What is a Bunded Oil Tank and Do You Need One?

The purpose of a bunded oil tank is to serve as a second layer of containment to ensure that any fuel within the tank does not leak into the surrounding environment. It is an important addition to prevent over-spilling or the tank’s inability to hold the contents that would lead to a costly and disastrous result. What is a bunded oil tank includes a look at its construction and its operations.

The bunded oil tank consists of concrete or solid masonry and must be designed to hold at least 10% more than the full capacity of the original tank to ensure any spillage is properly and efficiently contained. The membrane that is included in the construction must prove impermeable to liquids such as oil and water. This prevents any cross contamination as oil and water cannot escape or penetrate the containment.

The purpose of a bunded oil tank is to store hazardous contents from leaking out, spilling or becoming contaminated with external fluids. These tanks have been designed with a second layer of skin to ensure that the substances in containment remain protected including the environment. It differs from the conventional tanks that only have a single layer as it contains a dual layer to prevent oil leaks.

Tanks that are positioned near the home must comply with fire regulation to ensure that it does not pose as a major safety hazard. The general rule is that a tank should be a minimum of 1.8m away from the property and general structures that could catch alight. It is important to adhere to the necessary requirements to ensure that your home and any additions remain safe and compliant.

To improve security around the bunded tank, a bunded wall is created that is referred to the process of bunding. The bund wall serves as a retainer helping to further control any excess substance and hazards from compromising the environment. This ensures that any liquids that may have escaped are properly taken care of and the cost and time needed for any remedial action are easily managed.

If you are going to store excess or hazardous liquid such as heating oil, it is important to incorporate the appropriate security measures. This includes the use of a second layer of skin in your oil tank helping to contain all excess and prevent against any severe damages. This adds the necessary layer of robustness and ensures that all contents in storage are properly managed and safeguarded.

Although such tanks are most commonly installed for commercial and industrial purposes, it has also become popular in the domestic sphere. Tanks that are specially located close to environmental areas such as a river or stream will have to be bunded. This can prevent any hazards from the tank and ensures that all parts of the area are protected from possible contamination.

If you are unsure of the processes involved, speak to a registered tank installer. You will be provided the correct type of tank and have peace of mind your home or business is compliant. The security of these tanks contribute to its effectiveness in managing and controlling potential hazards.

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