If you are installing or replacing an oil storage tank, it is always wise to seek advice from an OFTEC-qualified technician, as they will be able to carry out a fire and environmental risk assessment and ensure you comply with current regulations.  However, below we have outlined some key areas you need to take into consideration when thinking about Oil Storage Tank Base Requirements

While many of these regulations cover the design and construction of the tank itself, it is important that the base on which the tank stands is fit for purpose. One factor is the weight of a full tank; as a guide, fuel oil weighs approximately one tonne per 1000 litres, plus the weight of the tank itself. As domestic heating oil tanks can have a capacity of up to 3500 litres, the total weight could be 3.5 tonnes.

The base must therefore be stable and solid enough to take this weight regardless of potentially changing ground conditions such as soil erosion. If an unstable base is unable to maintain uniform structural support across the full footprint of the tank, this could result in leakage and even fracture of the tank or pipes.

The base should be level and constructed of a non-combustible material such as solid concrete, paving stones or stonework, on a properly prepared bed and extending by a minimum of 300mm beyond the perimeter of the tank. If pre-cast concrete slabs are used, these must be at least 50mm thick and laid on a compacted and blinded hardcore base. If a concrete base is cast, this must be at least 100mm thick. The base should also offer a degree of impermeability so that in the event of a minor spillage, the soil will not be contaminated.

Another factor that must be taken into consideration is the siting of the tank, and this is particularly important if an existing tank is to be replaced, as the present location may no longer meet regulations. The tank must be placed where there is a minimal risk of fire spreading to the tank from nearby structures, and even the lesser risk of a fire starting at the tank and spreading outwards.

A minimum clear space of 1.8 metres must be maintained between the tank and the following:

• non-fire rated eaves of a building
• any non-fire rated building or structure (for example, a garden shed)
• openings (such as doors or windows) in a fire rated building or structure such as a brick-built house or garage
• liquid fuel appliance flue terminals

The tank must also be sited at least 760mm from any non-fire rated boundary such as a wooden fence, and 600mm away from screening such as trellis and foliage that does not form part of the boundary. This is important to remember when planning to conceal an unsightly tank that may be visible from a house’s windows.
If there is insufficient space on the site to meet these regulations, a fire protection barrier with a minimum rating of 30 minutes may be used with a reduced gap of 300mm between the tank and the fire barrier, subject to the approval of the tank’s manufacturer.

Location of a fuel oil tank within a building such as a garage or outhouse is generally undesirable due to the unpleasant odour of fumes as well as increased fire risk, but if this is unavoidable the tank must be fully enclosed within a 60-minute fire rated chamber.

Steel Tank Installation

• To limit corrosion, we recommend
  raising the tank on two or more pillars to keep the base clear of groundwater (bunded tanks are supplied with additional base support runners for installation on a ground-level platform)
  inserting a bitumen-type strip material underneath the tank contact points
• On single skin tanks only, inclining the tank slightly towards the drain socket end to allow rainwater to drain from the top of the tank
  If the tank is placed on pillars, these should extend beyond the sides of the tank to support them from beneath (see Figure 1).
• Atlantis Single-skin steel oil tanks are supplied with:
  • two 2” BSP top female sockets (fill & vent)
  • one 1.5” BSP top female socket (tank gauge)
  • one 1” BSP bottom outlet socket
  • one ¾” BSP plugged drain socket.
• Atlantis Bunded steel oil tanks are supplied with:
  • two 2” BSP top female sockets (fill and spare)
  • one 1” BSP plugged top suction drain
  • one 2” BSP tank-to-bund vent
  • one 2” bund vent with vent cap
  • one 1.5” BSP top female socket (bund gauge)
  • one 1.5” BSP top female socket (tank gauge)
  • one 1” BSP bottom outlet socket

Plastic Tank Installation

• A bunded plastic tank may be installed on pillars (see Figure 2). Raising the tank so that the bottom outlet is higher than the boiler inlet will allow gravity to feed the fuel directly to the boiler.
• If placed on pillars, a bunded plastic tank will need a full flagstone base to bear its weight across the full diameter of the tank, supported by concrete lintels.
• A bunded plastic tank may also be placed directly onto a ground-level non-combustible base (see Figure 3). This is preferable if the location has limited headroom, or to minimise visual impact.
• If located at ground level, a bunded plastic tank will require an internal flexible suction pipe to draw the fuel oil up to a top outlet, which is factory fitted within the outer bund. It will also require a de-aeration device to be fitted between the tank and the boiler to ensure no air bubbles reach the boiler.
• Atlantis plastic single skin oil tanks are supplied with:
  • one 2” top male socket (fill)
  • one 2” vent
  • one 1” bottom outlet or 1” top outlet socket
  • one 4” inspection cap
  • one gauge port
• Atlantis plastic bunded oil tanks are supplied with:
  • one 2” top male socket (fill)
  • one 2” vent
  • one 1” bottom outlet or 1” top outlet socket
  • one 4” inspection cap
  • one gauge port
  • one outer bund locking lid

Figure 2

Figure 3

Knowing how much fuel is in your tank is essential for monitoring oil usage, ordering when needed and making sure fuel isn’t lost due to leaks or theft. Atlantis Tanks supplies gauges that quickly and accurately provide this information. One type of gauge we supply, although not commonly used on modern tanks, is the sight gauge.

