Tanks—Resin Selection Guide

Use the resin selection guide* below to compare the physical and chemical properties of the plastics used in our tanks, and to determine which of the resins is best suited to your application. For applications where a plastic resin is not suitable, select one of our stainless steel tanks.

Please note that both operating conditions and type of chemical can decrease maximum service temperature. Continuous service temperatures in ranges above ambient can affect tanks in at least two ways: (1) the useful life of the tank may be shortened; and (2) the ability of the container to maintain its shape may decrease, perhaps resulting in distortion.

CAUTION: The chemical resistance charts found in the "Chemical Resistance Charts" section should not be used for tank selection—use the resin selection guide here. Factors such as mechanical stress, high temperatures, and extended use tend to intensify the effects of chemicals on a tank. Since the chemical resistance charts are based on regular laboratory use, they are not valid for heavy-duty or industrial applications. If you are uncertain about your application, call our Application Specialists at 1-800-323-4340 for assistance.

Table scrolls horizontally

Resin Linear
low-density
polyethylene (LLDPE)
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) Cross-linked high-density
polyethylene (XLPE)
Polypropylene
(PP)
Color White White Off-white Off-white
Translucent Yes Yes Yes No
General chemical resistance Very good Very good Very good Very good
Maximum service temperature 140°F/60°C 150°F/65°C 150°F/65°C 220°F/104°C
Brittleness temperature1 -94°F/-70°C -94°F/-70°C -180°F/-118°C 32°F/0°C
Impact resistance2 Good Good Excellent Fair
Stress-crack resistance Very good Good Excellent Excellent
Abrasion resistance Good Good Good Good
Rigidity Fair Good Good Good
Easy to clean Very good Very good Very good Good
Can be welded (hot gas) Yes Yes No Yes
FDA compliant(complies with USDA 177.1520) Yes Yes No Yes
Advantages
  • Lightweight
  • Corrosion resistant
  • No painting/maintenance
  • Less expensive than stainless steel or fiberglass
  • Hard, smooth finish
  • Good temperature resistance
  • Less expensive than stainless
    steel or fiberglass tanks
  • Suitable for many corrosives
    not compatible with fiberglass-
    reinforced polyester (FRP)
  • Outstanding weatherability
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Less expensive than stainless steel tanks
Applications
  • Foodstuffs, liquids, beverages
  • Inorganic chemicals/compounds
  • Organic and inorganic acids
  • Plating
  • Water treatment
  • Brine storage
  • Dispensing lab and photo chemicals
  • Caustics, organic and inorganic acids
  • Plating
  • Water treatment
  • Metal finishing
  • Dispensing lab and photo chemicals
  • Organic and inorganic chemicals and compounds
  • Corrosives, including sulfuric, hydrochloric, and hydrofluoric acids
  • Sodium hypochlorite
  • Boiler treatment chemicals
  • Chemical processing
  • Water/waste water treatment
  • Good resistance to many organic chemicals
  • Plating and pickling lines
  • Etch tanks for processing silicon wafers
Do not use with:
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons
  • Liquefied petroleum gas
  • Solvents
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons
  • Liquefied petroleum gas
  • Solvents
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Halogenated aliphatic hydrocarbons
  • Liquefied petroleum gas
  • Solvents
  • Strong oxidizing agents
  • Subfreezing temperatures
  • Aromatic or chlorinated hydrocarbons

*Reprinted with permission of Nalge Company
1Brittleness temperature per ASTM test D-746
2Impact resistance of most rotomold tanks declines at freezing temperatures