Sherman Closed Tank Systems

Open Vs. Closed Chemical Tank Systems

The terms "open" vs "closed" environment in relation to a chemical program generally refers to the level of chemical containment the environment offers as a whole.

In an open environment, there can be multiple factors that allow for chemicals or vapor to escape. This can result in increased chemical loss, lower chemical efficacy, build up of dangerous vapor, chemical exposure, increased fall out, and an overall reduction in product integrity.

While a more closed environment attempts to limit the factors that lead to chemical loss, which leads to a safer, more efficient system.

What Factors Lead to Loss in an Open System?

There are multiple factors that can lead to increased chemical loss in an open system. These can include the temperature of the environment, the chemistries in the tank, and the amount of time the chemicals are left in the tank.

The following is a list of the most common factors that contribute to tank loss.

How Do You Create a Closed Environment Tank System

In order to create a closed environment system, one must eliminate the weak points in the system where chemicals are most likely to escape over time.

Minimize Chemical Permeation and Tank Degradation

Different chemistries lead to permeation and degradation of HDPE and Crosslink HDPE chemical packaging more than others. While in many situations stainless tanks are far less likely to allow chemical loss, the reality is they are difficult to transport and not cost effective.

That said, the “polytank” has become widely popular due to its low cost and ease of deployment. However, these tanks are generally more prone to chemical loss due to permeation of chemical product and degradation of the packaging over time.

The Sherman line of Barrier Enhanced Tanks™ offers a more chemically inert packaging, while at the same time continuing to provide the cost and deployment advantages of standard poly tanks.

The following chart highlights the differences in terms of chemical loss between a fluorinated Barrier Enhanced Tank vs a traditional untreated poly-tank for a variety of widely used chemistries.

Minimize Loss Through Accessories and Attachments

While minimizing tank degradation is critical, it is only the first step in building a closed chemical environment. The unfortunate reality is that over time all components will eventually break down, and when they do it creates opportunities for chemical loss.

That said, not all components and accessories are equal. There are examples of components that are generally more chemically inert than others, which, when used properly, can extend their life-cycle and prevent chemical loss. These components are made of 316 Stainless Steel, PTFE, Teflon, and perfluoropolymer.

At Sherman-Tank, we strongly believe that helping our customers achieve realistic expectations of equipment is responsible business. We developed our General Use Philosophy™ with the goal of focusing on components and accessories that will help minimize loss and prolong the life of your equipment.

Benefits of our General Use Philosophy include:

Minimize Loss During Chemical Transfer

When transferring product into your chemical system it is important to keep the environment closed. 

Open environments can lead to exposure of hazardous, combustable, and flammable chemicals and chemical vapor which can have a negative impact on employee safety and the environment at large.

Sherman tank has partnered with MicroMatic, a leader in delivering closed chemical transfer fill systems for over 50 years, to provide a true closed environment chemical tank system.

Benefits of our Closed Transfer Fill System include: