Fuel storage tanks are an alternative to conventional, outbound methods of fuel access. The fuel tank is situated on a private business property for factory or fleet use. This way, machines and vehicles can access fuel on the spot without the need for commercial fuel storage stops.
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Why buy a fuel storage tank? The better question is why go out to get fuel from a commercial provider when you could have your fuel on-site? Fuel storage tanks are most beneficial for the following reasons:
If you are in the market for a fuel tank, consider the size and space of your facility and the fueling needs of the processes at hand. Ask yourself the following questions:
Some of the most important things to consider with a fuel storage tank are its size and capacity and how those features correlate to the needs of your facility. It all comes down to how much fuel your operations require.
Over what span of time would you ultimately consume 12,000 gallons of fuel? Would that be enough to fuel your operations for a reasonable fill cycle, or would you need a tank that can handle 24,000 gallons? The size of your tank will ultimately determine how many processes you can fuel on a single tank-fill cycle and how often you will need to order refills.
If you are serious about purchasing a tank for your facility, you should already have the tank’s location designated on the property. If not, you need to select an area and determine whether the space in question will accommodate a prospective tank model. This space will need to be located in a safe area, preferably at a reasonable distance from any building on the property. Alternately, if you opt for a below-ground tank, you will need to have an allotted ground space that could realistically be unearthed to make way for the tank.
The fuel type used in your operations will determine your needs in a tank design. If you plan to use flammable fluids, you will need to have a tank that is double-walled or stored in a tub or dike. If you plan to use more than one type of fluid, you will need a separate tank for each.
At Shipley Energy, we sell and install storage tank units and also provide on-site fuel refill services. Whether you run a large or small facility, we can help you find a tank that will perfectly suit your operations.
Fuel storage tanks come in different sizes to suit a variety of working environments. Overall, fuel tanks fall into two categories — above-ground and below-ground. The differences are as follows:
Numerous advantages come with choosing an above-ground tank, which is easy to install, inspect and service. The benefits of above-ground tanks can be summarized as follows:
Due to factors like placement and exposure, above-ground tanks are subject to different environmental laws than below-ground tanks. The one disadvantage is that above-ground tanks are exposed to the elements and contain flammable compartments of fuel that could ignite in the event of a nearby explosion or passing wildfire.
There are two main benefits to below-ground tanks:
On the downside, below-ground tanks are more difficult to install because of the excavation work required. If problems emerge, a below-ground tank is troublesome to inspect because it must first be excavated. If you ever decide to move your base of operation, a below-ground tank could render your relocation efforts far more difficult.
Above-ground and below-ground tanks are equally safe when it comes to the storage of fuel due to the stability of propane and heating oil. The foremost things to consider before you choose between one or the other are the fuel requirements of your business. If your operations are tremendous and require maximum fuel supplies, you will probably need a larger tank. Consider how much of your existing ground space could be set aside to accommodate a fuel tank.
When you have an on-site fuel storage tank, safety is paramount. It is your responsibility to maintain the tank and keep it in compliance with regulatory laws. For example, when you dispense fuel, you need to ensure that the tank remains free of contamination or water. The following measures are necessary to keep your tank environmentally safe and compliant with legal requirements:
The EPA requires that above-ground tanks — referred to as “bulk storage tanks” in EPA literature — be tested regularly for structural integrity. The agency requires a combination of visual inspections with at least one scientific method such as radiographic, ultrasonic or hydrostatic testing.
Above-ground tanks are generally regulated at the state level. The laws of a given state may require that the tank and its attachments be painted a particular color to designate its purpose. State law may also require that the tank be equipped with alarms. Check your state’s EPA website for more information.
As the facility owner or foreman, it is crucial to hold annual reviews on fuel tank safety and cleanup procedures. Attendance of these reviews must be mandatory for all on-site company staff. Each year, everyone on staff should undergo a reevaluation of his or her ability to clean, contain, and dispense fuel.
Every 12 months, company personnel should be re-briefed and quizzed on spill-prevention measures. Hold tests on how to properly handle fuel leaks or tank explosions in the event of a catastrophe. Annual reviews are also a perfect opportunity to present new safety protocols to company staff.
All facility personnel should be trained on safety measures regarding the tank. Make sure that all of your employees are tested on how to inspect, power-on and power-off the tank. If a spill does occur, all staff must also be trained on spill-containment and safe-cleanup measures.
If you store fuel over long periods, you increase the likelihood of microbial contamination. Therefore, tanks must receive maintenance periodically to prevent such problems. In any case, companies that cycle through fuel supplies more rapidly tend to experience fewer problems with water or contamination.
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In addition to the legal requirements and staff tests, you should enact the following fuel tank safety tips at your facility:
Business owners and factory operators reap numerous benefits with fuel storage tanks. The advantages of having a tank include:
Now that you know the benefits of on-site fuel and understand all the safety tips for fuel storage tanks, there is nothing to prevent your company from reaping the benefits of owning a fuel tank. At Shipley Energy, we’ve provided and installed tank units and offered fuel refills in counties around the Northeast for almost 90 years. Contact us today to learn more about our bulk fuel delivery and fuel storage tank services.
Getting started with Shipley Energy is easy and hassle-free. Contact our commercial sales team to get started today.
