Selling Industrial Propane Tanks After a Plant Closure

When an industrial facility closes, downsizes or changes its fuel system, large propane storage tanks may no longer be needed. Atlantic Tank Sales purchases surplus industrial LPG storage vessels directly from owners throughout the United States. Our focus is large stationary tanks, including commonly encountered 18,000-, 30,000- and 60,000-gallon vessels. We evaluate each opportunity individually; tank size alone does not establish that we can purchase it.

Before you contact us, our plant shutdown tank checklist lists the photos and details worth gathering.

Start with the equipment you have

Before arranging removal, identify the number of tanks, their nominal capacities and the facility where they are located. A photograph showing each complete tank helps us understand its general configuration. A clear photograph of the manufacturer’s data plate is particularly useful because it may identify the manufacturer, serial number, construction information and design ratings. If you have the original ASME Manufacturer’s Data Report, often called a U-1 or U-1A, tell us. Do not guess at missing specifications or alter equipment to obtain photographs.

What affects a purchase evaluation?

We consider the tank’s capacity and dimensions, construction and available records, apparent condition, location, accessibility and the practical requirements for removal. Whether the tank is still connected to piping, contains product or sits near active equipment can affect the work that must be planned. These factors help determine whether a direct purchase is feasible and what additional information is needed. They do not imply a guaranteed price or an automatic offer.

Coordinate with the plant team

A closing facility may have several parties involved: plant management, maintenance, safety personnel, contractors and the equipment owner. Establish who has authority to sell the tanks and who can provide access for an evaluation. Plant personnel should identify operating restrictions, adjacent equipment, access roads and any site-specific safety procedures. Do not disconnect, vent, drain, lift or move a pressure vessel simply to prepare it for sale. Those activities require appropriate planning and qualified personnel.

How purchased tanks are removed

For vessels Atlantic Tank Sales agrees to purchase, we coordinate the necessary work for removal, which may include propane recovery, isolation, dismantling, rigging, loading and transportation. The exact sequence depends on the equipment and site conditions. Our role is purchasing and reselling industrial tanks; we do not advertise a stand-alone removal service for tanks we are not buying. An agreed scope and site plan are important before work begins.

Useful information to send

Include the facility city and state, the number of vessels, approximate gallon capacity of each, any available manufacturer or ASME documentation, and photographs of the tanks and their data plates. Describe whether the facility is operating, shutting down or already closed, and whether access is restricted. If you are unsure about an item, say so; an accurate partial description is better than an invented specification.

What happens next?

Atlantic Tank Sales reviews the information to determine whether the tanks fit its purchasing interests and what follow-up details may be necessary. A review is not a promise to buy. If the opportunity is suitable, the parties can discuss the equipment, terms and removal arrangements before any work is authorized. For background, see our documented industrial tank projects and tank purchase and removal overview.

Request a Purchase Evaluation

Sell your industrial propane tanks: send details and upload photographs through our purchase inquiry form. You can also call 910-729-6565 or text photographs to 267-994-7013.

Tank photo and purchase inquiry form: