This is a question we’re often asked. The range of oil tanks on the market today is much bigger than in years gone by. With plastic tanks and steel tanks for the storage of diesel & oil available in a wide variety of configurations, the choice is huge. Like any other product, when there’s a big choice, the decision can sometimes be harder to make.

That’s why we’ve put together this simple guide on the advantages of both plastic diesel tanks and steel diesel tanks. Both the plastic and steel tanks in our range offer excellent performance. Personal preference plays a part, but some types of tanks are more suited for specific applications.

Plastic Oil Tanks are:

• Maintenance-free – there’s no need to paint a plastic tank!
• Lightweight – plastic tanks are easier to transport and install.
• Rust-free.
• Less prone to condensation build-up.
• Cheaper to purchase.
• Usually in-stock, meaning a quicker delivery for you!

Steel OilTanks are:

• More secure – fuel theft is on the rise. Not only is stolen fuel costly to replace, unexpectedly running out of fuel can be a headache. Steel tanks are harder to drill and syphon liquid from than plastic tanks. They’re also much heavier to transport. This makes it harder for thieves to load your whole tank into a vehicle and make off with your precious fuel!
• Made to last longer (if maintained correctly) – steel has a longer lifespan than plastic, which means steel tanks should last longer. Steel tanks provide protection from extremes of weather and UV rays. They are also less likely to suffer from accidental damage than plastic tanks.
• Available with more equipment & pump options.
• Available in bespoke sizes, made to order by Atlantis.
• Available with a larger capacity – steel tanks are manufactured with larger capacities than plastic tanks and can hold up to 120,000 litres.

And Finally…

Your decision on whether to purchase a steel tank or a plastic tank should be guided by your requirements, including the planned site for the tank, the amount of fuel you intend to store and how quickly you plan to use it.

Steel tanks offer durability, increased security and are made with a larger capacity, but they are more expensive to purchase.

Plastic tanks are lightweight, maintenance-free, and cheaper to buy but won’t last as long.

If you need more advice about selecting the perfect tank for your needs, give the Atlantis team a ring for a chat about your project. We pride ourselves on providing solutions, not just selling tanks!

What is Flash Flooding?

Heavy rain causes floods that happen with lightning speed. This is because when water can’t drain adequately, it accumulates on land that is normally dry. Floods are the most common of all weather-related disasters and cause millions of pounds worth of damage, as well as endangering human and animal lives. Flash floods are also known as surface water flooding or pluvial flooding.

What Causes Flash Flooding?

Flash flooding occurs when the underlying ground cannot cope with heavy rainfall. In urban areas, this is a particular problem due to the replacement of the natural ground with surfaces such as roads and concrete. Rather than draining into the open soil, precipitation has no other route but the drain and sewage system which only has a limited capacity.

Flash floods aren’t just restricted to urban areas. They can occur in rural areas too. When this happens it’s called ‘ponding’. Two of the main causes of this are poorly managed agricultural land and the removal of large trees which ‘suck up’ an enormous amount of water from the ground.

It’s easy to see that flash flooding may affect your land and property, whether your location is inner city or out in the sticks.

The Danger of Flash Flooding

Flash flooding is more dangerous than flooding that accumulates over time because of the sheer speed in which it happens. There is often very little time for warnings to be issued and limited time to get people, animals and belongings to safety. This also means there is no time to protect property and land.

Flood Facts from Gov.uk

• Around 2.4 million people live in immediate flood risk areas in England. A further 2.8 million UK properties are susceptible to surface water flooding.
• Overall, one in six homes in England are at risk of flooding.
• As many as 40% of businesses do not reopen after suffering from a flood.
• You are statistically more likely to get flooded than burgled.
• The UK spends around £4.4bn on flood defence.
• Young people are more likely to be at risk of floods due to a lack of knowledge.

What you can do about it…

Of course, another reason flash flooding is an increasing problem all over the world is the increasing amount of rainfall. This is thought to be due to changes to the global climate. But heavy rainfall doesn’t always need to be a problem…

After a storm, there often comes a rainbow and here’s ours… Atlantis Tanks’ PuraTank range provides underground water storage tanks suitable for use in both domestic and commercial settings. This reduce the danger of flash flooding by providing a place for excess water to accumulate when it falls on roofs and land.

Rainwater harvesting not only reduces the risks posed by heavy rainfall, it provides a cost-effective solution to reducing your water bills and re-cycling the water to be used within your home, business and garden.

Harvested rainwater can be stored and used for irrigation and outdoor activities such as car washing, window washing and power-washing deckings and patios. It also has indoor uses, such as flushing toilets and washing clothes.

If you want the maximum benefit from your harvested water, PuraTank even have a potable water system. This enables rainwater to be stored and treated for use as drinking water.

Take a look at our complete rainwater harvesting systems or talk to one of the Atlantis team today to find out why heavy rainfall shouldn’t always be a disaster!

The Fleet Managers’ Challenge

Monitoring and controlling fuel usage often takes up a lot of a fleet manager’s time. As well as keeping track of fuel that’s taken by each driver, there’s visits to each site needed to compile reports – not to mention the problem of unauthorised use.

Atlantis Tanks’ Solution

That’s where the Piusi Cube B.SMART comes in. B.SMART is a cloud-based fuel management system, designed to make the whole job easier and save you time. A robust, reliable unit, the B.SMART is unlike similar products as there are no ongoing subscription or hosting fees.

What does the B.SMART do?

B.SMART provides real-time refuelling transaction reports and details of the driver, vehicle, amount of fuel taken and the dispenser as well as lots more essential information. It covers as many sites and dispensers as you need. Only authorised drivers can take fuel and access can be instantly controlled. The system provides a simple way to pre-set dispensing volumes or set dispensers to fill.

So, how does it work?

Each of your drivers uses a licenced mobile phone app (either iOS or Android) that communicates using Bluetooth and the existing network to send data to the cloud. As fleet manager, you have an easy-to-use web portal to provide the information and control access to individual dispensers across multiple sites. Using the system means there’s no more need to create multiple reports or visit each site to check usage.

Check out this video clip to see the B.SMART in action:

What about safety?

The Piusi Cube B.SMART has innovative design features that make dispensing fuel safe as well as simple. For example, drivers can use the app on their mobile phone up to 15m away from the pump. This means they can set up their dispensing from the vehicle, leave the phone in the cab and refuel.

The Piusi Cube B.SMART is available in a variety of configurations to meet the needs of your fleet and the number of drivers you have. Additional driver licenses are easily added to your system and a full range of accessories are available to complement the unit.

The B.SMART can be paired with any of our steel StoraFUEL tanks, take a look at our range: https://atlantistanks.co.uk/products/portafuel-storafuel/diesel-tanks/steel-static-diesel-tanks/

The Piusi cube B.SMART features at a glance:

• Complete fuel dispenser
• Ability to record vehicle mileage when filling
• Online portal for monitoring real time fuel use
• Single portal for multiple pumps on multiple sites
• Ability to export reports into pdf or xlsx files
• K600 flow meter
• 4m x 1″ delivery hose
• Records data e.g. driver, date, vehicle & QTY
• Ability to pre-set dispensing volume or set to fill
• No ongoing hosting fees to use the software
• c/w 10 or 20 driver app licences (more on request)
• 56lpm, 70lpm or 90lpm (model dependent)
• Automatic nozzle and nozzle holster
• 12v, 24v and 230v options

Want to find out more? Speak to the team at Atlantis Tanks today.

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 1

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 AdBlue® tanks 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 AdBlue® tanks or Accessories