Vacuum Truck Tanks - Which Steel Is Best?
When investing in a vacuum truck, there are many considerations that should be made regarding the selection of the right vehicle for the job.
One of the most important yet sometimes overlooked factors that can affect long-term usefulness is the material of which the tank itself is made.
Though these vehicles are typically made with steel tanks, there are major differences in the quality of that metal that needs to be considered before making a final purchase decision.
Not all metal is durable enough for every pumping job, so buying the right type of container for the work to be done is essential.
Different Types Vacuum tanks are made with many different grades and types of steel, each one with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Knowing which one is the best one to use depends on the job being performed and the type of material that will be held inside those containers.
Corrosion is a major concern with vacuum trucks; however, tank strength regarding vacuum pressure and ability to withstand dents and other physical damage is also important.
Generally, vacuum trucks are built with tanks that are constructed of steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.
Each one of these metals provides different advantages and disadvantages that need to be examined and considered.
These metals are heavier and stronger, which is useful for septic work and carrying corrosive material, although these materials can sometimes affect it over time.
Stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion and is also frequently used in the septic industry; however, it may not be quite as strong as a regular version.
Aluminum tanks are the lightest and most useful when the overall weight of the truck and its contents must be considered.
Aluminum is very resistant to corrosion, although its general strength is less than steel which can take a lot of abuse that aluminum tanks cannot handle.
Not All Metal is Created Equal When considering steel tanks, it is important to understand that not all steel is made the same way, so it does not always behave the same way when used.
Vacuum trucks require strong containers that can hold a variety of material as well as be able to withstand the constant pressurization and depressurization that happens when the tank is used.
Metal that is not made to continually withstand such rigors or has been poorly made can fail when it is employed.
This can cause tanks to crack, get out of round, or even collapse if they are not properly made.
When searching for the best tank for any vacuum operation, understanding the two different grades of steel is important.
The best type is made with ASTM A36 steel.
This is metal that has been tested and surpassed strict quality specifications, meaning that it is the strongest, most durable, and highly flexible steel - and the best choice for vacuum trucks.
Metal of this quality is sold from mills with certification papers proving that it has been produced to rigorous specifications.
Stock that does not pass the A36 testing is sold as commercial quality; however, it is still used in many of the same ways as A36 steel.
What is important to realize is that there is really no way to tell the exact quality of commercial grade steel, so it is difficult to know whether a vacuum tank is going to withstand the rigors of use.
Even though most of these holding containers last for years, some do not because of failure of the metal after extensive use over a long period of time.
For this reason, when a used vacuum truck is purchased, particular attention should be paid to the construction and condition of the tank as well as the rest of the vehicle.
When in the market for a new or used vacuum truck, it is recommended to find out about tank construction before purchasing one of these massive machines.
Finding the best vehicle made of the highest quality steel will provide the longest lasting, most trouble-free service!
One of the most important yet sometimes overlooked factors that can affect long-term usefulness is the material of which the tank itself is made.
Though these vehicles are typically made with steel tanks, there are major differences in the quality of that metal that needs to be considered before making a final purchase decision.
Not all metal is durable enough for every pumping job, so buying the right type of container for the work to be done is essential.
Different Types Vacuum tanks are made with many different grades and types of steel, each one with its own strengths and weaknesses.
Knowing which one is the best one to use depends on the job being performed and the type of material that will be held inside those containers.
Corrosion is a major concern with vacuum trucks; however, tank strength regarding vacuum pressure and ability to withstand dents and other physical damage is also important.
Generally, vacuum trucks are built with tanks that are constructed of steel, stainless steel, or aluminum.
Each one of these metals provides different advantages and disadvantages that need to be examined and considered.
These metals are heavier and stronger, which is useful for septic work and carrying corrosive material, although these materials can sometimes affect it over time.
Stainless steel is much more resistant to corrosion and is also frequently used in the septic industry; however, it may not be quite as strong as a regular version.
Aluminum tanks are the lightest and most useful when the overall weight of the truck and its contents must be considered.
Aluminum is very resistant to corrosion, although its general strength is less than steel which can take a lot of abuse that aluminum tanks cannot handle.
Not All Metal is Created Equal When considering steel tanks, it is important to understand that not all steel is made the same way, so it does not always behave the same way when used.
Vacuum trucks require strong containers that can hold a variety of material as well as be able to withstand the constant pressurization and depressurization that happens when the tank is used.
Metal that is not made to continually withstand such rigors or has been poorly made can fail when it is employed.
This can cause tanks to crack, get out of round, or even collapse if they are not properly made.
When searching for the best tank for any vacuum operation, understanding the two different grades of steel is important.
The best type is made with ASTM A36 steel.
This is metal that has been tested and surpassed strict quality specifications, meaning that it is the strongest, most durable, and highly flexible steel - and the best choice for vacuum trucks.
Metal of this quality is sold from mills with certification papers proving that it has been produced to rigorous specifications.
Stock that does not pass the A36 testing is sold as commercial quality; however, it is still used in many of the same ways as A36 steel.
What is important to realize is that there is really no way to tell the exact quality of commercial grade steel, so it is difficult to know whether a vacuum tank is going to withstand the rigors of use.
Even though most of these holding containers last for years, some do not because of failure of the metal after extensive use over a long period of time.
For this reason, when a used vacuum truck is purchased, particular attention should be paid to the construction and condition of the tank as well as the rest of the vehicle.
When in the market for a new or used vacuum truck, it is recommended to find out about tank construction before purchasing one of these massive machines.
Finding the best vehicle made of the highest quality steel will provide the longest lasting, most trouble-free service!
