5 things to know about industrial tanks in process manufacturing

Industrial tanks are essential to storage, blending, and processing across industries like chemicals, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and oil refining.

Why industrial tanks are foundational to safe, efficient production

Whether storing corrosive acids or food-grade liquids, IPP has been a trusted partner to manufacturers for over 47 years. With 15,000+ pieces of equipment across 20 plant sites, we offer a broad inventory of industrial tanks ready to ship—many of them unused or specialty-grade.

From simple storage to jacketed mixing vessels, industrial tanks are everywhere in process manufacturing. Here’s what you should know before buying or replacing one.                         

1. They come in more configurations than you think  

Industrial tanks include everything from flat-bottom storage vessels to cone-bottom mixing tanks. Common variations include pressure-rated tanks, vacuum tanks, insulated tanks, and heated or jacketed vessels.

2. Material selection depends on the contents

Tanks are typically made from stainless steel, carbon steel, Hastelloy, or fiberglass. Choosing the right material depends on factors like chemical compatibility, temperature, and required cleanliness.

3. They’re used in nearly every process industry

• Pharmaceuticals: for clean-in-place (CIP) batch mixing
• Chemical processing: for corrosive solvents or acids
• Food and beverage: for sanitary-grade ingredients and products
• Petrochemicals: for bulk liquid storage

4. You’ll need to factor in fittings and certifications             

Manways, spray balls, baffles, agitator mounts, pressure relief valves, and ASME/USP Class VI certifications are just a few of the variables to watch for. A tank’s compliance features can make or break its application.

5. Used tanks offer fast fixes with full functionality

IPP stocks used and surplus industrial tanks that meet industry standards without the delays of custom fabrication. That means less downtime and better capital efficiency.

Key features of used industrial tanks

• Available in stainless steel, carbon steel, or specialty alloys
• Offered with open or closed tops, cone or flat bottoms
• Options for jacketed, insulated, or pressure-rated vessels
• Sizes range from small portable tanks to 30,000+ gallon units
• Ready-to-ship inventory minimizes lead time
• Ideal for storage, blending, heating, or CIP processes

Looking to source a quality tank without waiting months? Explore IPP’s industrial tank inventory and connect with our team for specs and pricing.

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Frequently asked questions about industrial tanks

What industries rely on industrial tanks?

Virtually every sector—pharma, chemicals, food, oil & gas—uses tanks to store or process liquids and solids.

What are the most common tank materials?

Stainless steel is most common for sanitary and corrosion-resistant applications. Carbon steel and fiberglass are used where lower cost or chemical compatibility permits.

Are used tanks safe and compliant?

Yes. IPP inspects all tanks for structural integrity and can provide specs on pressure ratings, material certificates, and compliance marks.

Can tanks be modified for different uses?

Often, yes. Depending on construction, used tanks can be fitted with new nozzles, valves, or mixing systems to fit new requirements.

Do tanks come with accessories?

Some include agitators, level sensors, pressure relief valves, or insulation. Others are bare vessels. IPP can help match accessories to your needs.

For more answers, visit our FAQs page.