When to Choose a Cone Bottom Tank vs a Flat Bottom Tank
The shape and base of a storage tank has direct effects on how the tank performs, including how well it drains, how sediment settles, how easily it can be cleaned, and where it can be installed. Choosing the wrong storage tank can lead to costly waste, sediment build-up, lengthy cleaning procedures, and even potential cross contamination.
Cone bottom tanks and flat bottom tanks both have their place, but it’s important to choose the right one for your needs. This article will explore the key design differences between these two tank types and the common applications for each to help you make informed decisions.
Cone Bottom Tanks vs. Flat Bottom Tanks
Cone bottom tanks are installed on an elevated framework and taper down to an outlet right in the centre of the base. This allows for complete drainage every time, making them ideal for efficient mixing and chemical batch processing, while minimising risks of cross contamination.
In contrast, flat bottom tanks are designed to sit directly on a cement slab on the ground, and are designed for large storage capacity. Gravity draws liquid towards an outlet at the base to release as much liquid as possible, however, a small amount generally remains just below the outlet. These tanks are typically designed for general, bulk or long-term storage where frequent total cleanout isn’t critical.
When to Choose a Cone Bottom Tank
Complete Drainage is Required
Cone bottom tanks are ideal for any application where total drainage is essential. Complete batch recovery is important in a range of industries and applications. Whether it’s chemical dosing systems where accurate volume control is critical, food-grade applications where waste is costly, or tanks holding expensive reagents or concentrates, any liquid left in the bottom of the tank can equate to significant financial losses or throw off mixtures.
Cone bottom tanks allow for complete drainage, eliminating loss and wastage.
Solids, Sediment, or Settling are Involved
Most processes involving suspended solids, such as fertiliser concentrates, slurries, biological treatments, and mixing applications are better suited to cone bottomed tanks. This is because sediment tends to settle on the base of the tank.
In a flat bottom tank, this means the solids would generally settle below the outlet, meaning it would need to be manually agitated or flushed to remove it. However, in a cone bottom tank it will collect in the cone and simply exit with the liquid when the outlet is opened.
Batch Processing and Mixing Applications
Cone bottom tanks are best suited for batch processing or mixing applications. The conical shape supports complete product transfer between cycles, prevents cross-contamination between batches, and simplifies cleaning procedures.
Cone bottom mixing tanks are commonly used in agricultural settings for fertiliser blending, chemical preparation, and spray mix staging, as the shape supports efficient blending and allows the user to get all solids and liquids out of the tank effectively.
Hygiene and Cleaning Requirements are High
The absence of corners, flat surfaces, and dead volume in a cone bottom tank significantly reduces the surface area where biological growth, residue, or contamination can accumulate. It also makes them slightly easier to completely flush out and clean. This makes them ideal for applications where cross contamination or hygiene are critical concerns, such as chemical processing, agricultural mixing, and food-grade applications.
When considering a tank for any chemical application, it is important to understand and comply with strict safety standards to prevent contamination, accidents, injuries, or fines.
When to Choose a Flat Bottom Tank
Long-Term Bulk Storage is the Primary Use
Flat bottom tanks are commonly used for applications where liquid is stored rather than processed, and complete drainage is not as essential. If the tank is being drawn down frequently and refilled with the exact same liquid, the small amount of residual liquid in the base is often less costly or risky.
This makes them ideal for storing bulk qualities of rain water, diesel, or chemical concentrates long-term.
Installation Site is at Ground Level
Cone bottom tanks must be elevated to allow the outlet in the base to function, whereas flat bottom tanks can be installed directly on a prepared concrete slab. This often allows for quicker, easier, and often more cost effective installation.
However, installation and space constraints must still be met, such as meeting minimum clearance requirements, and preparing an adequate cement slab and drainage area.
Quick Comparison Guide
Cone bottom and flat bottom tanks are both great options for various applications. Choosing the right tank will depend on what you need the tank to do.
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Choosing the Right Storage Tank for Your Needs
At Global Rotomoulding, we design, manufacture and supply both cone bottom tanks and flat bottom tanks for diverse industries and applications. Whether you need a solution for efficient chemical processing or long-term liquid storage, we can help you find the perfect solution.
Beyond the application, the specific chemicals being stored and the storage conditions can impact the suitability of any tank.
Before making any decisions, it’s important to contact Global Rotomoulding for a chemical assessment. Simply provide the name of the chemical you need to store, the concentration, SDS and expected operating conditions, and our team will review chemical applications with our raw material suppliers and chemical resistance data providers and provide a tailored recommendation 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.
