Tank Fittings That Protect Your Investment

A high-quality industrial tank is only as reliable as the fittings and accessories that complete the system. The tank body itself handles liquid containment. But what happens at the outlet, inside the lid, and across the pressure balance of the system determines whether the tank and everything connected to it performs as intended. 

Anti-vortex plates, breathers, and correctly specified outlet fittings can be the difference between a pump that lasts and one that fails, a tank that maintains structural integrity and one that deteriorates, and a warranty that holds and one that doesn’t.

Anti-Vortex Plates

When liquid drains from a tank outlet at sufficient flow rate, a rotational flow pattern can develop above the outlet, known as a whirlpool or vortex. As the vortex develops, it draws a column of air down from the liquid surface into the outlet pipe. This air causes the rapid formation and collapse of vapour bubbles inside the pump casing, which generates intense localised pressure spikes; this process is known as cavitation.

When vortexes occur often it can lead to premature pump failure, increased maintenance costs, and system downtime.

Anti-vortex plates are a flat disc or plate fitted horizontally above the tank outlet and positioned at a specified distance from the outlet face. They are designed to stop whirlpools or vortexes from forming, while also preventing air from entering the suction pipe during draining, protecting connected pumps from damage or cavitation. This in turn helps your tank last longer, without compromising the throughput or function of the tank.

Anti-vortex plates are highly recommended for optimum drainage. It’s also important to note that bottom drains will void warranty on certain tanks, so it’s essential to consult our experts when purchasing a tank for your needs. 

Global Rotomoulding’s Anti-Vortex Plates

At Global Rotomoulding, we offer optional G304 stainless steel anti-vortex plate fittings for our range of industrial and heavy-duty storage tanks. Constructed from high-strength stainless steel, these plates are designed to withstand corrosion for reliable durability and longevity.

Our anti-vortex plates are available as an add-on option for heavy-duty industrial tanks with specific gravity (SG) ratings, such as SG 1.3 or SG 1.5.

Breathers

A storage or cartage tank is not a sealed pressure vessel, it is designed to breathe. As liquid is pumped out, the volume of liquid decreases and the air space above it must increase to compensate. Without a pathway for air to enter the tank, a partial vacuum develops inside as liquid is withdrawn. This can cause tank distortion and compromise structural integrity.

The reverse is also a concern; as liquid is pumped in, air must be able to escape. A tank that cannot exhale on fill will develop positive pressure, causing the walls to stretch.

Breathers are designed to minimise this pressure by allowing air to enter and exit the tank freely as liquid levels change.

While some tank lids may come with breathers, additional breathers might be necessary depending on the liquid extraction method utilised. It is your responsibility to verify the adequacy of breather installation to uphold warranty integrity. While we can facilitate breather supply, we do not provide guidance on size or quantity due to variances in pumping systems.

Other Critical Fittings and Considerations

In addition to anti-vortex plates and breathers, there are a number of other fittings that can help to protect your water or chemical storage tank.

• Outlet valve type and positioning: The outlet valve must be chemically compatible with the liquid being stored, and positioned optimally to ensure proper drainage.
• Flexible couplings: All tank fittings need to have flexible couplings to allow for movement during emptying and filling and prevent stress transfer from pipework to the tank wall. They also require external support hold the weight of the fitting
• Inline Filter: Inline filters are required to be installed between the tank and the pump to protect appliances connected to the pump delivery.
• Tank Overflow: Tank overflows must be mounted away from the tank to allow for movement during filling and emptying. They also must be run at least 6m away from the tank base to avoid compromising the structural integrity of the base.

Get a Durable, Long-Lasting Tank

The tank body is the most visible part of a liquid storage system, but it’s the fittings and accessories that determine whether the system performs reliably, safely, and within warranty. Anti-vortex plates, correctly specified breathers, and other components are what separates a tank system that runs without problems from one that generates pump failures, tank deformation, and voided warranties.

At Global Rotomoulding, we work with you to ensure that your storage tank meets your needs and lasts in your conditions. Contact us today for a chemical assessment and tailored advice on what tank and accessories you need for your applications. 

Important Notice

Chemical information is provided as a guide only and should not be considered a guarantee of field performance. The suitability of any tank is influenced by factors including tank design, processing, operating conditions, chemical concentration and temperature. Final suitability should always be confirmed before storage or transportation of any chemical product.