How to Maximize the Service Life of Process Tanks

Electroplating or surface finishing processes are commonly used to provide increased wear and corrosion resistance to finished parts. Many finishers, however, are worried by the corrosion of their own equipment. Process tanks hold aggressive solutions that are frequently at elevated temperatures. It is imperative these tanks withstand aggressive conditions to maximize productivity and limit production downtime. Repair or replacement of failed tanks cuts productivity greatly and can be a costly financial burden.
Using Steel Tanks
Steel tanks are known for their high temperature ratings and mechanical strength, but many times, they cannot be used to contain plating solutions. Corrosive solutions attack steel, and lead to leaks and tank failure. The common alternatives to steel tanks are using plastics, both as liners and free-standing structures. Plastics protect the solution from contamination and the steel from corrosion.
What type of plastic should I use to protect my steel tanks?
Plastics such as flexible polyvinyl chloride (PVC-P) and polypropylene (PP) are common alternatives to steel tanks. Although these plastics display good enough chemical resistance in some applications, there are many instances where aggressive plating mixtures are challenging for PVC-P or PP. Many finishers are demanding a higher quality, longer lasting and more trouble-free tank. PP tanks have a high fire risk if there is an elevated temperature and electric immersion heathers. Polypropylene tanks are quickly combustible and difficult to extinguish. Spending more upfront on tanks can greatly reduce the total cost of ownership over the lifetime of a process tank.
PVDF Liners
PVDF liners offer an upgraded solution for finishers who desire long tank life, PVDF is used as a construction material and can outperform its competition by providing longer lasting and trouble-free containment for the most aggressive plating solutions, even at elevated temperatures. PVDF is selected for plating tanks because it has a robust chemical resistance, good flame and smoke properties, high purity, heat and temperature resistance. PVDF is increasingly in demand, but the fabrication can also be complicated. It is important to use qualified fabricators that have fabrication standards and procedures in place.
To see what plating lines we have available in stock, visit Electroplating equipment & treatment lines.
Ryeford Engineering Stainless Steel Ardrox 311 Oiling Line with Pall Dewatering Filter System & Solution Cooling.
Stainless steel cleaning tank for Ardrox 311 Oiling Line including Pall Fluid de-watering and conditioning purifier, solution cooling system, lip extraction, bunded and draining station.
8ft Mild Steel Tanks - 11 Available
These 8ft, mild steel, lined tanks are available as 11 individual units, originally part of a semi-automated copper nickel chrome plating line, providing a flexible solution for expanding existing operations or establishing the foundation of a new surface treatment process.
- Stock No
- DPS750
- Category
- Process Tanks
- Model
- Mild Steel Lined Tanks
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 2440mm (8ft) wide & 1220mm (4ft) high
- Process Stages
- Single Stage Per Tank
- Other Info
- Polypropylene or Rubber Lined
- Condition
- From a working environment, Good Condition
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
- Part of a Direct Site Clearance
- Derby Plating Services Decommissioning Phase of Clearance
Malthouse Engineering Surface Treatment Immersion Tanks - 12 Available
A rare opportunity to acquire multiple heavy duty surface treatment immersion tanks manufactured by leading UK plant supplier Malthouse Engineering. Designed for durability & flexibility, these tanks made of mild steel with chemical resistant polypropylene liners, making them ideal for a wide range of processing applications.
- Stock No
- GKT200
- Category
- Process Tanks
- Model
- Malthouse Engineering 3840 Litres & 4800 Litres
- Year of Manufacture
- 2019/2020
- Condition
- Excellent Condition, Unused
- Location
- Nottinghamshire, UK
- Price [?]
- Please call on +44 (0) 1922 45 8000
- Part of a Direct Site Clearance
- Surface Treatment Tanks Clearance
Jacquet Weston Engineering Packaged Demineralisation Water Treatment Plant
Manually operated, the de-mineralisation unit produces up to 200 l/h when connected to a 1,000 litre holding tank. At the estimated hourly production of 45 l/h demineralised water the unit will need regenerating every 75-80 hours.
PolyPlas Engineering Ltd Polypropylene Tank
A heavy duty polypropylene process tank with steel reinforcing supports manufactured by one of the UK's premier plant suppliers, PolyPlas Engineering Ltd. Inlet/outlet ports at one end of the tank high level and low level to accommodate any process needs.
- Stock No
- TC308J
- Category
- Process Tanks
- Model
- PolyPlas Engineering Ltd 2800 Litres
- Year of Manufacture
- 2019
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 3200 x 600 x 1495
- Process Stages
- Single Stage Process Tank
- Other Info
- Max Capacity 2800 Litres
- Condition
- From a working environment, Excellent Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
PolyPlas Engineering Ltd Polypropylene Tank
A heavy duty polypropylene process tank with steel reinforcing supports manufactured by one of the UK's premier plant suppliers, PolyPlas Engineering Ltd. Inlet/outlet ports at one end of the tank high level and low level to accommodate any process needs.
- Stock No
- TC310J
- Category
- Process Tanks
- Model
- PolyPlas Engineering Ltd 2800 Litres
- Year of Manufacture
- 2019
- Work Envelope (WxDxH mm) [?]
- 3210 x 600 x 1495
- Process Stages
- Single Stage Process Tank
- Other Info
- Max Capacity 2800 Litres
- Condition
- From a working environment, Excellent Condition
- Sold As Seen Price [?]
- £ Login or Register for price.
Harlequin Storage Tank
Harlequin bunded plastic BioDiesel storage and dispensing tank, rotationally moulded from a premium, specialist grade of BioDiesel resistant Medium Density Polyethylene
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