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6 Differences Between Crosslinked Polyethylene and FRP Tanks

Purchasing a high-quality chemical storage tank is a significant investment for your company, and choosing the right tank for your needs isn’t always an easy decision. If you’re deciding between a fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) tank and polyethylene tank, be sure you understand the differences between them and know what to expect in terms of cost, maintenance, service, and protection.


FRP tanks are coated with an interior chemical resin. Their structural layer is comprised of chopped glass fiber or filament-wound fibers and resin. Polyethylene storage tanks are either made of linear polyethylene or high-density crosslinked polyethylene (XLPE). XLPE is a thermoset resin specifically engineered for critical applications like chemical storage.

Let’s explore six important differences between FRP and XLPE chemical tank systems. Evaluate these differences thoughtfully as you select your next chemical storage tank system.

1. XLPE Offers Seamless Construction for Greater Strength

Filament WindingFiberglass Reinforced Plastic tanks are filament-wound or hand laid up. Fibers are intertwined into a nexus veil that is wound onto a spool. In this spool, the fibers create a fiberglass layer with added resin, which keeps them bound together. Fiberglass tanks are constructed with seams (due to the winding).

This method of manufacturing inherently creates the opportunity for weak points that are vulnerable to leaks. In addition, FRP tank manufacturers  add the top and bottom of the tank post-production, further increasing the risk of leaks.

Conversely, crosslinked polyethylene tanks are rotationally molded, producing a one-piece construction with no vulnerable seams. As opposed to fiberglass tanks, rotationally molded tanks are a homogenous, one-layer construction. This one layer construction eliminates potential weak spots in the tank structure and eliminates wicking or delamination that can occur from chemical attack or poor construction.

Filament Winding Process

2. Chemical Wicking into the Tank’s Walls

Because of the structure of fiberglass, harsh chemicals can wick into fiberglass tank walls over time, compromising the tank life. Eventually, the chemical resin barrier on the interior wall is compromised and the chemical makes its way into the structural area of the tank. This structural area usually isn’t designed to provide the chemical compatibility that the interior resin did. As a result, the fibers begin to break down, and eventually, the tank fails.

While there are repairs that you can sometimes make, eventually you will need to replace your fiberglass tank.

That’s one of the reasons that most fiberglass tanks don’t have the same warranty Poly Processing provides for our corrosion resistant tanks. Even the harshest chemicals can’t seep into high-density crosslinked polyethylene tank walls.

Download Our Quick XLPE vs. FRP Overview

3. Cost of Tank Ownership

FRP TankFiberglass tanks are more costly than crosslinked polyethylene tanks, sometimes 3-5 times more. They have a higher upfront cost in general, and the lifetime cost of ownership is higher as well. FRP tanks require more maintenance than crosslinked polyethylene tanks, costing you time, resources and money.

Because FRP tanks are painted or have a gel coat on the outside of the tanks, they need to be recoated on occasion. This is especially true for outdoor tanks because the fiberglass requires UV protection to prevent additional wear. XLPE tanks never need to be painted or coated, because the entire wall has UV additives throughout the tank.

4. Special Handling Considerations

Fiberglass tanks are inflexible, which makes them vulnerable to cracking. Extreme care must be taken anytime you move an FRP tank, especially during installation. As a result, these tanks often sit on a special wicking mat so that any leaks in the bottom of the tank can be easily seen as the chemical spreads throughout the mat.

Crosslinked polyethylene tanks are much more durable, and can easily be moved at any time. In fact, our durability testing drops filled tanks from as high as 45 feet above the ground—without splitting or leak leaking.

5. Molded Tank Fittings vs. Traditional Attachments

IMFO Detail Close UpAll FRP fittings are added onto the tank after production, which creates the opportunity for leaks at the attachment point. Poly Processing’s IMFO® fitting prevents this problem because the fitting is integrally molded into the tank itself. It’s not an attachment, but a single part of the chemical tank. This innovation removes potential stress points and allows no opportunities for leaks.

6. NSF/ANSI 61 System Certification

Poly Processing is committed to ensuring that our polyethylene chemical storage systems meet industry standards and are NSF/ANSI 61 certified. In fact, among chemical storage tank manufacturers, Poly Processing is the only one with a complete chemical storage tank system that is NSF/ANSI-61 certified. Currently, we have NSF 61 Certification for 35 of the most popular water treatment chemicals on our XLPE tank systems. Additionally, our certifications cover XLPE tanks with the OR-1000® System.

Most FRP tanks hold the basic NSF/ANSI 61 certification for only one specific application, potable water.

Learn more about FRP, XLPE and the wide range of other tank options in our tank buying guide.

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Topics: Tank Design and Materials