Buyers Products Hopper-Mounted Poly Tanks are produced out of all-virgin, medium-density polyethylene. The material contains ultraviot (UV) inhibiting stabilizers that allows the tanks to be used for long-term outdoor storage. The tanks can be mounted to a variety of hoppers. The tanks are not intended for fuel storage, and have a recommended maximum contact operating temperature of 110?? F.
Specifications
| Height (in.) | 14.00 |
|---|---|
| Length (in.) | 48.00 |
| Mount Style | Hopper |
| Port Size (in.) | .750 |
| Tank Capacity (gal.) | 30.00 |
| Tank Shape | Rectangle |
| Width (in.) | 13.00 |
The Buyers Products 30 Gallon Hopper-Mounted Poly Tank represents a superior solution for auxiliary liquid storage, engineered for demanding outdoor and industrial applications. This robust polyethylene tank is meticulously designed to offer exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and ease of integration with various hopper systems, making it an indispensable component for agricultural, commercial, and municipal equipment. Its construction from all-virgin, medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), fortified with advanced ultraviolet (UV) inhibiting stabilizers, ensures a prolonged service life and consistent performance under challenging environmental conditions. This comprehensive technical overview will delve into the material science, design principles, operational parameters, and diverse applications that underscore the value proposition of this high-performance poly tank.
Material Science and Engineering: The Prowess of All-Virgin Medium-Density Polyethylene
The foundation of the 30 Gallon Poly Tank's robust performance lies in its exclusive use of all-virgin, medium-density polyethylene. Unlike recycled plastics, all-virgin material guarantees a consistent molecular structure, optimal purity, and predictable mechanical properties, which are critical for applications requiring chemical resistance and structural integrity. MDPE, characterized by a density range typically between 0.926 and 0.940 g/cm³, strikes an advantageous balance between the rigidity of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and the flexibility of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE). This specific density profile contributes significantly to the tank's resilience against impact, environmental stress cracking (ESCR), and puncture.
MDPE's semi-crystalline structure endows it with excellent chemical resistance, particularly to a wide array of acids, alkalis, and many organic solvents. This inherent property makes the tank suitable for storing various agricultural chemicals such as liquid fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides, as well as industrial process fluids and de-icing solutions. The chemical inertness of MDPE ensures that the stored contents do not degrade the tank material, nor are they contaminated by it, thereby preserving the integrity of sensitive liquids. Furthermore, MDPE exhibits a commendable strength-to-weight ratio, allowing for a lightweight yet incredibly strong construction. This characteristic is particularly beneficial for hopper-mounted applications where minimizing additional payload weight is often a critical design consideration for vehicle stability and fuel efficiency. The tank's fabrication likely employs advanced rotational molding techniques, which produce a seamless, one-piece construction with uniform wall thickness. This manufacturing process eliminates welds or joints, which are common points of failure in other fabrication methods, thereby enhancing the tank's overall leak-proof reliability and structural integrity, even when subjected to dynamic stresses during transit or operation.
Ultraviolet (UV) Inhibition: Engineering for Long-Term Outdoor Exposure
A pivotal feature contributing to the longevity and reliability of the Buyers Products 30 Gallon Poly Tank is the incorporation of advanced UV inhibiting stabilizers within the MDPE matrix. Polyethylene, like many polymers, is susceptible to degradation when exposed to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight. This photodegradation process initiates chain scission and cross-linking reactions within the polymer structure, leading to a loss of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, impact resistance, and elongation. Visually, UV degradation manifests as chalking, fading, embrittlement, and ultimately, cracking and structural failure. For a product specifically designed for "long-term outdoor storage," mitigating UV effects is paramount.
The UV inhibiting stabilizers employed are sophisticated chemical additives designed to interfere with the photochemical degradation pathways. These often include hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), which scavenge free radicals generated during photo-oxidation, and UV absorbers, which convert harmful UV radiation into harmless heat. The synergistic action of these stabilizers provides comprehensive protection, significantly extending the service life of the tank well beyond that of conventional polyethylene. This stabilization is not merely a superficial coating but an integral part of the material composition, ensuring consistent protection throughout the tank's wall thickness. The result is a tank that maintains its structural integrity, aesthetic appearance, and functional performance for many years, even under continuous exposure to harsh solar radiation and varying climatic conditions, without becoming brittle or discolored. This commitment to UV stability translates directly into reduced replacement costs, increased operational uptime, and enhanced safety for the user.
