STORAGE TANKS

STORAGE TANKS

Vertical Storage Tanks

 

Fuel Storage tanks used in fuel industry may be in different type. There are vertical, horizontal, buried and semi-burried storage tanks used for storing fuel. The number and size of the storage tanks in a fuelling station or at airports shall be enough for service capacity. For instance fueling facilities at airports shall have enough storage capacity to handle with peak season, refuelling shall not be interrupted.

Storage tanks shall be internally coated with epoxy material. Storage tanks shall be fitted with free vent devices, inlet and outlet pipes, drain lines, floating suctions, automatic alarm systems and manholes. Free vent system is essential to discharge the air inside the tank. Drain lines are to drain off the water accumulated in the sump of the storage tanks. Floating suction shall be installed to the tank shell so that it goes down automatically when the fuel level drops down thus the fuel in the bottom is not used. All storage tanks tanks shall have an automatic alarm and fuel shut-off system to stop fuel flow when the fuel has reached a pre-determined level.

 

Storage tanks shall be cleaned and inspected regularly to ensure that the fuel is clean everytime. Storage tanks shall be drained off daily because when the temperature decreases at nights and in cold climates water accumulates in the sump. Microbes grow in fuel water interface and cause microbiological contamination. The contaminated fuel used in refuelling vehicles and aircrafts may result in filter clogging and harms the filter system of the aircrafts.

 

Fuel companies having the target of supplying clean and on-specification fuel to their customers shall ensure that the storage tanks are always in good condition and inspected regularly. The staff who is responsible for the handling of the storage facility shall be trained in accordance with the latest standarts.