Used stainless steel tanks and reactors can deliver exceptional value to pharmaceutical, chemical, food, and beverage production facilities through greatly reduced purchase prices and very short lead times. The key to unlocking this value is ensuring that the used tanks or reactors you are considering meet your facility’s and process’s requirements.
Whether you intend to use the tanks for processing, mixing, or storage, here are some tips to help you save time and money when purchasing used stainless steel tanks or reactors:
1. Review the National Board Sheet (if the tank is rated for pressure)
Obtain the vessel’s National Board Sheet and then confirm the basics: capacity, dimensions, material grade (304 vs. 316 stainless), pressure rating, jacket and jacket type, ports, and openings. Once you have verified the vessel’s specifications, an in-person inspection may be required.
Pro Tip! – Ask the seller if they can perform a pressure test, or pressure decay testing, on the vessel and the jacket.
2. Inspect Welds
Ensure welds are clean, smooth, and show no signs of stress cracking.
Pro Tip! – If an in-person visit is not feasible, ask for specific photos and/or request a live video inspection with the seller.
3. Check the Surface Finishes
Check the interior surfaces for corrosion and pitting. Evaluate exterior finishes as well to make sure they are suitable for your facility’s production environment. Look for rust, discoloration, or pitting—especially in corners, seams, and around ports. Evaluate whether any additional services, such as passivation, are required for the vessel to function in your process.
4. Evaluate the Agitation System (if an agitator is present)
Check shaft alignment, seal integrity, and motor function. Check to make sure that the installed agitator and drive are properly blocked for storage and transport, or that they will be prior to removal and shipment.
Pro Tip! – Ask if the agitator drive can be tested prior to shipment.
5. Confirm ASME/Code Stamping
For pressurized tanks and reactors, ensure ASME code stamping for the vessel. Confirm that the vessel has been re-stamped, or certified, after any repairs or modifications performed on the vessel.
6. Don’t Skip the Valves and Fittings
Check the operation of any tri-clamp, butterfly, or ball valves. You may have to replace these parts, as well as any seals.
Pro Tip! – If you are working with a reputable seller/dealer, they probably sell valves, agitators, and other related items.
7. Confirm the vessel’s complete dimensions.
Measure the tank’s external dimensions- including the ports, attachments, legs, etc., as this may impact shipping and logistics requirements and costs. One attachment to the vessel may require “oversized load” shipping or special equipment to unload and move upon arrival at your facility. The size may also have an impact on the ability to maneuver the tank within your facility – check to make sure there are openings (or openings can be made) large enough to accommodate the tank while installing it at your facility.
Pro Tip! – Ask for photos of the tank or reactor in its current status and confirm whether the vessel is still installed or if it is in storage. Confirm removal, packing or skidding, and loading costs.
Used stainless steel tanks and reactors offer tremendous opportunities to save money and reduce project lead-times when compared to purchasing new. You can realize and maximize the value of used stainless steel tanks and reactors with a good inspection prior to purchase.
Check out Federal Equipment Company’s Used Stainless Steel Tank inventory.
Want a printable checklist to bring on your next inspection?