Precision Design and Structural Integration: The Hopper-Mounted Configuration
The 30 Gallon Poly Tank’s design is specifically optimized for integration with a diverse range of hopper systems. The "hopper-mounted" style is a testament to its engineering for specialized equipment, where auxiliary fluid storage must be seamlessly incorporated without impeding the primary function of the hopper or compromising the vehicle’s stability. The rectangular tank shape, with precise dimensions of 48.00 inches in length, 13.00 inches in width, and 14.00 inches in height, is a deliberate choice. This elongated, narrow profile allows for efficient space utilization, often fitting alongside or atop existing hopper structures without excessive protrusion. The low height of 14.00 inches helps maintain a low center of gravity when mounted, which is crucial for vehicle stability, particularly for equipment operating on uneven terrain or during turns.
The design considers the dynamics of fluid containment on moving machinery. The tank’s robust construction and potential internal baffling (though not explicitly stated, common in such designs) help mitigate fluid slosh, which can cause dynamic loads and stability issues. Proper mounting of such tanks is critical and typically involves securement points designed to distribute the load evenly and withstand operational vibrations and shocks. While specific mounting hardware is not detailed, the tank is engineered to accept standard strapping, banding, or custom bracketry that ensures a firm, stable attachment to the hopper framework. This adaptability to various mounting methods underscores its versatility across different equipment manufacturers and configurations, facilitating straightforward integration for OEMs and aftermarket installations alike. The hopper mounting style extends its utility to various mobile platforms, from agricultural sprayers and spreaders to industrial de-icing trucks and municipal service vehicles, providing critical auxiliary fluid capacity where needed most.
Operational Parameters and Critical Limitations: Ensuring Safe and Effective Use
Understanding the operational parameters and limitations of the 30 Gallon Poly Tank is essential for maximizing its service life and ensuring safe operation. With a substantial capacity of 30 gallons (approximately 113.56 liters), the tank provides ample volume for various liquid transfer and storage tasks, balancing sufficient supply with manageable size and weight for mobile applications. This capacity is well-suited for medium-scale operations, reducing the frequency of refills while remaining practical for vehicle-mounted use.
A critical specification is the recommended maximum contact operating temperature of 110°F (approximately 43.3°C). Exceeding this temperature can have detrimental effects on the MDPE material. Polyethylene’s mechanical properties, including tensile strength, stiffness, and impact resistance, are temperature-dependent. At elevated temperatures beyond its operational range, MDPE can begin to soften, leading to potential deformation under hydrostatic pressure, a reduction in chemical resistance, and an acceleration of material degradation. Furthermore, thermal expansion of the material must be considered; while MDPE generally tolerates temperature fluctuations, prolonged exposure to temperatures significantly above this limit can compromise the tank's structural integrity over time. Users must ensure that the stored liquids, the surrounding environment, and any associated equipment (e.g., pumps, heaters) do not expose the tank to temperatures exceeding this maximum. Placement away from direct heat sources, engine exhaust, or prolonged exposure to extreme ambient heat is advisable to preserve the tank's performance characteristics and longevity.
Equally vital is the explicit disclaimer: "The tanks are not intended for fuel storage." This is a crucial safety and regulatory directive. Polyethylene, while chemically resistant to many substances, is not suitable for storing flammable hydrocarbons like gasoline or diesel for several reasons. Firstly, polyethylene exhibits a degree of permeability to fuel vapors, meaning that fuel can slowly permeate through the tank walls, leading to odors, potential air pollution, and a loss of fuel volume over time. More critically, the long-term exposure to certain hydrocarbons can lead to the swelling, softening, and premature degradation of the polyethylene material itself, compromising its structural integrity and increasing the risk of leaks or catastrophic failure. Furthermore, fuel storage is subject to stringent federal, state, and local regulations that typically require tanks to meet specific certifications (e.g., UL 142, UL 2085, DOT standards) and be constructed from materials specifically approved for fuel containment. Polyethylene tanks not designed or certified for fuel storage do not meet these requirements, and their use for such purposes would constitute a significant safety hazard and a violation of applicable laws. This distinction is paramount for user safety and compliance.
