Bailiff Enterprises, Inc.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What types of plastic do you mold?

Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF)

PVDF is a tough, chemically resistant, and high purity polymer.  It solves corrosion problems for engineers and designers.  We Rotationally Mold PVDF into vessels for the storage or mixing of chemicals.

PVDF is a specialty plastic that is used in high purity applications. It can handle temperatures up to 300 F. some applications and is resistant to a wide range of acids and bases. PVDF parts can be joined with thermoplastic welding.

 

Polypropylene

This polymer is an engineering plastic that is often selected due to its thermal properties. Polypropylene can handle continuous use temperatures up to 200 F. Polypropylene can be joined with thermoplastic welding. Unlike other plastic tanks, the inside surface of rotationally molded Polypropylene tanks may not be smooth. The integrity of the tank is not in doubt but there may be variation in thicknesses, especially on large tanks.

 

Linear Polyethylene (LLDPE, MDPE, and HDLPE)

The Linear Polyethylene Family is the most widely used group of plastics for rotational molding. These plastics are economical, tough, have wide chemical compatibility and are easily molded. Polyethylene is easily colored and a long-term UV protection package is standard. HDLPE is not actually a correct term but it provides a good shorthand for High Density Polyethylene that is from the linear family and not Cross-linked.

PVDF Tank Warranty

Our PVDF tanks carry a limited three-year warranty from the date of manufacture. 

Should a defect in workmanship or material appear under normal use, service and maintenance within the warranty period Bailiff Enterprises, Inc. will, at its option, either supply a new, equivalent tank in replacement thereof or repair the original tank or refund a prorated portion of the purchase price.  Bailiff Enterprises’ liability is limited to the tank itself and specifically excludes the cost of installation and/or removal or consequential damages.

Operating beyond the temperature limits of a tank; operating at other than atmospheric pressure; or storing material that is chemically unsuitable for a tank are some specific examples of actions that void our warranty.  Contact your chemical supplier for chemical resistance information. 

There are a few applications such as storage of sulfuric acid, bio-diesel, bleach and caustic soda that carry a one year warranty rather than our standard 3 year warranty.

Fittings we install on a tank have a one year warranty from the date of installation. Should a defect in workmanship or material appear under normal use, service and maintenance within the warranty period Bailiff Enterprises, Inc. will, at it’s option, either repair the original fitting or refund a prorated portion of the purchase price of the fitting. Bailiff Enterprises’ liability is limited to the fitting itself and specifically excludes consequential damages.

Storing material that is chemically unsuitable for a gasket or fitting, or allowing the weight of pipes or plumbing to rest on the installed fitting are some specific examples of actions that void our warranty.  Improper installation that negatively impacts on the tank or the installed fittings will also void the warranty.

Any optional additions to a PVDF tank including valves, heat tracing, ultrasonic level sensors and other items carry only the warranty supplied by the manufacturer of that item. Bailiff offers no warranty beyond the manufacturers warranty and is not responsible for any consequential damages.

PVDF Tank Installation and Use Guidelines

While our PVDF tanks are made with high quality materials and manufactured to exacting standards, improper handling and installation can damage them or their fittings. Follow the guidelines listed on this page to avoid problems. You may void your warranty if you do not handle and install your tanks properly.

Handling:

  • When tanks are delivered, they should be inspected for damage before the delivery is accepted.
  • If problems of any kind are noted, they should be listed on the driver’s bill of lading and on the packing list. Contact us immediately so we can work with you to correct any problems as quickly as possible.
  • Extreme care should be taken when unloading tanks from trucks.
  • Tanks should be unloaded onto smooth surfaces that are free of rocks or other sharp objects that could cause damage.
  • Be especially careful to guard against damage that can be caused by the blades on forklifts.
  • Use a crane to lift large tanks from the truck.
  • When tanks are being unloaded, moved or installed, damage to tank fittings must be avoided.
  • Do not allow the weight of the tank to rest on any of the fittings.
  • Do not roll the tank over any of its fittings.

Installation:

  • It is very important that tanks are installed on a surface that is smooth, firm and supports the tank completely. In almost all circumstances, a reinforced concrete base is the best solution.
  • Even when a tank stand is used, the stand must be mounted on a solid base. Be sure to secure tanks and stands to guard against movement that could occur from wind, seismic activity, motion of contents or other causes.
  • Consider the location of the installation and be sure you have enough room for maintenance activities. Since PVDF tanks may contract or expand due to temperature changes, atmospheric conditions and the nature of the contents, proper planning is important regarding the space in which they are installed and the amount of material that is placed in them.
  • You should consider the work activities that will take place in the vicinity of the tank and take precaution against accidental contact with the tank.
  • Impact with the tank, especially at low temperatures, can cause tank failure.
  • Certain tanks require support of the sides to avoid structural failure. Be aware of the properties of your tanks and the properties of the contents they will hold.
  • PVDF Tanks are not designed to support the weight of pipes, machinery, equipment or any heavy load.
  • Do not mount items like this on the top of the tank or on its fittings.
  • If it is necessary for workers to enter the tank, great care should be taken to guard against asphyxiation or breathing of hazardous vapors and fumes.

Fittings and Accessories:

  • Be aware of the type of fittings used on your tank.
  • Hand tighten plastic bulkhead fittings. If they are over-tightened, fittings may leak.
  • It is VERY important that fittings, valves, pipes and other accessories are fully supported.
  • Fittings and tank attachments should not carry any weight.
  • Since different materials expand and contract at different rates, expansion joints should be used to accommodate those differences and prevent damage.
  • All sidewall connections should have flexible connections to accommodate expansion and contraction of the tank.
  • Care must be taken with the installation of accessories. Immersion heaters, for instance, must be installed so that they do not come in contact with the walls of the tank. Consult the documentation for the accessory for more detailed installation information.

Tank Use:

  • PVDF tanks only for the purpose for which they are created.
  • Operate the tanks ONLY at atmospheric pressure.
  • Do not allow a vacuum or pressurized situation to occur.   Doing so could cause tank failure and voids the warranty.
  • Make sure that the materials you store in the tank are appropriate for the properties of the tank, fittings, gaskets and accessories.
  • Do not use the tank for storing liquids that are above or below the continuous use temperature for that tank.

Before Placing the Tank into Use:

  • Test your installation by filling the tank with water before you put the unit into use.
  • Verify the integrity of the tank and its fittings.