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Most states have adopted containment regulations for liquid fertilizer operations using aboveground fertilizer tanks. Some state regulations specify a standard for new tank construction and others do not. API 650, the standard used by Heartland Tank LLC, is the internationally recognized standard for building field erected aboveground storage tanks (ASTs). The API 650 Standard was developed by the American Petroleum Institute and first published in 1961, but also had predecessor standards dating back to the 1930s. The committees assembled to create and subsequently revise the Standard for new technology and data have been comprised of the world’s best tank

Preserving liquid fertilizer quality requires maintaining storage tanks that provide the best opportunity to maximize product shelf-life while meeting most state and national guidelines. “All liquid fertilizers are different, but can be managed appropriately. Retailers should be careful not to use liquid storage tanks originally designed for oil or water. Such tanks will not handle a full fill with the weight (specific gravity) of most fertilizers,” said Brian Hasselbring, Midwest project manager, The Heartland Tank Companies, which builds field-erected liquid fertilizer storage tanks for 100,000 to four million gallon capacities. “We recommend stainless steel, carbon

Just like a car, house, or any other structure, regular inspection and maintenance is critical to obtain the longest lifespan of your fertilizer storage tank. Other reasons to regularly inspect your tank are: Establish Baseline of Tank Condition and Corrosion Rates Identify Problems and Needed Repairs before Significant Leak or Release Occurs Prevent Leaks into Secondary Containment and/or Groundwater Maintain Safe Operating Conditions Minimize Chance of Catastrophic Tank Failure The API 653 Standard is the API 650’s counterpart for inspection of above ground storage tanks (ASTs). Thus, just like API 650 used for construction of ASTs, API 653 is

Heartland Tank’s Chris Brooks was featured in an article by AgPro: Chris Brooks, president of Heartland Tank Services, Inc. stressed the type of inspection routinely needed for large storage tanks that have been in service for a few years during the 2011 National Agronomic, Environmental, Health and Safety School. Brooks said, “Due to the corrosive nature of most liquid fertilizer solutions and weight (specific gravity) of those solutions, liquid fertilizer storage tanks require routine and qualified mechanical integrity practices to maintain a safe storage environment.”  A major concern in storing liquid fertilizer he explained is having a tank that

Have you ever wrestled with remembering when a liquid fertilizer tank needs to be inspected next or had a debate in the office as to how often the liquid storage tanks need to be inspected?   With no federal regulations on liquid fertilizer tank inspections, inspection timing can be confusing.  The Fertilizer Institute, individual state statutes and regulations, and insurance policies are sources that provide guidance on the types of inspections to be completed and the timing for each type. The Fertilizer Institute recommends above ground fertilizer tanks (ASTs) be inspected according to the risk-based inspection Standard of

Agricultural liners are an effective and less expensive method for secondary containment compared to standard options. If you're looking for the most efficient and cost-effective way to configure a new or used above-ground liquid fertilizer storage tank, this article explains why agricultural PVC tank liners are often the best choice. Agricultural liner systems use an internal flexible membrane made from radio frequency sealed virgin polyvinyl chloride (PVC) material. This membrane creates a barrier between the liquid being stored and the tank floor and wall. As seen in the picture, a PVC liner sits inside the steel storage