The tank’s 0.750-inch port size is a standard dimension, facilitating compatibility with a wide range of industry-standard fittings, valves, pumps, and sensors. This allows for flexible integration into various fluid transfer systems, including gravity-fed or pump-driven setups, and enables easy connection for filling, draining, and monitoring liquid levels or flow rates. The strategic placement and robust design of these ports are critical for reliable, leak-free operation, ensuring a secure interface for external components.
Versatile Applications Across Industrial, Agricultural, and Commercial Sectors
The engineering specifications and design features of the 30 Gallon Hopper-Mounted Poly Tank position it as an exceptionally versatile solution for a multitude of liquid storage and transfer applications. In the agricultural sector, these tanks are invaluable for carrying liquid fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, and defoliants on sprayers, planters, and other field equipment. Their chemical resistance to common agrochemicals ensures that expensive and corrosive solutions are safely contained, preventing material degradation and leaks that could harm crops or the environment. The lightweight nature of polyethylene also contributes to reduced soil compaction and improved fuel efficiency of agricultural machinery.
Within industrial environments, the tank serves effectively for storing non-potable water, process chemicals (within MDPE compatibility limits and temperature guidelines), and various cleaning solutions. It can be integrated into mobile cleaning units, dust suppression systems on construction sites, or as an auxiliary reservoir for manufacturing processes. Its resistance to rust and corrosion, a common issue with metal tanks, makes it ideal for use with water-based solutions or in humid and corrosive atmospheres. Commercial landscaping operations benefit from its ability to carry water for irrigation, liquid lawn treatments, and pest control agents on utility vehicles or trailers.
Municipal applications also find utility for this tank, particularly for carrying de-icing solutions (e.g., brine or calcium chloride) on snow removal equipment or for auxiliary water storage on public works vehicles. The UV stabilization ensures that the tanks withstand prolonged outdoor exposure, including harsh winter conditions, without degradation. The robust construction is well-suited for the rigorous demands of municipal fleets, providing reliable performance year-round. Across all these sectors, the hopper-mounted design facilitates a compact and efficient integration, allowing equipment operators to carry necessary liquids without significant modification to their primary machinery, thereby enhancing productivity and operational flexibility.
Installation, Maintenance, and Longevity: A Commitment to Enduring Performance
While designed for rugged use, proper installation and routine maintenance are crucial for maximizing the 30 Gallon Poly Tank’s lifespan and ensuring safe operation. Installation should always prioritize securement to the hopper or vehicle frame, ensuring that the tank is firmly fastened to prevent movement, shifting, or dislodgement, especially during vehicle motion, braking, or operation on uneven terrain. The use of appropriate, heavy-duty straps, bands, or mounting brackets is recommended to distribute the load evenly and absorb dynamic stresses. Furthermore, proper venting is essential for any liquid storage tank to prevent pressure buildup or vacuum formation during filling or emptying, which could otherwise deform or damage the tank. Overflow prevention mechanisms should also be considered in the overall system design to avoid spills and environmental contamination.
The low-maintenance nature of polyethylene is a significant advantage. Unlike metal tanks, it does not rust, corrode, or require painting. Cleaning typically involves simple rinsing with water or mild cleaning agents, ensuring that no residues from previous contents interfere with new liquids or compromise the tank material. Regular inspection of the tank for any signs of physical damage, such as cracks, punctures, or deformation, is advisable, particularly after any significant impact or prolonged strenuous use. The inherent durability derived from the all-virgin MDPE and UV stabilization minimizes the need for frequent replacements, contributing to a lower total cost of ownership over the product's long service life. Moreover, polyethylene is a recyclable material, aligning with environmental responsibility at the end of its operational life.
Conclusion
The Buyers Products 30 Gallon Hopper-Mounted Poly Tank stands as a testament to advanced material engineering and thoughtful design. Its construction from all-virgin, medium-density polyethylene with integrated UV inhibitors ensures exceptional durability, chemical compatibility, and resistance to environmental degradation, making it ideal for long-term outdoor use. The precise rectangular dimensions and hopper-mounted configuration offer unparalleled versatility and seamless integration with a wide array of industrial, agricultural, and commercial equipment. Adherence to specified operational limits, particularly regarding temperature and the prohibition of fuel storage, guarantees safe and reliable performance. By combining robust construction, advanced material properties, and intelligent design, this poly tank delivers a high-performance, long-lasting solution for auxiliary liquid storage, significantly enhancing the operational capabilities and efficiency of diverse mobile applications across numerous sectors.
