Having your own fuel storage tanks on-site has a wealth of advantages. Primarily, it gives you the purchasing power of being able to buy bulk fuel allotments. This lets you store fuel in a place of your choice and buy fuel at a competitive price. It is also extremely convenient as you aren’t continually waiting for new fuel supply trucks to arrive. 

So, having a bulk fuel storage tank on your work site is a great option. But how do you set it up and, just as crucially, maintain it? 

Initial Decisions

Many organisations will opt for an above-ground fuel storage tank, with good reason. They’re conveniently delivered and installed, and can easily be painted with company branding to not only help prevent elemental damage but also look the part. They can quickly be transported to new work sites when needed and its durable casing makes it unlikely to leak. 

However, above-ground tanks are not without their drawbacks. We’ve heard plenty of stories about fuel tanks being accidentally driven into by reversing trucks, damaging the structural integrity of the tank and causing wasteful and environmentally damaging leaks. They’re also exposed to extreme weather events or even random acts of vandalism or theft. 

If these are concerns you want to mitigate, consider an below-ground fuel storage tank. These massive installations deliver fuel to vehicles and machinery through pipes, and are by design almost impossible for the weather or unauthorised personnel to reach. However, the regulations around their installation and continued use are much more stringent, as any leakage can cause massive damage to the local soil and wildlife. 

This is why no matter what type of tank you use, having an outer wall to help contain spills is essential. Self-bunded fuel tanks are a space-conscious measure to protect against leakage as any excess liquid is still contained within the overall unit.

Storage and Safety rules for fuel tanks above and below ground vary from state to state, with the exception of South Australia which are using Victoria’s rules for underground tanks until an independent set of guidelines can be formalised later this year. 

Maintenance

If your business goes through fuel supplies quickly, then the likelihood of your reserves being contaminated by bacteria and water are minimal at best. However, if you need to store fuel for extended periods of time then it’s essential to have a thorough maintenance regime in place. 

Every time the fuel tank is opened a small vacuum is created, sucking in whatever is around the opening. This is why it’s important to keep that part of the tank as clean as possible whenever it’s being opened, as even the smallest contaminates can wreak havoc with the reliability of the fuel supply down the track. Bacteria, water and foreign objects such as dirt and dust do not mix well with fuel in engines and can lead to serious damage of machinery. Filters on the openings and using quality filtered fuel is a great way to combat this issue.

If you suspect there’s been water introduced to your fuel supply, it’s a good idea to get it tested using a test kit. This handy invention analyses the fuel and lets you know if there’s water floating in it, to give you the chance to clean it before the real damage is done. 

If any of this sounds too daunting, Bulk Fuel Australia are here to help. We’ve been supplying fuel and storage containers around Australia for companies of every shape and size and can get your business running no matter the location.