In the world, liquid fertilizer is becoming a popular alternative for farmers. For safety reasons, storing fertilizer in liquid form requires special precautionary measures. Indeed, poor quality storage devices are likely to cause product leakage. Therefore, before deciding on a solution, it is important to ask the right questions. Where and how to store fertilizer? The answers in this article.
Choosing the type of storage
Liquid fertilizer or nitrogen solution is a water-soluble mineral. Farmers generally use it to maintain the soil. Depending on its proportions, it can support plant growth and health.
This alternative is sometimes better than granular formulations. Indeed, it absorbs more quickly. In the same way, it provides multiple nutritional benefits to plants immediately after application.
It is also a colorless and odorless liquid that promotes corrosion of certain metals and alloys. Thus, the choice of storage tank material should be based on its resistance to chemical attack and temperature changes.
On the Duraplas website, you will find the fertilizer storage tank best suited to your needs. The company also offers water and fuel storage solutions. Coming back to the fertilizer storage tanks, several solutions are available.
Metal tanks
Classic steel is by far the most sensitive to corrosion. If you choose this model, you will have to provide a protective internal coating. Stainless steel is the best alternative to ordinary steel. It resists corrosion perfectly well.
Flexible tanks
The flexible tank has a polyester or synthetic fiber frame. Both sides of the flexible storage tank are covered with PVC components. These materials are sensitive to various atmospheric conditions.
Synthetic resin or fiber tanks
Synthetic resin tanks have woven glass fibers. They are resistant to chemical corrosion and climate change.
HDPE plastic tanks
The HDPE storage tank uses seamless rotary molding technology. In other words, it is made of a single block without welding. Its advantage? A longer storage life for liquid fertilizer.
Double-walled tanks
The double-walled tank offers the best quality/price ratio. Not only can it prevent the risk of leaks, but above all it complies with the Barnier law on strengthening environmental protection.
In some departments, double-walled storage systems can be used without a retention tank. In this case, the fluid must be pumped from the top of the tank. It is also important to install a leak detection device in the double-wall.
Double-walled tanks have an additional inner lining, specially manufactured to resist nitrogen. This is a long-lasting investment because of its robustness. In addition, the double-walled storage tank can store liquid nitrogen without restriction according to current standards.
Single-walled tanks
Single-wall tanks come in a variety of materials. We can mention :
the metal tank,
Plastic tanks,
the polyester tank.
Whatever your preference, choose a standard storage tank NF-M88-512. This reference certifies that the tank is very resistant to shocks. In all cases, single-walled tanks require the addition of a fixed system to prevent leaks.
Agricultural tanks dedicated to liquid fertilizer
Agricultural tanks for liquid fertilizers have been specially designed to resist the risks of corrosion caused by nitrogen solutions. Resulting from a high frequency welding technique, these storage tanks benefit from a double-sided UV protection.
They have an integrated filling and emptying valve. The central deaerator removes air bubbles during this process.
Agricultural tanks for liquid fertilizers have many proven advantages:
excellent security,
a double-sided anti-ultraviolet treatment,
a great resistance and
a modular installation.
The retention tank: the essential safety accessory
In accordance with French regulations, as soon as nitrogen solution is stored, it is imperative to install a retention system. In the event of an accidental spill, it must be able to retain the fertilizer so as not to contaminate the soil, the groundwater and the water table.
The retention tank not only guarantees the interests of the operators, but also protects the environment. This solution is fully compatible with outdoor use in the form of a pit on an embankment or a low-wall tank.
How the Retention Tank Works
Rigid storage tanks generally include :
a concrete floor,
a concrete block wall and
a waterproof lining.
The filling valve is located in the tank to collect any spills. A padlock should be placed in the tank to prevent malicious behavior.
In the case of outdoor storage, consider creating a sump to facilitate the collection of rainwater. Be careful! The sump must be emptied regularly. For a better use, it is better to use a grab bar to place a fixed internal and external ladder.
The usefulness of a retention system
In case of leakage, the storage tank must not only be able to recycle the fertilizer, but also avoid environmental pollution. For liquid fertilizer storage with a total capacity of more than 100 m³, it is strongly recommended to use this dedicated space in any new storage facility.
The average capacity of the retention tank should be the larger of the following two values:
- either 100% of the largest storage tank,
- 50% of the total capacity of the storage tanks involved.
Tip: Determine the size of the sump based on the storage volume. Also consider allowing enough width for the fill valve to be located in the tank. The purpose of this is to easily capture the flow.
