When it comes to buying or hiring fuel tanks, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed with the number of products on the market and go into a state of analysis paralysis. This is actually perfectly natural, as choosing the right fuel storage tank can impact everything from the cost of your project to the safety of your workers, so you’ll want to make sure you get it right. Fortunately, by being mindful of just a few key considerations, you can easily begin to narrow down your options and land on a suitable fuel storage tank sooner. This article will go over some tips to help you narrow down your options and choose the right fuel tank for your needs.
Assess Your Needs
The first step to narrowing down your options is to assess your needs. How much fuel do you need to store? What type of fuel will you be using? And where will the fuel storage tank primarily be located?
These are critical questions to answer because they will inform and dictate which type of tank is actually right for your project. Each fuel storage tank has its own benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to choose the one that best fits your needs. For example, steel tanks are typically more expensive than fibreglass or polyethylene tanks, but they’re also more durable. Fibreglass and polyethylene tanks, on the other hand, are less expensive, but they’re also more susceptible to environmental damage.
Fuel tanks also come in a variety of configurations, from standard on-ground tanks to overhead tanks that require a platform and ladder. Take the time to critically assess your project and think about which tank will help things to run most smoothly.
Determine if You Need a Bunded Tank
Another critical consideration is whether you will require a bunded tank. Bunded fuel tanks are equipped with an extra layer of protection that provides shielding to the fuel stored within. Bunding is often used to meet safety regulations for flammable liquids. Whenever you’re storing or using flammable liquids, you’ll need to make sure your tank meets all applicable safety regulations. Sometimes a bunded tank is the only way to meet these safety requirements, so make sure you’re aware of your fuel storage and safety obligations in this regard. If you do need a bunded tank, your options will be narrowed down automatically.
Decide Between Overhead Tanks & Ground Tanks
Another easy way to narrow down your options is to choose between overhead and ground fuel storage tanks.
Overhead tanks tend to be more expensive than ground fuel tanks due to a generally higher fuel capacity as well as the additional components and accessories required for their use. Overhead tanks can be more difficult to access and usually require a ladder or platform for workers to safely reach the fuel storage area.
Ground fuel tanks typically have better pump performance and speed than overhead tanks, as gravity helps draw the fuel down into the pump. Ground tanks also tend to be less susceptible to wind damage than their overhead counterparts, as they’re anchored closer to the ground, which makes them easier to protect. Ultimately, the decision of which type of tank is right for your project will come down to a number of factors including cost, the level of accessibility you need for your project to run smoothly, and whether you need a faster pump performance and action.
The process of selecting the right fuel storage tank for your needs doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By narrowing down your options based on a few key criteria, you can dramatically streamline the search process and find the best fuel tanks for your needs sooner.
