ASTM D1998 Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks
What is ASTM D1998?
ASTM D1998 is a standard specification covering flat-bottom, vertical, cylindrical polyethylene storage tanks produced as continuous, seamless-shell, rotationally molded tanks. It sets criteria for material design, construction, size, tolerance, workmanship, tank appearance, and performance. The specification applies to stationary tanks used for atmospheric-pressure applications. It covers Type I tanks with continuous service temperatures below 66°C and Type II tanks below 60°C, where the stored liquids do not exceed their flash points.
Get Certified ASTM D1998 Testing for Reliable Polyethylene Storage Tanks
To ensure reliable service, storage tanks fabricated from polyethylene must possess appropriate material characteristics, design, dimensional tolerances, and impact resistance. ASTM D1998 offers a set of standards for evaluating these characteristics in a laboratory. ASTM D1998 (Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks) helps manufacturers to evaluate tank quality, material performance, and construction requirements, and confirms tanks meet the applicable requirements.
What is the scope of the ASTM D1998 test standard?
The standard covers above-ground vertical tanks used to hold aggressive chemicals at atmospheric pressure. The specification covers materials, properties, design, construction, dimensions, tolerances, workmanship, and appearance for tanks with capacities of 1900 L (500 gal) and greater. ASTM D1998 also provides requirements for Type I and Type II tanks and includes low-temperature impact, dart-drop impact, gel-content, visual inspection, and water-test evaluations. This specification covers rotationally molded polyethylene tanks designed for above-ground vertical installation and atmospheric-pressure service. The ASTM D1998 specification-
Applies to polyethylene tanks for above-ground installation.
Covers tanks with capacities of 1900 L (500 gal) and greater.
Establishes requirements for materials, properties, design, and construction.
Specifies dimensional and tolerance requirements, workmanship, and appearance.
Covers Type I and Type II polyethylene tanks.
Includes requirements for low-temperature impact performance.
What are the uses of ASTM D1998 testing?
ASTM D1998 testing helps manufacturers to assess polyethylene storage tanks to meet specified material, construction, dimensional, and performance requirements. This specification-
Evaluates the quality of rotationally molded polyethylene tanks, low-temperature impact performance, and dart-drop impact resistance.
Determines gel content for applicable Type I tanks.
Supports visual inspection of tank construction, water testing of tanks, and appearance.
Checks tank dimensions and tolerances.
Supports evaluation of properties of polyethylene material.
Helps manufacturers maintain consistent tank quality, tank qualification, and quality-control programs.
Which materials can be tested under ASTM D1998?
ASTM D1998 applies to polyethylene tanks manufactured by rotational molding. The specification defines two types of tanks: Type I tanks are made from cross-linkable polyethylene; Type II tanks are made from non-cross-linkable polyethylene. In addition, the specification covers polyethylene material requirements such as stress-cracking resistance and requirements for material in tank production.
Why is ASTM D1998 Important?
ASTM D1998 specifies uniform standards for polyethylene upright chemical storage tanks for above-ground storage under atmospheric pressure. Manufacturers use this specification to monitor the quality of material, tank design, size and shape, workmanship, and performance.
ASTM D1998 Equipment and Sample Preparation Guide
ASTM D1998 requires different equipment and specimen preparation procedures according to the property under evaluation. Laboratories collect representative specimens from the tank wall or use specimens produced in a suitable test mold when an appropriate tank cut-out is unavailable.
Laboratories obtain representative specimens from the bottom side-wall area of the tank or use specimens from a suitable test mold.
Specimen Preparation
Technicians cut representative specimens from the tank or mold specimens with identical wall thickness and material.
Specimen Dimensions
Specimen dimensions depend on the applicable test. Laboratories should follow the dimensions and tolerances specified by ASTM D1998.
Instrumentation
Dart drop impact apparatus, low temperature conditioning equipment, gel content testing equipment, dimensional measuring equipment, visual inspection equipment, and water-testing equipment.
Testing Procedures and Requirements for ASTM D1998
ASTM D1998 assesses tank materials and construction through specified inspection and test procedures. Technicians choose representative specimens and perform the applicable evaluation based on tank type and required property.
Technicians first take samples from the bottom of the tank, sidewalls, or from an appropriate test mold and condition specimens as per required temperature, humidity, and conditioning requirements.
Low-Temperature Impact
Analysts condition specimens at low temperature and conduct dart drop impact tests.
Gel Content and Visual Inspection
Technicians determine the percent gel for applicable Type I crosslinked polyethylene tanks and inspect the tank for workmanship, appearance, and applicable defects.
Water Test and Dimensional Evaluation
Laboratories conduct water tests to assess tank integrity, measure tank dimensions, and compare them with the specified tolerances.
Results Reporting
Document the measured values, test conditions, specimen data, observations, and applicable acceptance requirements.
ASTM D1998 Testing Process and Data Collection
Laboratories first determine the type of tank, tank material, size, and applicable requirements. Then, technicians choose representative specimens from the tank or prepare using an appropriate test mold. Then, technicians condition the specimens as necessary and conduct the appropriate low-temperature impact, gel-content, dimensional, visual, or water testing. The laboratories document test conditions, measured data, observations, and compliance with the relevant requirements. The samples are cooled to the specified low temperature, and the dart-drop impact test is conducted immediately for low-temperature impact testing.
ASTM D1998 Dart Drop Impact Tester
Common Challenges and Troubleshooting
Accurate ASTM D1998 evaluation requires proper representative samples, conditioning, test equipment, and dimensional measurements. Common testing challenges include incorrect specimen selection, conditioning, low-temperature conditioning, poor impact-dart setup, errors in tank dimension measurements, inconsistent gel-content testing, inadequate visual inspection, and improper water-test procedures. Before testing, technicians should confirm the sample location, apparatus condition, test temperature, dimensions, and tank type.
ASTM D1998 Analysis Results and Interpretation
Laboratories report results based on tank type, test procedure, specimen information, and test conditions.
Laboratories report results for tank dimensions in mm, impact energy in J, gel content in %, temperature in ºC, and relative humidity in %,
Laboratories report low-temperature impact results by comparing the measured impact performance with the applicable minimum requirement for the tank wall thickness.
ASTM D1998 identifies SI units as the standard measurement system; values in parentheses provide inch-pound equivalents for information.
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How much do I need to pay for the astm d1998 test?
Please contact us for a detailed quote for your astm d1998 testing needs. Cost incurred to carry out different astm d1998 testing methodology depends on the type of raw material; number of samples, coupons, or specimens; test conditions, turn around time etc. Costs of some ASTM testing methods start from $100 and the final value depends upon the factors listed above. Please contact us for the best and latest prices.
How many samples are required for astm d1998?
The required number of samples or specimens should comply with the procedure given in the astm d1998 standard. However, the MaTestLab operations team can assist you for your special requirements once you share your testing details with us.
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MaTestLab has a vast testing laboratory network, hence we bring you the best testing facilities in a cost-effective way. We offer considerable discounts (15-20%) to our returning customers based on test volume and frequency.
How many days will it take to complete the astm d1998 test?
The turnaround time for astm d1998 test methodology depends upon the test procedure mentioned in the standard test document. However, we at MaTestLab understand your research requirements and hence try to get your test completed within the least possible time.
About Author
Laraib Hashmi
Laraib Hashmi is an aspiring research enthusiast and science content professional with a strong interdisciplinary skill set, holding a postgraduate degree in Applied Microbiology from KIIT Bhubaneshwar, Odisha.
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