With the knowledge gained from 25 years experience hauling, storing, pumping and applying liquid melting agents, Reed Systems has designed a polyethylene storage tank specifically to meet the needs of our highway customers. To assure delivery of a durable tank of consistent quality, we suggest that all tanks should conform to ASTM standards for upright polyethylene storage tanks. To assure that you receive tanks meeting the requirements of your specification, each tank can be shipped with "as built" ultrasonic measurements of wall thickness documenting conformance to ASTM requirements for the designed specific gravity. (There are different methods of calculating specific gravity capability - by playing games with the design formula an unethical supplier can come up with paper work that justifies the use of a thin walled tank for containing heavy liquids. ASTM designation gives a single standard to be followed. )

This tank, and the delivery system to which it is coupled, is the result of two decades of evolution brought about by solving problems and listening to the suggestions and criticisms of our customers. While being environmentally responsible, our customers have to deliver critical service in the worst possible conditions. Therefore, our equipment has to be durable, work dependably in the worst possible conditions and provide protection from environmental liability. Over the years we have delivered that service. With the new tank that has been designed specifically for highway maintenance use, the level of service and protection has been considerably improved.

Some of the basic problems that the design of this tank addresses:

Thin walled tanks containing 11 pound per gallon liquid, bulge and stretch near the bottom when summer temperatures occur. In the tank industry this is called "elephant footing". After a few cycles of filling, emptying, bulging and stretching, a synthetic fitting and gasket begin to leak. The boss, when hearing of this situation (hopefully from an employee and not an environmental officer), tells one of his people to "Get a wrench and tighten the nut on that compression fitting." (Note! The compression nut requires a 5" span wrench that has a 48" handle.) The result is inevitable. The threads of a synthetic fitting are stripped and the seep becomes a full blown leak. A tank truck is called in to empty the tank and the fitting is replaced, usually with another synthetic fitting and the cycle begins again. If you are lucky, the spill is minor and an environmental agency is not involved. If you are unlucky, an emergency response team dressed in white tyvek suits, boots and respirators shows up to monitor the situation and direct the cleanup.

1. Order a certified, high quality tank capable of containing 1.65 or 1.9 specific gravity liquid that is designed for your use

2. Install the tank and high quality fittings with care and knowledge.

SLOPED BOTTOM TANKS

Many liquid melting agents currently being used contain sediments or compounds that precipitate out of solution with falling temperatures. After a few fillings of the storage tank, the level of the sediment in the tank may be higher than the tank discharge fitting. This results in the sediment being transferred to pre-wetting systems which causes blockage of filters, nozzles and piping. This will require hot pressure cleaning of all contaminated systems and flushing of the truck mounted tanks. A lesser problem would be that the loading pump would get overloaded and kick the circuit breaker. Beyond other problems caused, it will still be necessary to drain the tank and remove the accumulated sediment. This usually requires, shovels, buckets, rope and conformance to OSHA "confined space" requirements. Needless to say, this will not raise the morale of your crew or make liquid anti-icing popular.

The Reed System full drain fitting is formed when the storage tank is being rotationally molded and is integral to the tank. It is not an add on fitting the weakens the critical juncture of the side wall and bottom of the tank. The attachments to the molded flange are constructed of stainless steel to provide corrosion resistance and guarantee long life. Reed System tanks are guaranteed for 5 years. Other suppliers who say that add on fittings meet the quality and full drain function of a Reed System tank are playing word games because they have not invested the time and money to design a superior product.

The initial price difference may be a couple thousand dollars for the tank, fittings, valves, hoses and enclosed pumping system. That may be the best investment you ever made when you consider the alternative.