Issue link: https://geospatial.trimble.com/en/resources/i/1415432
So what can be done to protect tanks and fuel? Double up A high-performing liner, either a single or double skin, provides leak detection and acts as a safety net, offering an excellent return on investment. A double skin offers twice as much protection and ensures that the original tank is contained within a vacuum to combat corrosion as there is no moisture or air within. The thicker the skin, the better the protection. Filling the tanks As well as structural preventative measures, fuel tanks must be kept full, especially during the hotter months. This will give less space for air, meaning there is less humidity and therefore less condensation. Water build-up encourages corrosion in the top half of the tank. Paint protection Implementing an effective coating solution from the start, such as Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint, will protect the tank for much longer and help prevent corrosion. Its corrosion-resistant fi nish limits surface damage by repelling water and preventing rust from forming underneath. According to the UK Spill Organisation, an oil spill costs a typical business up to £30 000 in fi nes, clean up charges and production losses. Over time, corrosion will decrease tank integrity and eventually penetrate the tank structure, causing serious problems such as tank bottom perforation. This can cause oil to leak into the environment, which can result in signifi cant clean-up costs. Oil pollution harms plant and marine life, damages rivers, natural habitats and drinking water supplies. Tank owners have a legal duty to ensure that the fuel stored is safe and secure, without posing a risk to the environment. Secondary containment availability A bund (secondary containment) is constructed from concrete or brick and is legally required to contain and prevent spillages that can occur due to tank penetration. The extra outer protective layer will protect the inner tank and must be able to hold 110% of the contents under UK law. If there is a leak or breach of the inner tank such as overfi lling or water forming in the tank, the outer bund has the capacity to fully contain it safely. Outside bunds are exposed to natural elements so are likely to become fi lled with rainwater. Over time, this builds up and decreases the containment capacity. This increases the likelihood of oil escaping by surpassing the bund wall if a tank fails, so it is vital that robust measures are implemented to extract rainwater from exposed bunds. For example, a valve should be kept closed at all times but can be opened to drain uncontaminated water. Wave goodbye to water Tank dewatering at outlet pipes such as a bung is esssential to detect liquid interfaces between oil and water. A bung Call us 24/7: 0845 872 3344 or visit www.crownoilenvironmental.co.uk Crown Oil Environmental is an independently owned, family-run business offering environmental services to large blue chip industrial businesses across the UK. Our highly-experienced specialist teams are available 24/7 to provide environmental support. Call us or visit our website for more information. Nationwide Fuel Supply Fuel Oil Polishing Fuel Oil Testing Fuel Oil Uplifts Innovative Tank Cleaning Tank and Pipework Testing Technical Advice ISO Accredited Company