Requirements: Food & Beverage tanks often require Hygienic finishes, while Industrial tanks focus on durability
• Additional Features: Integrated pipework, skid frames, or bespoke designs. Our expert team can guide you through the selection process to ensure you get the right tank for your needs

Tapflo UK combines decades of expertise in engineering and process solutions with a commitment to quality and precision. Whether it’s for Industrial or Hygienic use, our tanks deliver:

• Exceptional durability and performance
• Compliance with the highest standards in fabrication and quality control
• Customisation options to meet the unique challenges of your operation

To learn more about how Tapflo UK can support your process, reach out to our team today!