Uses and Benefits of Liquid Fertilizer Storage Tanks
What Are Liquid Fertilizer Storage Tanks?
Storing liquid fertilizer is a critical aspect of modern agricultural practices, as it allows farmers to efficiently manage nutrient distribution and ensure optimal crop yields. When it comes to selecting storage solutions, fiberglass storage tanks manufactured by KBK Industries offer numerous benefits that make them an excellent choice for handling liquid fertilizers. Liquid fertilizers commonly used are UAN (urea and ammonium nitrate mixture) containing 28, 30, and 32 mass percent Nitrogen.
Fiberglass storage tanks manufactured by KBK Industries are renowned for their exceptional durability and long lifespan. The tanks are constructed using high-quality fiberglass materials, which are known for their strength and resilience. Fiberglass is non-porous and non-corrosive, making it an ideal choice for handling corrosive substances like liquid fertilizers. Unlike traditional metal or concrete tanks that may corrode or degrade over time, fiberglass tanks offer superior resistance to environmental factors and chemical corrosion, ensuring they maintain their structural integrity and functionality over many years of use.
Safety and Corrosion Resistance
KBK’s fiberglass fertilizer tanks are engineered and manufactured with a 10:1 safety factor. A tank’s Safety Factor is defined as the ratio between the strength of the material and the maximum stress in the part. Safety Factor is calculated using detailed analysis and testing to determine the strength of fiberglass in supporting the load. KBK’s manufacturing process has been proven to produce reliable long lasting liquid fertilizer storage.
Corrosion is also a significant concern when dealing with liquid fertilizers, as they often contain chemicals that can be highly corrosive to metal storage tanks. Fiberglass, on the other hand, is inherently corrosion-resistant, making it an ideal material for storing these types of liquids. The absence of corrosion in fiberglass tanks prevents potential leaks or contamination, ensuring the integrity of the stored fertilizer and minimizing the risk of environmental hazards. KBK tanks are offered with engineered isophthalic and vinyl ester resins.
Fiberglass storage tanks require minimal maintenance compared to other storage tank materials. Their corrosion-resistant nature eliminates the need for costly protective coatings or liners that are often required for metal tanks. Furthermore, fiberglass tanks do not rust or deteriorate, if an ultraviolet coating is maintained, reducing the frequency of maintenance and repair work. This results in cost savings over the tank’s lifetime, allowing operations to allocate resources to other critical aspects of their agricultural operations.
KBK Industries designs fiberglass storage tanks with safety as a priority. These tanks can be equipped with various safety features, such as leak detection systems and overflow prevention mechanisms, to mitigate the risk of accidents and spills. Additionally, the non-conductive nature of fiberglass makes it a safer option in environments where electrical hazards are a concern.
An Environmentally Friendly Storage Solution
Fiberglass storage tanks contribute to environmental friendliness in several ways. Firstly, their corrosion resistance prevents leaks and spills, reducing the likelihood of fertilizer seeping into the soil or nearby water sources, which could lead to pollution.
Secondly, fiberglass is a recyclable material, and when a tank reaches the end of its useful life, it can be recycled and repurposed, minimizing waste generation and environmental impact. Choosing fiberglass storage tanks aligns with sustainable agricultural practices, promoting environmental stewardship in the farming industry.
The Right Fit For Agriculture
Fiberglass storage tanks manufactured by KBK Industries are designed and tested to be compatible with various types of liquid fertilizers commonly used in agriculture. They are engineered to withstand the specific chemical properties and characteristics of fertilizers, ensuring that the tanks do not react with the contents or compromise their efficacy. The tanks’ compatibility with liquid fertilizers ensures that farmers can store their nutrient solutions safely and efficiently without concerns about chemical reactions or degradation.
KBK Industries offers a wide range of design options for fiberglass storage tanks, allowing farmers to choose tanks that meet their specific needs and site requirements. These tanks can be customized in terms of size, shape, and capacity, ensuring optimal utilization of available space on the farm. Whether it’s a small-scale operation or a large commercial farm, fiberglass storage tanks can be tailored to fit the unique needs of each customer, offering maximum flexibility and efficiency.
KBK can provide a tank size to fit any agricultural application. KBK offers tanks in 8’, 10’, 12’ and 15.5’ tank diameters and tanks as tall as 50’. Tanks are engineered for liquids with a specific gravity of up to 1.4. A specific gravity of 1.4 means that the density of the substance is 1.4 times that of water. KBK’s standard tank comes with two 3” fiberglass Threaded Couplings – one with an internal siphon, one 3” Removable J Vent, two sight tube fittings with wind guard and gallon strip, one 24’ manway and three stainless steel lift lugs.
Lighter Weight and Better Reliability
Fiberglass storage tanks are significantly lighter than their steel or concrete counterparts, making them easier to transport and install on the farm. Their lightweight nature simplifies the delivery process, reduces installation time, and minimizes the need for heavy lifting equipment. This ease of installation allows farmers to set up their storage facilities quickly, saving time and labor costs.
Fiberglass storage tanks manufactured by KBK Industries can be engineered to withstand seismic forces, making them a suitable choice for regions prone to earthquakes or ground movement. The tanks’ flexibility and robust construction allow them to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing the risk of tank failure during seismic events. In addition to the use of the standard guy wire anchors, KBK offers other anchor options which include half pipe anchor brackets, one-piece and two-piece anchor lugs, and dog clips used with an 8” x 1.25” load ledge.
Fiberglass tanks are non-porous, providing a hygienic storage environment for liquid fertilizers. The absence of pores prevents the growth of algae, bacteria, or fungi inside the tank, ensuring that the stored fertilizer remains uncontaminated and free from any potentially harmful substances.
Fiberglass storage tanks manufactured by KBK Industries are designed and built to comply with industry standards and regulations. Meeting these standards ensures that farmers are in line with local and national requirements for storing agricultural chemicals, promoting responsible agricultural practices and environmental protection.
The Right Choice For You
Fiberglass storage tanks manufactured by KBK Industries provide numerous benefits that make them an optimal choice for storing liquid fertilizers in the agricultural sector. Their exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and compatibility with fertilizers ensure the safe and efficient storage of nutrient solutions. The environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation further contribute to their appeal as a storage solution for modern farming operations. With their versatility in design and safety features, fiberglass storage tanks offer a reliable and sustainable way to manage liquid fertilizers, supporting agricultural productivity and environmental protection simultaneously. KBK Industries liquid fertilizer tanks are used by farmers across the USA. Contact us to learn more!