What is a Frac Tank?

A Frac Tank is a large heavy gauge steel tank that is pulled by a truck or prime mover to a job site. Generally Frac Tanks are large enough to hold between 400 to 500 bbls (65k to 80k litres) although designs vary. Frac Tanks are typically designed to be moved empty and then are either filled on site with vacuum or water trucks or fluid is piped into the local worksite.

What is a Frac Tank Used For?

Frac Tanks are used in Oil and Gas upstream operations to temporarily hold water, completion, or drilling fluids. A common application for Frac Tanks is to store water for “Frac Operations”. In this application the tanks are used to store the filtered water that is later mixed with the “proppant” and then pumped down the well to fracture the formation and then hold the fracture open.

Frac Tanks are also commonly used in a number of other industries. These include: Petrochemical, Construction, Environmental Projects, HDD or Minerals Drilling, and Mining to name a few. Basically wherever there is a need for large scale temporary storage on non-toxic fluids.

Frac Tanks can be used in in conjunction with pumps, filters, dewatering units and vacuum boxes as part of large scale projects. They are also commonly used in conjunction with Frac Ponds or large Storage Ponds when large volumes of fluid are required.

Why is one Frac Tank better than another?

There are various frac tank designs on the market currently. While total volume is a consideration other considerations are:

Cleaning considerations:

  • A frac tank is generally considered a confined space. Tanks should be designed in such a way to limit the need to enter the tanks for things like cleaning. (See below safety considerations)
  • V-Bottom design with sump to allow fluid to flow and pool while emptying.
  • Smooth walls rather than corrugated walls. Corrugated walls create dead space making it difficult to clean.
  • Typically have an additional drain line or sump in the rear of the tank. Suction lines typically are 8-10” above the bottom of the tank and sometimes not all the fluid can be drained via the suction manifold.
  • Rodless internals. Internal rods typically make the tank more difficult to clean, provide a weak point in the tank, make rescuing a fallen worker more difficult.

Safety considerations:

  • Stair access versus ladder access is generally preferred. Ladders over 2m (6ft) generally require some sort of fall protection and safety harness to access the inspection hatch.
  • Highly visible sight glass on the front or side of the truck. This allows the operators to see how full the tank is from a distance.
  • A frac tank is generally considered a confined space. Tanks should be designed in a way to limit the need for entry, have large enough access/egress points for personal or equipment, ideally have multiple access/egress points for contingency.

Engineering and Transportation considerations:

  • Tanks should be engineered to withstand the pressures exerted by the anticipated fluids. Generally FMEA are done on the tank designs and the tanks are hydro-tested prior to being put into service.
  • Tanks should have multiple suctions and fill points. Tanks may also include gun lines to allow rolling or mixing of the fluid in the tank.
  • Mobile tanks should meet local road or driving standards. In Australia they should be compliant with ADR rules and have an assigned vin plate from an approved manufacturer.
  • Mobile tanks sold in Australia typically are designed with independent hydraulic legs are used to raise the tank to allow a truck tractor or prime mover to back under it.

Where can I get Frac Tanks in Australia?

Tango Oilfield Solutions rents fully compliant frac tanks and frac ponds to the Australian oil field, energy, mining and construction industries. Tango regularly stocks mobile, skidded, and high volume frac ponds. A variety of tanks are also available for mud or chemical storage. Tanks can also be manifolded together for larger projects as needed.

All of Tango’s frac tanks are suitable for water or frac fluids and come with a “V bottom” floor design, smooth walls, and sump/drain lines for easy cleanout.

Our tanks are engineered to meet or exceed all ADR regulatory and safety requirements and come with required certifications and hydrotest certificates. Our mobile tanks are fitted with hydraulic legs to allow for easy transport.

Along with frac tanks, Tango can provide complete “turnkey” fluid storage management solutions including tanks, manifolds, transfer pumps and associated hoses for any project.

Should you have a special need, Tango has the capabilities to manufacture a custom design to suit any application. Contact us 24/7 on 1300 082 646.