Why Does Stainless Steel Rust? We understand its Causes and Solutions
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November 23, 2023
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Why does Stainless Steel rust?
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In industry, especially in the chemical, oil, gas and fuel sectors, it is necessary to use storage tanks. These tanks provide an invaluable service for the productive chain, since they allow the containment of enormous amounts of combustible materials. How can a tank allow us to house this type of material in optimal conditions? Well, next, we will show you in detail what they should be the characteristics of fuel storage tanks.
But first, to know what those characteristics of fuel storage tanks are, it is necessary to know what a fuel storage tank is; what type of material are the fuels, and what types of storage tanks exist. We will also tell you why it is preferable to choose a stainless steel tank over a tank made of any other material. Stay to know this and more.
Well, let's start with the basics: what is storage? Storing is saving, but saving in optimal conditions, so that what is saved is preserved in the best possible way. In addition, the storage process implies, firstly, the receipt of a material and its registration (that is, that something is saved and that it is known in what quantity); on the other hand, the storage process also entails a possible dosing or distribution.
So, a fuel storage tank is that structure specially designed to satisfactorily meet the above needs, namely:
Fuel storage tanks, in order to carry out these functions, must comply with a series of very specific technical requirements. Such provisions depend on the local law in force in this regard.
But, in general, safety must always be ensured, since the way to store fuel is different from the way to store other materials. Therein also lie the special characteristics of fuel storage tanks which we will explain in detail later.
As we anticipated, the storage of fuel must contemplate different regulations -and more careful conditions- with respect to the storage of other materials. It is true that in the storage of fuel (as well as in its production, transportation and distribution) there are many risks; and one of the most feared risks is that of a possible unwanted combustion, which would end in a conflagration or even an explosion.
But in any case there are protocols designed to avoid or minimize such risks. To avoid unfortunate events such as those mentioned, one must be very aware of whate stands for store fuel.
We say that an element or substance is a fuel when it has the property of heating up and allowing the use of the heat released. In this sense, a fuel can be from a piece of firewood to an oil derivative. But the most widely used fossil fuels today are those derived from petroleum.
Fuel storage tanks are designed for this type of fuel: To contain liquid fuels. Liquid fuels include those derived from petroleum such as gasoline, diesel, ACPM or diesel; on the other hand, there are alcohols, such as methanol or ethanol.
Before explaining what are the characteristics of fuel storage tanks, you should know that there are many types of tanks intended for this purpose. It is true that they must all meet more or less the same containment needs, and that they must also share some essential characteristics.
However, they differ from each other in terms of their form and use, given the different types of fuel they store and the conditions they require.
They are really unusual storage tanks. Its design is expressly requested when the conditions of the place destined for its installation require it. It demands too much material in its construction.
They are the most requested and most functional type of tanks. This type of tank has a design designed to house the largest amount of liquid fuel safely. They are a type of tank that can have one or two walls. Those of a wall are lighter and cheaper; Although they are safe, they are less so compared to double-walled ones, which are more resistant to corrosion or possible leaks.
Spherical storage tanks are those designed to house gaseous fuel. They are designed so that the pressure of the gases inside them expands uniformly; thus, the danger of a dangerous pressure difference is minimized.
They are the type of tanks that are installed at ground level. With respect to the other types of installation, it could be said that they do not require further preparation. Also called aerial, they are used in the chemical and oil industry. They normally offer a storage capacity of between 200,000 and 300,000 litres.
Underground tanks are those that are installed below ground level. Since they will remain buried for a long time, they need to be particularly resistant to corrosion or leakage. For this reason, stainless steel is the ideal material for this type of installation.
They are mainly used in urban fuel distribution stations; so they have incredible capacities: up to 300,000 liters.
Mobile tanks are those that are installed in a vehicle that allows their transport to places of difficult access, where fuel normally does not arrive. Thus, these mobile tanks, also made of stainless steel for safety reasons, can contain 3,000 liters of fuel or more.
As you already saw, there are many types of fuel tanks. They have their own peculiarities, but there are certain characteristics common to all of them, which must always be taken into account. We have five characteristic areas of fuel storage tanks that we must take into account if we plan to acquire one.
More is not always better. The fuel storage needs you are looking to supply may not be exorbitant; that is, you may not need the largest tank available. To do this, you must calculate how much fuel you plan to spend, in how long, and how often it is convenient to refill the storage tank.
When we talk about quality we talk about two things, mainly: functionality and durability. The stainless steel from which our storage tanks are made, together with the meticulous design and careful manufacturing process, ensure that the tank you purchase is particularly functional and durable.
As already mentioned, fuel storage is an activity that requires a lot of attention. The fuel must be handled, transported, stored and distributed with all the necessary precautions. Storage tanks, as central structures of the process, must be safe.
For this reason, they are designed to resist the ravages of atmospheric adversities and the deterioration caused by corrosive elements; in the same way, they can withstand pressures several times greater than atmospheric pressure.
The design of a storage tank must take into account, mainly, the use that it is going to give. They are usually cylindrical, as they are more versatile and cheaper. They can be installed almost anywhere.
Of any element that we put at our disposal we look for one thing: that it be useful. A storage tank is useful in circumstances where fuel is especially scarce or hard to come by. In rural areas, or very remote ones, for example, it provides an invaluable service.
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