Storing high-value liquid to an onsite fuel tank system can be advantageous to business entities whose operation depends upon having a constant supply of fuel in their worksite. Before anything else, installing an onsite tank for your fuel needs lets you purchase bulk volumes of your required liquid fuel. This helps in eliminating the need for suppliers to drive their way to your site, save for waiting time to replenish your fuel supply.
Besides, having an onsite liquid containment system will also allow you to know beforehand how much volume of liquid fuel you require and how much exactly it would cost.
But you can’t just install this type of liquid storage facility to your work site just like that because there would be state, federal and local regulations to follow and you need to abide with. In addition to that, you are also necessitated to keep your liquid fuel-free and clear from contaminants, including water.
The construction industry is known to cycle through their fuel at warp speed that renders bacterial and water buildup in their fuel tanks as a not so significant problem. However, these contaminants, as we know it, are a major problem in other industries. Hence, it is of paramount importance that we know how to properly install and maintain our liquid fuel containment systems.
What are the Fundamentals of a Reliable Onsite Fuel Tank Design
Usually, the best option there is for use in construction fleets is an above-ground storage tank. One thing that you can appreciate from using this type of tank is that they can be inspected and painted easily, which serves as their protection against the weathering elements.
Leaks are a far off possibility. But the tank is mobile in such a way that you can move it from one location to another as needed.
The advantages of above-ground fuel tanks come with their share of drawbacks, too. This type of containment tanks is vulnerable to damage, such as vehicles that are backing into them. Also, these tanks are prone to vandals who are likely to inflict damage to them to steal stored fuel.
Lastly, extreme weather conditions such as high and strong winds as well as flooding are likely to put a liquid storage tank of this type in great peril. So, this means to say that, depending on your situation, an above-ground liquid containment system could either be a good or a bad choice for you.
Another option you can consider for your company’s use is the underground liquid storage system. Usually, this type of containment system for liquid fuel is linked via a piping system and private individuals, municipalities and fleets are the ones who usually take advantage of them.
In complete contrast to the above-ground tanking system, the underground type of tank for liquid fuel is not susceptible to damage. But in the absence of giving proper maintenance practices for these tanks, there is a good possibility that whatever liquid you keep in it is likely to leak. And if that happens, it will wreak havoc of unimaginable proportions to the surrounding environment.
Know what the law says about storage tanks
Be sure to learn something first about the existing local zoning laws, federal rules and state regulations in your area before you install an onsite fuel tank.
If you are going to have a tank intended for outdoor use, it needs to come with an outdoor-use designation. You are not allowed to use a basement storage container for outdoor use. Another key factor to keep in mind all the time is that they are intended to hold or contain flammable liquids like gasoline, you need to have fire-guarded or vaulted.
By this measure, you are keeping your fuel away from the possibility of igniting for about 2 hours or so in case there is fire.
Monitor Fuel Tank Contamination
One of the important things you need to keep an eye on is when the tank is opened up for replenishing the fuel. When the tank is open, it acts like a vacuum, sucking up dust, dirt, and debris right into it.
You can handle this kind of problem by taking good advantage of treatments to keep corrosion, plugging and gelling from taking place. We also encourage you to install micron filters on your distribution trucks.