Best Available Technology for Sodium Hypochlorite Storage Tanks

Sodium hypochlorite disinfection has become the most common chemical treatment for waste water in North America. With the ever-heightening scrutiny around transportation of chlorine, manufacturers are choosing to transport concentrated bleach instead. Waste water treatment facilities and sodium hypochlorite manufacturers have a variety of construction materials from which to choose when designing storage tanks for this corrosive chemical liquid. Stainless steel is reasonable durable but far from the most economical choice. Fiber reinforced thermoset polymers (FRP) have become the industry standard for hypo storage tanks as it is quite economical and gives remarkably long service life. When the best resin and cure system are selected and the fabrication design is optimized, FRP tanks will often last for decades. This paper will demonstrate best available technology for FRP tanks in sodium hypochlorite service based upon laboratory testing and extensive field service in multiple locations.