What is a Sight Gauge?

A sight gauge is a clear plastic tube running up the side of a tank that is open to the atmosphere and shows the level of liquid inside. When the gauge is activated, a valve opens and fuel fills the tube to the same level that’s in the tank. It’s not a float gauge, which sits on the top of the tank and has a float attached via a string that rests on the top of the liquid. Float gauges are also often referred to as clock gauges.

When are Sight Gauges Used?

Sight gauges are a traditional type of gauge and are not often used on modern tanks. However, they still are compatible with single skin tanks and can be used if required. It’s worth remembering that traditional tanks have different sized outlets, whereas modern tanks all have 1″ outlets. This means that sight gauges do not always fit modern tanks, unless some additional parts have been ordered.

REMEMBER: It’s important that sight gauges are used on single skin oil tanks only, or any area protected by a bund. This is quite simply because they are a significant potential leak source. If the plastic tube is bent over, and a push button pressed – if there is one – the oil will flow out.

If the tank is bunded, use one of these gauges instead.

If a sight gauge is required, choosing the right one is vital. You’ll find the information you need to choose the right sight gauge for your tank in the following post:

Type of Sight Gauge

Atlantis supply three different types of sight gauge:

1. GA.SIGHT.TM4 (& TM6) – TANKMASTER 4 in 1 Sight Gauge Kit
2. GA.SIGHT4G (& 6G) – Gem Oil Tank Sight Gauge Kit
3. GA.SIGHT4.1/2 (& 6.1/2) – Sight Gauge Push Button

1 & 2 Tankmaster and Gem Requirements

The TANKMASTER and Gem gauges include a filter and isolation valve as a kit package. Therefore, these two gauge kits don’t require a filter kit supplied as extra. They do, however, need an extension piece depending on the tank they are to be fitted to.

The product code for these extension parts is GA.SIGHT.EXT3 and GA.SIGHT.EXT6. These are 3.5″ & 6.25″ long respectively. All SIS. tanks and SIP. tanks will use the EXT3 extension at all times apart from SIP.H1300 & SIP.H2450 which will use the EXT6 extension. This is because the outlet position is recessed into the tank.

The sight gauges only have a 1/2″ BSP male thread connection whereas the extension piece has a 1″ BSP male thread to fit to the tank and a 1/2″ BSP female thread into which the sight gauge fits.

3 The simple push button gauge

The simple push button gauge is more complicated! If the customer wants this product with a tank we supply, there is a list of parts that must accompany the gauge. The code for this gauge with the parts required is GA.SIGHT4.1/2.ASS & GA.SIGHT6.1/2.ASS (4ft & 6ft respectively).

Our Sight Gauges – Product Details

1 Atkinson Tankmaster Valve

Supplied With:

• Control Valve to turn on/off oil supply;
• Pull to Read Valve/Sight Tube allows inspection of tank contents level;
• Integral Filter to ensure only clean oil is allowed to pass from the tank;
• Self-Closing Hand Wheel isolates oil supply in case of fire near the tank.

Features:

• PVC Sight Gauge
• Pull-To-Read valve to isolate flow into tube during rest
• On/Off Hand wheel
• Eutectic Solder Fire valve built into hand wheel
• 10mm Brass Compression Fitting Outlet
• 52 Micron Nylon Filter (Replaceable)
• Reversible body for left or right hand exit of compression fitting
• Stand-off Clip for mounting top of tube to top of tank
• 1/2″ BSP Male Tank / Extension Fitting

Further Details:

Tankmaster Sight Tubes are supplied with a white UPVC support shield on models up to 5ft and Aluminium support shield on 6ft+ models. Available sizes: 4ft 6″, 5ft, 6ft, 8ft, 9ft, 10ft.

Gem Oil Tank Sight Level Gauge

Features:

• Bottom Outlet Oil Tank Gauge
• Removable Alloy Bowl Paper Filter
• 1/2″ M BSP inlet
• C/w Gauge Level Marking Kit & Calibration Labels
• Corrosion-resistant Zinc Coated Brass Body
• Isolation Valve for easy servicing
• Available in 4’6” size

Further Details:

The Gem Oil Tank Sight Gauge is a traditional, cost effective type of heating oil tank gauge generally used in domestic properties. It is a simple pull to read oil tank level indicator that gives an instant measurement of the tank’s contents, that benefits from an integrated paper filter with alloy bowl for easy removing and cleaning. This oil tank level gauge has an incorporated isolation valve to that it can be serviced or replaced without having the drain the entire tank of fuel.

Designed to fit the bottom outlet of both steel and plastic tanks, and complete with a multi-directional outlet so that it can feed up to two boilers, the Gem fuel tank gauge is suitable for a range of applications.

