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Sanitary Stainless Steel Storage Tanks
304 and 316L stainless steel water storage tanks from 0.5 to 200 tonne capacity. Sanitary construction with mechanical polish (Ra ≤ 0.8 μm) standard, electropolish (Ra ≤ 0.4 μm) for pharmaceutical.
Capacity
0.5 – 200 m³
Material
304 / 316L stainless steel
Surface Finish
Ra ≤ 0.8 μm (mech.) / Ra ≤ 0.4 μm (EP)
Pressure
Atmospheric / 0.1 MPa / vacuum-rated
Overview
Stainless steel storage tanks are the central buffer in industrial water systems — holding purified, treated, or process water between production steps and ensuring continuous supply to downstream processes. Sanitary construction (smooth internal surface, no dead legs, full drainability) is required for pharmaceutical, food and beverage, and cosmetics applications to prevent microbial proliferation and maintain water quality in storage.
Engineering Features
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Multiple Surface Finish Options
Mechanical polish Ra ≤ 0.8 μm for general industrial and food grade. Electropolish Ra ≤ 0.4 μm for pharmaceutical and semiconductor — removes surface peaks that harbour bacteria.
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Flexible Configuration
Vertical (standard), horizontal, conical-bottom (for complete drainability), dished-bottom, flat-bottom on legs or skirt base. Custom aspect ratio to fit existing building footprint.
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Sanitary Breathing
0.2 μm PTFE hydrophobic vent filter prevents particulate and microbial ingress as tank breathes during fill/empty cycles. Autoclavable or disposable filter versions available.
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Internal Sanitary Design
Full-draining sloped bottom. Spray ball CIP nozzle for automated cleaning. All internal welds ground and polished flush. No dead-leg pipework or internal ledges.
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Temperature-Rated
Operating temperature up to 120°C for hot storage and SIP. Insulated jacketed tanks for temperature-controlled storage (cold water, WFI at 70°C+, heated process water).
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Pharmaceutical Documentation
Material certificates (EN 10204 3.1), weld records, surface finish measurements, pressure/vacuum test certificates, and passivation records — full GMP documentation package available.
Technical Specifications
Typical Applications
- 💊 Pharmaceutical Water Storage — USP Purified Water and WFI storage at 70°C recirculation or cold (4°C). Electropolished 316L with sanitization capability.
- 🥤 Beverage & Food Buffer Tanks — Intermediate storage between RO/treatment and filling lines. Sterile design with CIP/SIP capability.
- 💻 Semiconductor UPW Storage — Ultra-clean storage for ultra-pure water systems. Electropolished 316L with N₂ blanket to prevent CO₂ absorption and resistivity drop.
- 🏭 Industrial Water Buffer — Buffer tank between water treatment plant and process water distribution — absorbs flow rate fluctuations.
- 🧴 Cosmetics & Personal Care — Sterile water storage for cosmetic formulation and filling lines.
- 🌡 Hot Water Storage — Legionella-control thermal store at 70°C+ for building hot water systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wall thickness do you use?
Determined by vessel diameter, pressure, and material. Typical atmospheric tanks: 3–8 mm shell, 4–10 mm heads. We calculate per PD 5500, ASME VIII, or EN 13445 depending on client specification.
Do you supply insulated tanks?
Yes — rock wool or polyurethane foam insulation with 304 SS outer cladding. Optional electric heat tracing for freeze protection. Specify your ambient conditions and required tank temperature.
What is passivation and why is it needed?
Passivation (citric acid or nitric acid treatment after fabrication) removes free iron from the welded surface and promotes formation of a protective chromium oxide layer — essential for corrosion resistance and hygienic performance.
Can the tank be designed for vacuum service?
Yes. Atmospheric vent filters create negative pressure during rapid outflow. We calculate vacuum ratings based on your drain pump specification and can supply vacuum-rated tanks where required.
Lead time?
Small tanks (0.5–5 m³): 15–25 days. Medium (5–50 m³): 25–40 days. Large (>50 m³): 40–60 days.
Often Specified Together
Ozone Mixing Towers
UV Sterilizers
RO Membrane Housings
Need a Custom Sanitary Stainless Steel Storage Tanks?
Send us your water analysis and required capacity. Our engineers will respond with a sized proposal and budget within 24 hours.
📧 sales@szhrscl.com | 📱 +86 138 2871 5252