Many tractors and other farm vehicle use red diesel for fuel. As a farm owner or someone who simply owns agricultural equipment for personal purposes, it is important to have a safe, secure way to store this fuel. As with other forms of diesel, this is highly flammable and should always be properly contained. Following are a few important things to note about bunded fuel tanks for red diesel storage and their proper use.
Bunding is commonly used describe containers that have their own bund walls. This is a retaining structure that is effectively built around the storage unit to prevent spillage and contamination. It is specifically used in instances in which substances that might pollute or otherwise contaminate other items or surfaces are being stored, processed or handled. The design of bunded items prevents escape even during unexpected or unintended events. Should any spillage occur, this will be effectively contained until the problem can be duly mitigate.
Most often used in facilities requiring liquid containment solutions, these systems provide formidable barriers. Bunded designs, however, are intended for use in both industrial or commercial environments and in residential areas. Thus, any farmer or other professional within the agricultural industry who is tasked with the challenge of storing red diesel, should always invest in these units as opposed to other containment option.
This is especially true when food, soil, or water might be exposed to spillage. Bunding prevents the need for costly and often ineffective cleanup measures after spillage has occurred. With the right containment unit, the problem will remain centralized and will not spread until evasive action has been taken. Although these storage systems may cost a bit more upfront, they can result in significant savings over time.
Depending upon your locality, you may be legally required to use this manner of storage. This is often the case when there is fear of groundwater contamination or the contamination of potential food supplies. This is all the more true for those who grow produce or other edible goods for sale on their own lands. While spillage might not directly affect the actually food supply, it can still have an impact on both safety and quality if the related chemicals are transported by groundwater.
In most instances, bunding will have the ability to effective store all of the contents in a single tank. Thus, if you have a massive amount of fuel store, the bunding around the tank should be sufficient deep and strong for containing all of it. This way, it will remain an effective addition to your hazard prevention plan whether tanks suffer minor leaks or major ruptures.
Another secondary protective measure is the use of liners as additional barriers. These help keep leaks contained even before the bunding has been reached. These additions and their importance are generally determined by the amount of liquids stored, the frequency of movement, and the surrounding items that must be protected.
When opting to store fuel, both companies and private parties must choose the appropriate containment units. Although tanks are built specifically for this purpose, it is vital to have options that include the addition of bunding and potentially liners as well. These additions can mitigate disasters by keeping spillage contained in a compact location until proper cleanup can be performed.
