The above-ground fuel tank is also known as the above-ground storage tank. The tanks are set up above the ground and can hold anything from petroleum products, hazardous materials, and waste.
Due to its sensitive content, a fuel tank must be installed at least 20 feet away from residential compounds. Additionally, employees of the textile company must have access to all sides of the fuel tank.
Having above ground fuel tanks in the vicinity of your property must be monitored and maintained with care. Spills and leaks can occur, so you should be extra careful about these factors. Furthermore, you need to have proper barriers around the tanks for protection as well.
This article will focus on the installation and safety precautions of an above-ground fuel tank. Read cautiously and make sure all of the safety standards are maintained during the installation process.
Sufficient Space to Set Up the Fuel Tank
Not only is it important to locate the fuel tank away from urban residents, but it should also be installed in a large area of land. A fuel tank is not small. Click here for a range of above ground storage tanks in the market.
Typically produced in a cylindrical shape, a storage tank has a containing capacity of 8,000 to 30,000 gallons.
You need space to set up multiple gallons in the premise, according to the manufacturing ability of your company. In addition, you need to have more space for other industrial works around the tanks.
The storage tanks can be mounted in various ways. They can be mounted on concrete pads or dikes, or they can be placed on two seat saddles. If you mount them on a skate, they can be moved from place to place.
Getting Approval for Installation
Before you install something as sophisticated and hazardous as an above-ground fuel tank, you need to take permission of the local municipality. Usually, you have to get in touch with the planning and development department for approval.
For safety reasons, advise the local fire prevention department as well. Just in case, make sure that you have the approval to install an above-ground fuel tank from all local, federal, and state authorities.
You should prepare the site of installation before you ask for approval. If you don’t qualify the criteria for installation, you may not receive the grant. The inspectors will inspect the foundation of the fuel tank, coatings, connections, piping system, tank walls, sensors, valves, and other accessories.
How to Prepare the Base of the Tank
You need a level and firm base to set up the tank. Large pebbles and other distractions must be removed from the installation ground.
Generally, fine gravel, cement, and sand are good base materials. You can nail a plywood platform to a suitable structure to support the base of the tank.
Moreover, the place of installation must be free of ignition sources, for example cutting torches and welding. A threaded pipe connection should be fitted with the bottom of the fuel tank.
Additionally, for air circulation, a 16-inch access cap has to be installed at the top of the tank. Lastly, tighten all of the fittings to ensure no leakage.
Things to Consider before Purchasing an Above Ground Fuel Tank
Double-walled tanks are more preferred by industrialists than single-walled tanks because of the functions.
The outer wall protects the tank and the contents from rain, sun, and other external accidents. On the other hand, the inner wall prevents leakage. There are leak detectors between the outer and inner walls, which will set off an alarm in times of leakages.
There is nothing wrong with buying a single-walled tank, but tanks with walls like this are generally susceptible to leaks and corrosion.
Each fuel tank should come with a spill kit, adequate lighting for night times and bad weather, an emergency vent, leak detection, overfill protection, secondary containment, and a liquid level gauge.
On top of that, a roof above the tank will reduce the effects of condensation and evaporation. It will prevent overheating of the fuel tank due to sunlight and also keep water away from accumulating.
Safe installation of above-ground fuel tanks is crucial as the tank stores fuel, oils, and chemicals. Therefore, please make sure you are following through all the details discussed in this article.
Safety Precautions
It is important that the containing devices be inspected every month to check for leakage, corrosion, punctures, cracks, rainwater, defects, or any other issues.
If there is standing rainwater in or around the tank, less fuel will be released per volume. Inspection documents should be stored for at least three years, according to the laws of the federal government.
Warning labels must be put everywhere necessary. For instance, tank ID number, hazardous content, storage capacity, ‘no smoking’ signs, etc.
Any cracks, defects, and/or issues found during inspections should be fixed immediately. Otherwise, it will pose a threat to the people on the premises and beyond.
As an industrialist, you will incur pollution liability based on the amount of pollution caused. Through regular inspection and maintenance, you can minimize the liability.
Concrete pillars, wood framing, piping, and wheel stops can be used as a barrier around the fuel tank. To control vehicle placement near the above-ground fuel tank, use curbing.
Bottom Line
Certainly, there is more to the installation process of above-ground fuel tanks. This article only touches on the basic guidelines.
You should definitely do your own research and learn more from different sources about the installation process. Engineers and technicians with practical knowledge are able to guide you further into what is right and wrong.
When it comes to having fuel tanks, the most important job is to maintain it. It depends on the site management and the dutifulness of the workers to ensure that the tanks and its contents are looked after, preventing pollution and injury to people around the area.
