With the rapid increase in population and the decline in water supply, having a dependable water storage tank is something that every household should seriously consider. Doing so will save you from the hassle of not having even a drop out of the faucet during summer or when the El Niño phenomenon hits the country.
Good thing, there are a number of water tank installation companies in the Philippines that can address this need. And once you’ve decided to look for a tank, most people will probably advise you to acquire a storage that is made of stainless-steel. Well, that’s actually a sound choice. But before purchasing one, it is wise to know what kind of stainless steel is required for your project.
Without intimidating you with too much Chemistry, here are some basics that you should know about stainless steel.
What is it?
Stainless steel is an alloy made of iron that contains at least 10.5% chromium (the third hardest element). Some stainless steel also has nickel, manganese, and molybdenum. All these additive metals give stainless steel resistant properties against extreme weather and corrosion.
Why stainless steel doesn’t rust?
Primarily, what keeps the stainless steel from rusting is its chromium content. This additive metal combines with oxygen to create a thin film on the exterior of any stainless-steel product, such as a water tank. Because of this, no iron becomes oxidized, which ultimately prevents the metal from rusting.
What are the different types of stainless steel?
If you’re looking for the best option for your stainless-steel water tank storage, you may choose among these three categories:
1. Austenitic Stainless Steels
Considered as the most frequently used type of stainless steel, this one is essentially non-magnetic. But because it has a high chromium content, the austenitic type boasts higher resistance to corrosion. It is also a very versatile kind of alloy. It can be made soft enough to be easily formed, but through cold work, it can also be made exceptionally strong.
2. Ferritic Stainless Steels
Unlike the austenitic type, this is a magnetic type of alloy. In terms of market value, ferritic stainless steel tends to be less expensive because of reduced nickel content. These steels also contain low carbon levels that provide them with exceptional formability properties. It allows them to be formed into various shapes without necking or cracking.
3. Martensitic Stainless Steels
This is regarded as the least common category among the three. Martensitic stainless steel’s corrosion resistance tends to be lower, but they score high in terms of hardness. This type is ideal for applications requiring extremely high impact resistance and tensile strength. A protective polymer coating can be applied to a water tank made of martensitic steel to achieve corrosion resistance.
What’s the difference between Grade 300 and Grade 200 stainless steel?
The 300 series of stainless steel are made of chromium and nickel. Essentially, steel of this grade has austenitic microstructure. Meanwhile, the 200 series contains chromium, manganese, and nickel. It also has a nitrogen component that creates approximately 50% higher yield strength than the 300 series.
The best grade of stainless steel is Type 304. It is also known as 18/8 and 18/10 for its composition of 18% chromium and 8% or 10% nickel, respectively. Type 304 is widely used in the water tank industry.
___
Steal the best deal for your water tank storage needs by checking out https://firstank.com/. Firstank units are made of Grade 304 stainless steel, which is resistant to corrosion with polyethylene fittings, and cater to domestic, commercial, and industrial uses.
