Proper storage of petroleum is essential to ensure that operators can access the fuel whenever it is required and the risk of spillage and subsequent environmental contamination is reduced. With the cost of petroleum at an all-time high, it is vital that appropriate measures are put in place to ensure the resilience, safety and security of your petroleum storage tank.
10 must-have petroleum storage tank and piping installations
Double-wall tank: A double-wall tank is a sound investment for any business. It consists of an inner wall that secures the fuel and an outer wall that acts as a secondary containment barrier and provides another layer of protection against leaks and spills.
Leak detection systems: A leak detection system provides early warning of a leak or breach in the integrity of the petroleum storage tank. These systems use sensors to monitor for signs of leakage, allowing operators to respond promptly to preserve stock levels, restore full function and prevent environmental damage.
Overfill prevention: Overfilling fuel tanks is a costly and wasteful exercise that also increases the likelihood of environmental contamination. Installing overfill prevention equipment such as automatic shut-off valves prevents tanks from being filled beyond their capacity and reduces the risk of fuel loss.
Corrosion protection: Corrosion is a leading cause of tank structure defects, so the use of protective coatings and the installation of cathodic protection systems is highly recommended to prolong the lifespan of the storage tank and its pipework, ensuring its long-term structural integrity and providing a sound return on investment.
Grounding and bonding: Static electricity is a significant risk in petroleum storage facilities because it can ignite fuel vapors and cause explosions. Grounding and bonding systems dissipate static charges, reduce the likelihood of sparks, and keep flammable liquids and human operators safe.
Vapor recovery systems: Vapors emitted during fuel storage and dispensing are harmful to human health and the environment, so installing vapor recovery systems can contribute to regulatory compliance and environmental protection.
Secondary containment systems: Secondary containment systems provide another layer of defense against leaks and spills. They are designed to capture any escaped fuel and prevent it from being lost to the environment.
Emergency shutdown systems: The ability to remotely shut down a fuel transfer operation is essential to protect operators and contain an emergency situation. Emergency shutdown systems prevent accidents and can protect systems from damage.
Spill containment: Despite best efforts, a spill may still occur, so spill containment equipment is highly recommended to contain and clean up spills promptly, protecting operators and the environment from harm.
Regular inspection and maintenance: To ensure the safe and reliable performance of fuel storage systems, a regular inspection and maintenance schedule must be adhered to. This will identify potential issues early and allow them to be addressed before they develop into a major problem.
Conclusion
When a fuel storage tank and its piping system is correctly installed, regularly inspected and maintained appropriately, the risks it poses to operators and the environment are dramatically reduced and fuel availability is increased, supporting business operations.