Polypropylene Tanks Vs GRP Tanks: What Are The Pros And Cons?

There are two main options when it comes to picking a solution for chemical tank storage: GRP tanks or poly tanks. Both types of storage tank are available to buy in a range of sizes, but there are some key differences to consider when deciding which one to use. Here we will compare the two so you can make an informed decision on which one is best suited for your application:

GRP Tanks

Seams That Are Prone To Leaks

Firstly, GRP tanks have seams. They are not one-piece vessels and are made of separate pieces of material. As a result, GRP tanks can be susceptible to leaks with the seam areas, often proving weak spots.

Human Error In Production

GRP tanks are made by hand, meaning that during their production and manufacture, this type of tank is exposed to the possibility of human error.

What Are GRP Tanks Made Of?

GRP tanks are costly to make. They are produced by GRP tank manufacturers that use expensive materials such as resin-rich corrosion barriers that are strong enough to contain common chemicals.

High Maintenance

GRP tanks also need significant maintenance. Because they are prone to leaks and corrosion over time, GRP tanks require frequent inspections and maintenance that can be both time-consuming and hazardous.

Polypropylene Tanks

No Seams And One-Piece Construction

Polypropylene tanks have the advantage of being made using a one-piece moulded construction. This means they have the advantage of no seams, and consequently, a greatly reduced risk of leakage.

Automated Production

The manufacture of polypropylene tanks is fully automated, so the risk of human error during production is completely eliminated.

Enhanced Durability And Corrosion Resistance

Polypropylene tanks, and in particular, high-density crosslinked polypropylene tanks, are extremely resistant to a wide variety of otherwise corrosive chemicals. This not only makes poly tanks more durable but also removes the need for any coating applications that can be very expensive.

More Cost-Effective Than GRP Tanks

Another advantage of polypropylene tanks is the material used to make them is cheaper than GRP tank material, and lower-cost manufacturing equals lower-cost price.

What Are Poly Tanks Made Of?

There are two kinds of poly tank – linear polyethylene and high-density crosslinked Polypropylene (XLPE), with the latter being a thermoset resin engineered especially for critical applications such as chemical storage.

We have a wide range of polyethylene tanks for sale and if you have any questions or are still unsure about which product is best for you, then get in touch and one of our storage tank specialists will help you out.