Manufacturers Prepared to Deliver on the Promise of Tanks and Containment
November 2, 2022 
Precision Tank system installed at a site in Brownton, MN.
In an (almost) post-pandemic world, the tanks and containment industry expects a solid year.
Customers are looking for “larger tank sizes and more durable tanks. Our average bulk chemical tank size is double that of 10 years ago,” says David Hemming, President and CEO, Precision Tank. “We see a clear trend toward fiberglass vinyl ester tanks to hold more corrosive products, plus a stainless-steel alloy trend toward 316 for the same reason.”
Todd Kringen, Sales Representative with J.C. Ramsdell Enviro Services Inc., has also seen a renewed interest in tank and containment solutions, particular on the latter.
“Secondary containment projects have been strong in all areas and will likely outpace 2021 by season’s end,” he says. “Parallel sales volume in both fertilizer and ethanol containment indicates continued optimism within the ag industry. I look to 2023 seeing facilities adding flexible mid-sized containment systems that allow more storage of specialized nutritional products.
“We continue to have great conversations about the benefits of geomembrane-based containment systems vs. concrete or steel-only designs,” Kringen says. “The value of low-maintenance, highly durable geomembrane containment systems seem to play well in real world operations. Concerns of managers frequently include ways to reduce staff time allocated to maintenance, all while keeping quality assurances at or above risk and regulatory needs.”
Challenges
While the long-term outlook is promising, there are still a few hiccups, not unique to tanks and containment, that could lower the ceiling for providers.
“Hiring and retaining good people is getting more difficult,” Hemming says. “Just last week, we hired two people for a location and only one showed up for work the first day. Unfortunately, this is more and more common.”
That’s not the only challenge. As with other areas of agriculture, particularly crop inputs, the regulatory environment is becoming more challenging. “State regulations are becoming more restrictive, such as containment and emergency shut off valves, depending on a particular state,” Hemming says.
“We have a concern on the continued inflation and increasing interest rates, that the market could soften this next year,” says Enviropac Owner Dennis Neal. “Decisions made by the government in cutting back on oil and gas exploration have a direct effect on our industry costs and production in both the products being stored the cost of tank fabrication.”
Not all challenges, Kringen points out, are caused by external forces.
“At times our challenges lie within our own hands and evaluating our internal appetite for risk,” Kringen says. “One example is with railcar unloading and when was the last time you walked through your rail unloading areas. Compliance with most regulations would indicate your risks for hose/valve drips are covered, but what about something bigger such as a mechanical valve failure? Managing a dripping hose is much different than 1,000 gallon per minute spill. The good news is there are great options for those with low tolerance to adverse risk.”
Opportunities
Often challenges become opportunities for companies that have the knowledge and skill to overcome them.
“In some areas I have heard ‘coffee table talk’ on frustrations with the current anhydrous ammonia regulations/training requirements and at what point would a business switch its primary nitrogen source to liquid or dry,” Kringen says. “Seems impossible to think about, but some businesses have gently thrown out the idea to build infrastructure for more liquid nitrogen storage and simplify their offerings. Time will tell on those thoughts.”
Company News
Precision Tank
“Precision Tank continues to grow thanks to our great customer support,” says David Hemming, President and CEO. “We recently merged with Tampa Tank in Florida, giving us a competitive edge in the southeast part of the country.”
J.C. Ramsdell
“J.C. Ramsdell Enviro Services, Inc., has over 60 years of presence in the agriculture industry and 30-plus years of leadership in providing customized turn-key secondary containment solutions to those in agriculture, ethanol, and petroleum industries,” says Todd Kringen. “Our company design strength, product functionality and innovative risk mitigation solutions come from listening to and delivering on customer needs.”
Agraliners
“By adding an internal liner system, you are adding years of life to your tank. In addition, the majority of states will recognize the liner as being the primary containment and the tank as your secondary containment. This can save you money by not having to install a dike containment system around your tanks. An internal liner system is a much more economical system to protect your assets and also keep you in compliance with your state regulations,” the company says.
Cady Aquastore
Cady Aquastore, Inc. is the premier authorized dealer for CST Industries in DeKalb, IL. The Cady group has been building glass-fused-to-steel tanks since 1954. The Aquastore liquid storage tank can be designed for virtually every segment of the Municipal and Industrial water market.
DAKK
“DAKK is dedicated and committed to providing the best quality product and maintenance, we ensure that you’ll be satisfied with our point-to-point solutions that will take any pressure or anxiety away. Located in Shawnee, OK, DAKK Liners has offered customers the best in fabrication and installation of tank liners as well as containment solutions for over 10 years,” the company says.
Enviropac
“We introduced fiberglass tanks into to the agricultural market on a commercialized basis in the beginning. Enviropac provides fiberglass, stainless and mild steel tanks throughout all the US., from east to the west coast. In addition, we provide interior tank protection for large and small mild steel tanks, to extend their service life when storing standard and specialty fertilizer,” the company says.
Heartland Tank Services
“Heartland Tank Services’ new Leak Detection System (LDS) is a first-of-its-kind system for giving liquid fertilizer storage tank owners the ability to detect potential leak issues with their tanks without the hassle of sending someone out regularly to check the Leak Monitors,” the company says.
International Tank Service
International Tank Service, Inc. (ITS) is committed to providing our customers with the best professional service possible. By utilizing our experience, flexibility, and capabilities to meet your needs and governmental regulations, ITS remains dedicated to providing dependable, quality products and services at competitive prices,” the company says.
Novid
Novid’s flat bottom, liquid storage tanks are designed for the safe storage of most Ag liquids including liquid fertilizers and chemicals while being virtually maintenance-free.
Subscribe Today For
