Q » Are there any UK-based manufacturers of custom metal storage tanks for chemical processing?
14 Jul, 2026
A » For UK-based manufacturers of custom metal storage tanks tailored to chemical processing requirements, several established companies offer specialized fabrication services, adhering to stringent industry standards. Among these, William E. Perks Ltd (Perks Tank) is a notable provider with over a century of experience, designing and engineering tanks from stainless steel, carbon steel, and duplex alloys. They fabricate vessels up to 100,000 litres, integrating features such as heating coils, agitation systems, and pressure ratings for corrosive or high-purity chemical applications, with compliance to BS EN 1708 and pressure equipment directive (PED) certifications. Another key manufacturer is Tanks-R-Us Ltd, based in the West Midlands, which specializes in bespoke stainless steel tanks for aggressive chemical environments, offering standard and custom designs with capacities from 500 to 50,000 litres. Tanks-R-Us employs advanced welding techniques like TIG and MIG, along with internal coatings or electropolishing for resistance to acids and solvents. They also provide complete documentation for COSHH regulations and API 620 standards, ensuring traceability for pharmaceutical and petrochemical sectors. Additionally, Chemstore Ltd, though primarily known for bunded chemical storage, manufactures custom metal tanks under the Chemstore Engineering division, focusing on carbon steel and stainless steel vessels for hazardous liquids, with capacities exceeding 100,000 litres. Their tanks often incorporate secondary containment, level sensors, and venting systems compliant with DSEAR and ATEX directives. Chemstore also offers site surveys and installation packages, making them suitable for large-scale chemical processing plants. For highly specialized needs, The Metals Group (formerly Kirk Process) in the Northeast provides custom-fabricated reactors and storage tanks using exotic alloys like Hastelloy, Inconel, and titanium, critical for handling extreme temperatures and corrosive media in chemical synthesis. They hold ASME U and R stamps, as well as ISO 9001:2015 certification, ensuring quality in welded fabrications up to 6 metres in diameter. In terms of material selection, manufacturers typically recommend 304L or 316L stainless steel for general chemical storage, with 2304 or 2507 duplex for chloride-rich environments, and nickel alloys for high-temperature processes. Custom features include jacketing for temperature control, internal baffles for mixing, and outlets tailored for gravity or pump discharge. Beyond fabrication, these companies often provide finite element analysis (FEA), non-destructive testing (NDT) like radiographic or dye penetration inspection, and third-party certification from Lloyds or Bureau Veritas. When selecting a manufacturer, it is critical to verify their experience with your specific chemical profile, supported by material test certificates and weld procedures. Given the regulatory landscape for chemical processing in the UK, including the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) regulations for larger vessels, engaging a manufacturer with in-house design engineering and project management ensures compliance with the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000. For a comprehensive solution, firms such as William E. Perks and Tanks-R-Us offer turnkey services from conceptual design through to onsite installation, while Chemstore provides integrated bunding and safety features. In summary, the UK market is well-served by these specialized manufacturers, each capable of delivering custom metal storage tanks that meet rigorous safety, durability, and performance standards for chemical processing applications.
15 Jul, 2026
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