INTRODUCTION

In industry, there are many different types of equipment used for the storage of liquids and gases. The many and varied types of storage systems are too many for all to be covered in this lesson. However, sufficient examples have been included in order to convey the principles of storing liquids and gases and the major problems involved.

The method of storage chosen depends on the following :

• The Quantity of Fluid being stored.
• The Nature of the fluid - is it Toxic, Flammable, Corrosive.
• The Physical State of the Fluid - Gas or Liquid, the Temperature and Pressure

STORING LIQUIDS

Small quantities of liquids are often stored in 'CARBOYS' ; Larger quantities in 'DRUMS' and 'Bulk' quantities in 'TANKS' or 'RECEIVERS'

1. CARBOYS

A carboy is a large, fat, glass, bottle-type container with a flat base for stability. They are used mainly for storing corrosive chemicals. Modern carboys may be made of a plastic material and may be cylindrical or rectangular in shape. Carboys generally contain 20 litres or more of liquid. They should NOT be stored near heat sources, should NOT be rolled NOR contain pressure liquids.

2. DRUMS (OR BARRELS)

Drums (barrels), are used to store larger volumes of liquid. They are cylindrical in shape and can be made from a variety of materials depending on the liquid (or solid) to be stored. Stainless steel, Aluminium or Mild steel with rubber or plastic lining are examples of materials used. Like carboys, drums must be handled with care. They CAN be rolled but should NOT be pressurised and NOT stored near heat sources. All containers should carry labels showing their contents and any hazards associated with them.

See Figure : 33

'Unlabelled containers should not be used under any circumstances.
Similarly, a container labelled as containing one material should not be re-used by refilling with another type of material'.


Figure : 33