Understanding the Basics of Fuel Storage Tanks

When you have a generator at your work premises, having a fuel storage tank would be helpful in a number of ways. In fact, in some cases, few generators actually require you to have fuel storage on-site or even attached to the generator. At Al-Bahar MCEM, we manufacture different types of fuel storage tanks to meet the requirements of different industries here in the UAE. But before you set out to choose a fuel tank for your needs, you would need to know a few basics about fuel storage tanks. So, let us take a look at some of the important things that you should know.

The Different Types of Fuel Storage Tanks

Fuel storage tanks are available in all shapes and sizes. It all depends on the specific requirements of your operations. Generally speaking, most of the fuel storage tanks available in the market can be divided into the following two broad categories:

1. Above Ground Fuel Storage Tanks

Aboveground Fuel Tanks, also known as Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST), are just as the name suggests – these tanks are usually installed above the ground level. They are popular of long-term maintenance and lower upfront costs. Compared to underground tank (more on them later), they don’t need backfilling, deep excavation and pavement of more involved piping. They are also easy to maintain as you can easily check for leaks and hence they are used to store fuels as well as chemicals.

2. Underground Storage Tanks

The underground storage tank is a fuel storage tank which has at least 10% of the volume is underground. Usually such tanks are used to store hazardous chemicals and fuels that are regulated.

Underground tanks, by virtue of being located underground, don’t used up any space on the site. So, this makes it easier for operations which are pressed for space. The risks are also less. However, it is hard to maintain and inspect the tank.

Apart from these two broad categories, there are other types of fuel storage tanks available as well. For example, you have single walled and double walled fuel storage tanks. Double walled fuel tanks have two walls or covers over the tanks. The gap between the two is used to collect any spills.

To know more about the fuel tanks manufactured by us, click here.

Design of a Fuel Storage Tank

Let us now take a look at the design of fuel storage tanks. Well, the basic design remains the same. However, suitable changes would be made to the design to meet exact specifications. Here are the basic design elements of a diesel fuel storage tank

• The storage space – Where the fuel would be stored.
• The metallic outer wall – The outer wall is usually metallic and they prevent the chances of fuel spillage easily.
• The inlet and outlet – The inlet and outlet contain control valves. In most tanks, you will also have a manhole that would allow inspection of the fuel and the tank and also for cleaning the interior of the tank.
• Bunds – That provide structural stability to the fuel storage tank.

In some advanced fuel storage tanks, you have an advanced control system, electronic gauges and other such elements which are incorporated into the design according to your specifications.

As said before, the design of fuel storage tanks change depending on the specific applications. Now, let us take a look at one of the most factors that determine the performance of the fuel tank – the thickness of fuel storage tanks.

The Thickness of Fuel Storage Tanks

As you might have guessed, thickness of fuel storage tanks are one of the most important aspects that you should consider. Now, thickness of fuel storage tanks is not determined arbitrarily by the manufacturer. Most of the fuel storage tank manufacturers ensure that their products conform to different industry standards accepted in UAE and across the world. To do that, they would need to build tanks that have particular thickness.

The thickness of fuel storage tanks primarily depend on the three factors:

1. The capacity of the tank
2. The nature of the fuel it would be storing
3. The industrial standard that it conforms to.

For example, if the tank is built according to the National Board Standards, and it stores 550 gallons (2500 litres) of fuel, then it should have a shell thickness of 3/16 inches and the head thickness of 3/16 inches as well. In the same way, if you are going to store about 30,000 gallons of fuel, then the thickness should be about 3/8 inches.

To know more about the thickness of fuel storage tanks, contact us today.

The Cost of Fuel Storage Tanks

Just like everything else with fuel tanks, the cost of fuel storage tanks depend on the type of tank that you want. For example, double walled fuel tanks would cost more than single wall tanks. The cost mainly depends on the following factors:

1. The quality of materials
2. The capacity
3. The safety features
4. Control systems

For example, if you want to buy a tank with additional safety features then that will cost more than your standard tank. Similarly, if you want advanced control systems that helps you to monitor the fuel in a more effective way, then you would be paying more.

At Al-Bahar MCEM, we understand your needs perfectly and then give you the best price. Contact our team to get quote today.

So these were the basics that you should understand when you are looking to buy a fuel storage tank in UAE. Carefully consider all the options and then make an informed choice. At Al-Bahar MCEM, we have decades of experience in building quality fuel storage tanks that give you the performance that you need. Contact our team of experts and get the right tank for all your needs.