Roben, Mfg, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of high-quality emergency overflow storage tanks, providing innovative containment solutions for various industries.
With a wide range of emergency overflow storage tank types and customizable options, our safety and containment specialists will ensure optimal incident response, regulatory compliance, and facility protection for your specific application.
An emergency overflow storage tank is a specialized vessel designed to safely capture and contain unexpected liquid releases, process upsets, or stormwater surges that exceed normal operating capacity. These tanks feature rapid-intake designs, large volume capacities, and specialized safety features to prevent environmental contamination, facility damage, and operational disruptions during abnormal conditions. Emergency overflow storage tanks are essential infrastructure for industries requiring fail-safe containment, environmental protection, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation for upset conditions.
1. How do I determine the appropriate size for an emergency overflow storage tank?
Sizing emergency overflow storage tanks requires analysis of multiple factors including potential release volumes, process flow rates, historical rainfall data, and regulatory requirements. For process applications, we consider maximum possible discharge volume during an upset condition, flow rates from pressure relief devices, and time required for emergency response. For stormwater applications, we analyze historical rainfall data, drainage area calculations, and regulatory design storm requirements (typically 25-year, 50-year, or 100-year storm events). Additional factors include concurrent events (such as firefighting water with process releases), containment time requirements before treatment or disposal, and regulatory minimum containment volumes. Roben, Mfg, Inc. employs specialized modeling software and statistical analysis to recommend appropriate sizing with safety factors to ensure adequate protection during worst-case scenarios.
2. What materials of construction are recommended for emergency overflow storage tanks that may need to contain diverse or unknown substances?
Material selection for emergency containment systems must consider the broadest possible range of potential contained substances. For facilities with well-defined potential releases, material selection can be targeted to specific chemical resistance requirements. For systems potentially exposed to diverse or changing chemicals, we typically recommend highly chemical-resistant options such as fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) with vinyl ester resins, high-alloy stainless steels (316L, 317L), specialized linings (rubber, PTFE, or other fluoropolymers), or dual-laminate construction. Our approach includes comprehensive chemical resistance evaluation against facility inventories, consideration of temperature extremes, analysis of exposure duration, and evaluation of potential chemical interactions between mixed materials. This analysis ensures that containment integrity is maintained even under worst-case chemical exposure scenarios.
3. What monitoring and alarm systems are recommended for emergency overflow storage tanks?
Effective emergency containment systems require robust monitoring for immediate notification and response. We recommend multi-layered monitoring approaches including continuous level measurement (radar, ultrasonic, or magnetic), point-level high alarms (float switches or conductivity probes), flow detection in inlet lines, and integration with facility distributed control systems (DCS) or SCADA. Critical alarm notifications should include local visual/audible indicators, control room annunciation, automated notifications to response personnel (text messages, phone calls), and remote monitoring capabilities. For critical applications, redundant and diverse sensing technologies with independent power supplies ensure reliable operation during facility upsets. Documentation systems that record containment events, including timestamps and volumes, support regulatory reporting requirements and continuous improvement of emergency response procedures.
4. How are emergency overflow tanks integrated with existing facility drainage and containment systems?
Integration with existing infrastructure requires careful hydraulic and process analysis. We begin by mapping existing drainage patterns, containment areas, and process connections to identify optimal tank placement. Gravity-fed systems are preferred where topography allows, eliminating reliance on pumps during emergencies. Hydraulic analysis ensures adequate pipe sizing and proper slopes for rapid conveyance during critical events. Automated diversion systems with motorized valves can route normal flows to standard treatment while diverting emergency flows to containment. For retrofit applications, we utilize 3D scanning and modeling to develop precise integration plans within space constraints. Our designs incorporate cleanout access, isolation capabilities for maintenance, and consideration of future expansion needs while ensuring regulatory compliance is maintained throughout the integrated system.
5. What regulatory requirements typically apply to emergency overflow storage tanks, and how does Roben, Mfg, Inc. ensure compliance?
Emergency containment systems must meet multiple regulatory requirements depending on application and location. Key regulations include EPA’s Spill Prevention, Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) rules requiring sufficient capacity for worst-case discharges; Clean Water Act and NPDES permit requirements for stormwater and process water management; local fire codes for containment of fire suppression water; and industry-specific regulations such as FDA requirements for pharmaceutical facilities or OSHA Process Safety Management standards for chemical operations. Roben, Mfg, Inc. maintains a comprehensive regulatory database and employs specialists familiar with federal, state, and local requirements. Our design approach includes documented calculations demonstrating compliance with applicable capacity requirements, material certifications for contained substances, proper venting and overflow provisions, and comprehensive documentation packages to support permit applications and regulatory inspections.
