Storage tanks and bowser guide

We have a wide range of storage tanks of all sizes and styles available.  The following is a short guide to some of the different containers and bowsers for storing fuel.

Single skin oil tanks

Single skin oil storage tanks are the simplest form of oil storage available.  The plastic manufacturers use a material called medium density polyethylene (MDPE) and mild steel.

We supply OFTEC standard OFS T100 certified plastic oil tanks.  Rotation moulding is the technique for making a plastic, single skin, oil container as one solid piece.  These have a 1″ bottom outlet, 2″ fill point and inspection hatch.

Although steel storage is available in standard sizes an important advantage is the ability to manufacture to specification.  This is particularly useful where space is limited or larger tanks will not fit.   Single skins are a cost-effective choice as they are a cheaper option than their bunded alternative.

Single skin storage is useful for domestic installations with a bunding after an oil storage risk assessment.  There has to be an existing bunding, either constructed around the storage or built into the structure that meets current regulations.  The Government website and Environment Agency have comprehensive information on oil storage regulations.

Bunded oil storage tanks

A bunded tank consists of an inner and outer wall.  The inner is the primary fuel storage vessel, whilst the outer acts as a fail-safe containment system.  Therefore, in the event of a spillage, surplus fuel will be safely and securely contained within the outer wall.  This saves you a potentially expensive pollution incident.

Just like single skins, bunded tanks are available in plastic and mild steel. Their manufacturing complies with OFTEC standards, OFS T100 and OFS T200 respectively.

Bunded tanks are useful for domestic, commercial, industrial and agricultural premises. All can connect to appliances such as boilers, cookers, hot air blowers, grain dryers, generators or a lubricating oil system.

Diesel tanks

Bunded diesel storage is used to deliver fuel to vehicles and plant machinery.  Furthermore, their general description is a bunded container with an integrated pump, hose and automatic cut-off nozzle. They often incorporate some type of flow meter and can come with fuel management systems.

The fuel cabinet contains the dispensing equipment. It therefore offers protection against accidental spillage. Also, a locking door protects the equipment from theft. Smaller tanks such as the Atlas 1300FDA, 2500FDA, Harlequin 1400FP/FS and 2500FP/FS have a fuelling cabinet within the main bund. Furthermore, larger plastic and steel tanks may have a separate containment area from the main bund.

Available in plastic and steel, with a variety of pump options. Including: Hand pumps, 110v or 240v ac, 12v or 24v dc and battery powered.

Diesel bowsers and transportable storage tanks

Fuel Bowsers are designed to transport fuel between sites or locations. Bowsers are similar to static tanks with a few main differences. The construction of a bowser is generally stronger, the vent is usually self-closing and the container may be baffled. Baffling reduces surge when moving. Useful because the inertia from the moving fluid can cause instability.

Bowsers for public highways must be a U.N. approved Intermediate Bulk Container (IBC). The user must comply with ADR regulations for the transportation of fuel. When used to refuel vehicles, plants and static appliances these tanks must adhere to Pollution prevention guidelines PPG2. This is why we supply bunded fuel bowsers and transportable tanks for environmental protection.

Waste oil tanks

A bunded waste oil container is similar to a standard bunded tank. Their design specifically includes features to tailor for waste oil use. Also, there is a ‘Tundish’ funnel-shaped lid with an oil filter holder and a 2″ evacuation point.

Available in plastic and steel. These containers are useful as independent storage. Where the user pours the waste oil directly into the tank. Or as part of a system where the storage connects to a pumping point. Here another vessel holds the waste oil and connects to the pumping point when full.


Water tanks and water bowsers

Water tanks and bowsers fall into two main categories, potable (for drinking) and non-potable water (non-drinking). Tanks and bowsers are single skin and are useful for different purposes depending on the ancillaries in use.