Hi,
I asked one of the makers of rotomolded polyethylene tanks what temperatures the tanks could withstand -- the answer was:
"Our tanks are rated to spike at 140 and run a constant temp of 120. If you store the water at 150 degrees it could soften the tank. You might try finding a cross linked tank that can withstand the higher temps."
I believe that the IBC totes are made from polyethylene and made about the same way as the rotomolded tanks, so I'd guess the same temperature limit applies?
I think the rating that they gave of 120F is probably on the conservative side, and the fact that the IBC totes have the metal pipe frame would make them good for more than 120F, but I think its pushing it for solar hot water storage.
I believe that they do make polypropylene versions of these tanks, and they would be fine for solar tank temperatures -- but, I don't think these polypropylene ones are common.
Gary
|