Stainless Steel Vacuum Tanks
A vacuum tank fails in the opposite direction from a pressure tank — it collapses inward. That means a heavier shell than the same vessel would need for internal pressure, and it is the first thing we change.
What Stainless Steel Vacuum Tanks are for
Under vacuum, atmospheric pressure is pushing in on every square inch of the tank and there is nothing pushing back. A shell that is comfortable holding 150 psi inside can buckle under full vacuum, because the failure mode is elastic instability rather than material strength.
We build vacuum tanks starting from our 300 psi construction and then upgrade the shell further — moving to 14 gauge on the 9-5/8 in. and 11-5/8 in. diameters, and to 12 gauge from 14-5/8 in. through 36 in.
Our written warranty specifically excludes tanks subjected to vacuum that were not rated for it, so if there is any chance of pulling a vacuum — including accidentally, by draining a sealed tank — tell us up front and we will build for it.
Typical applications
- Vacuum process and holding vessels
- Degassing and de-aeration
- Vacuum transfer and receiving tanks
- Extraction systems running under vacuum
Get a price on this tank
Stock size or custom — send what you have and we will quote it. Consultations are free.
Construction
How we build it
Every specification below is what Swhift actually publishes for this product line.
- Built on 300 psi construction with an additional shell upgrade
- Upgraded to 14 gauge for 9-5/8 in. and 11-5/8 in. diameters
- Upgraded to 12 gauge for 14-5/8 in. through 36 in. diameters
- 304 stainless steel standard; 316 available as an option
- Made in the U.S.A.
Options
What you can change
Stock or custom sizing is available across the range. These are the options most often specified.
- Diameter and length to your requirement
- Combined vacuum and pressure service where specified
- Sanitary interior finish on request
- Ports, sight glasses and instrumentation connections
- Legs, saddles or ring base
Stainless Steel Vacuum Tanks we have built
Photographs from our shop and from installations. Every image on this site is our own work — there is no stock photography anywhere on it.
Specifications & order forms
Industries that use this tank
- Oil, Gas & EthanolProcess vessels, pressure tanks and vacuum tanks for fuel and energy processing operations.
- HealthcareTreated water storage, ozone contact vessels and custom stainless components for healthcare facilities.
- Food & RestaurantFood-grade tanks, custom components and one-off stainless work for production kitchens and food manufacturers.
Stainless Steel Vacuum Tanks: common questions
Why is a vacuum tank built heavier than a pressure tank?
Different failure mode. Internal pressure puts the shell in tension, where stainless is strong. External pressure puts it in compression, where a thin shell buckles long before the material itself gives out. Resisting that takes wall thickness, so the shell gets upgraded.
Can one tank do both pressure and vacuum?
Yes, but it has to be specified that way from the start. Tell us both the internal pressure and the vacuum level you need and we will build a vessel rated for the pair rather than for one of them.
What happens if I pull a vacuum on a standard tank?
Our warranty does not cover it, and the tank may deform or collapse. This is not a hypothetical — draining a sealed tank without a vacuum breaker is a common way it happens by accident. If that is possible in your installation, have the tank built for vacuum.
How do I specify one?
Use the pressure tank layout sheet and note the vacuum requirement in the special instructions, or just tell us on the quote request. We will confirm the shell gauge before we quote.
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Start a project
Ready to quote your stainless steel vacuum tanks?
Send dimensions, a completed layout sheet, or a description of the job. If a stock size fits, we will point you at it rather than quoting a custom build.
Consultations are free. Every project is managed by a single production manager, so you talk to the person who knows your job.