Push Button Oil Tank Sight Level Gauge

Features:

• Bottom Outlet Oil Tank Gauge
• 1/2″ M BSP Inlet
• C/w Gauge Level Marking Kit & Calibration Labels
• Corrosion-resistant Zinc Coated Brass Body
• Available in 4′ and 6′ sizes

Further Details:

The Push Button Oil Tank Sight Gauge is a traditional, economical model of heating oil tank gauge, primarily installed on domestic tanks. It works via a simple push to read button, which when pressed, the oil tank level indicator provides the user with an immediate visual indication of the tank’s contents. This oil tank level gauge is constructed of a quality, corrosion resistant zinc plated brass and is suitable for use on both steel and plastic bottom outlet fuel tanks. A user friendly benefit of this fuel tank gauge is that it remains isolated when the button is released.

Browse all our accessories: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/products/accessories/

Atlantis Tanks – we don’t just sell products, we provide solutions.

What’s AdBlue®?

AdBlue® is the registered trademark for AUS32 (diesel exhaust fluid). It’s a colourless, non-toxic liquid composed of de-ionised water and urea.

FACT: AdBlue® isn’t blue at all!

FACT: Many people believe that the urea in AdBlue® is made of pig urine. It isn’t! The urea used to make AdBlue® is a man-made solution. Pig urine wouldn’t be sterile or pure enough for a commercial product!

How Does AdBlue® Work?

Small amounts of AdBlue® are injected into exhaust gases. Inside the engine’s SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) system, nitrogen oxide from the exhaust reacts with the ammonia in the AdBlue® and changes into harmless nitrogen and water.

Why Use AdBlue®?

It’s all about our environment! With our planet being a priority, diesel users are working hard to cut down the concentration of mono-nitrogen oxides pumped into the atmosphere by their vehicle’s exhausts.

What’s Needed for AdBlue® Storage?

AdBlue® is classed as non-hazardous, but can be corrosive so it should still be stored in bunded containers in accordance with the current environmental regulations. It’s important for its efficiency to maintain a pure solution – that means that your AdBlue® must be stored and dispensed correctly.

1. AdBlue® needs to be stored in bunded tanks to eliminate spills
2. AdBlue® tanks need to be compliant with the relevant manufacturing standards. Tanks should be specifically designed for storing the liquid. Not only does this protect against accidents and contamination, it’s future-proofing your storage solutions as legislation concerning pollution continues to tighten. AdBlue® is a pollutant to surface and ground water. There have been a number of serious incidents due to spillage since it was introduced to the market in 2009. Spills may be caused by faulty or inadequate tanks, corrosion of pipework or misuse of filling equipment. The Environment Agency may prosecute for such spillage incidents under Anti-Pollution Works Regulations.
3. Tanks also need to be built to protect against extremes of temperature. High temperatures may cause evaporation and the liquid may freeze in below 0 conditions.
4. Consider tank accessories that enable monitoring of AdBlue® levels, digital flow meters, pumps, automatic nozzles and overfill alarms. All designed for efficient use and to prevent costly contamination.

Choosing the Right AdBlue® Tank

Atlantis Tanks supply StoraFuel tanks designed for AdBlue in a variety of capacities. To work out the best size of tank for your needs, work out your diesel consumption. AdBlue® is generally added to fuel as 5% of the total liquid. Therefore, if your fleet uses 1000 litres of diesel, you’ll need 50 litres of AdBlue®.

AdBlue® shouldn’t be stored for unnecessarily long periods of time to minimise the risk of contamination, so it’s important to choose a tank that suits your fuel consumption.

Take a look at Atlantis Tanks tanks for AdBlue® or Accessories

Our EasyTank installers care about their customers and often go the extra mile for them. As a family-run business, we love to hear their stories and we step in to offer help if we can.

During the height of the lockdown, 81-year-old Newbury resident, Kathleen Watson walked 2 miles every day to wave at passers-by on the main road and cheer them up. Kathleen’s efforts were certainly appreciated. When the story went viral, many Newbury locals commented on social media:

“Thanks Kathleen for lifting our spirits when we all needed it. You certainly keep me smiling.”

“Thank you for making my children & I smile! What a lovely lady!”

“Kathleen makes me cry with happiness very often as I head into work at a local secure mental health hospital. It’s been difficult during these times and it’s been so lovely having her wonderful smiles to pick us up in these times!”

“I wave to you every Friday and have done for many weeks! Kathleen you make my Friday better with your wonderful smile! Thank you so much.”

“This lady is amazing!! All through lockdown she waves and smiles. I beep like crazy now every time I see her. She has made me smile every day I drive past.”

Read more comments on this Facebook post by ITV News Meridian: https://www.facebook.com/itvnewsmeridian/posts/3080694948658223

So, where does our EasyTank installer come into all this?

Unfortunately, Kathleen’s oil tank started to leak. Kathleen needed a new one and didn’t have the available finances for the purchase.

To help Kathleen get her new oil tank, our installer started a crowdfunding campaign and got the local newspapers involved. Atlantis Tanks were pleased to lend a hand and help get her new tank sorted.

We’ll update you on Kathleen’s story when she’s up and running with her new tank..

Check out our EasyTank range of oil tanks and accessories: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/products/easytank/oil-tanks/