4 December 2024

Stainless steel tanks: durability and maintenance

Stainless steel water tanks are widely used in sectors such as industry, agriculture, and even in the residential sector, thanks to their unique properties of durability and hygiene.

The resistance and longevity of stainless steel make these tanks ideal for containing drinking water and other liquids such as oils, milk or others intended for human consumption, and which therefore require a high level of protection against corrosion and contamination.

Stainless steel tanks: features and benefits

Stainless steel is known for its excellent resistance to corrosion, a key advantage for tanks (water tanks, but not only) that are frequently exposed to adverse environmental conditions and humidity. Thanks to the presence of chromium and the binding elements contained in stainless steel and which react with oxygen, a protective patina forms on the surface, a “passive layer” that acts as a coating capable of self-repairing in the event of scratches or abrasions, maintaining the structural integrity over time.

For this reason, stainless steel is widely used to contain products intended for food or human use in companies in the food sector, healthcare facilities or in the residential sector, because the tanks are not ruined by the cleaning products necessary to maintain high quality and safety standards of the liquids contained. Furthermore, being a non-porous material, it prevents bacterial proliferation and guarantees that the water remains pure for a prolonged period of time.

Furthermore, this material is less susceptible than others to damage in extreme environments, although exposure to salt spray or very high temperatures can reduce durability if not properly maintained. For this reason, Di Camillo tanks are available in two versions, in 304 or 316 stainless steel depending on the proximity to marine areas.

Types of Di Camillo Stainless Steel Tanks

Di Camillo Serbatoi offers a variety of stainless steel tanks, to suit different needs:

• Vertical tanks, ideal for industrial and residential environments where space on the ground is limited, offer a high storage capacity in a relatively small footprint.
• Horizontal tanks, more suitable for positioning on large surfaces, provide greater stability and are particularly useful in agricultural environments.
• Customizable configurations, perfect for those with rather limited storage space, or for specific uses. The Di Camillo range therefore includes parallelepiped stainless steel tanks, ideal for limited spaces, and stainless steel tanks for understairs, in which the stability guaranteed by the 4 anti-roll feet positioned in the lower part of the tanks, and thanks to Di Camillo’s more than sixty-year experience, stainless steel tanks can be made to measure for the specific needs of oil mills, wineries, dairies and/or pharmaceutical industries.

Maintenance of stainless steel water tanks

Regular maintenance of stainless steel tanks is essential to prolong their useful life and ensure the quality of the stored water. Guidelines for effective maintenance include

• Regular and constant cleaning of tanks: although stainless steel is less susceptible to bacteria formation, it is advisable to carry out periodic internal cleaning to avoid accumulation of sediment or minerals. The frequency should depend on the use: in residential applications once a year may be sufficient, while in industrial applications it may be necessary to clean every 3-6 months.
• Tightness checks should also be carried out periodically, to check for any signs of wear or leaks around welds, valves and fittings. Although stainless steel is very resistant, the most exposed parts may in fact require greater attention to avoid water infiltration or leaks.
• General inspection of the condition of the external surfaces to ensure that the protective patina is intact. Any scratches or abrasions must be assessed for their depth and severity, to prevent corrosion problems.

This maintenance prolongs the useful life of the tank, but despite the long life of stainless steel, in the event of signs of advanced corrosion, or deformations and structural leaks, it is time to consider replacing the tank. Precisely because these events are rare, they indicate that the tank is very old, or that it has been exposed to particularly corrosive conditions.

Stainless steel water tanks are therefore a long-lasting and safe investment for those who need efficient solutions that comply with health regulations. To find the best stainless steel tank for the needs of your sector, be it food, healthcare or residential, contact Di Camillo Depositi, a point of reference for over 60 years in the production of high-quality tanks designed to last over time.