Aboveground Tank Installation
Contents
Do you need to replace a tank or install a new one to power your business uses in Massachusetts? CommTank has the choice equipment, products, price and experience for quality in-tank installations.
Fuel oil storage must be safe, protected from fire risk, and contained to prevent pollution.
A common use of aboveground storage tanks is oil storage for heating systems. Fuel storage applications also range from power for emergency generators, vehicles, equipment and machinery. We have a high level of experience with tank technology and installation for commercial locations.
Customers rely on CommTank for tank regulations knowledge and solutions for tank storage goals.
Safe oil storage solutions
Commercial oil tanks require secondary containment to minimize the risk of an oil spill. This added level of tank protection can be achieved with either an integrated containment wall, or a separate construction around the tank. Either use must be capable of holding 110% of the tank contents.
One method of securing tank contents is an aboveground horizontal shelter. For applications that require limited size or space, vertical double-wall tanks are the best method of storing petroleum, chemicals, and hazardous waste. Dike tanks have secondary containment tubs that typically have rain shields when installed outside and provide up to 150% spill containment. Single wall tanks can be installed with concrete secondary containment enclosures or can be installed around existing tanks to meet new safety requirements. Cylindrical fuel oil tanks are designed for outdoor use or in a crawl space, but can also be installed for indoor use. All enclosures and tanks are UL-142 labeled and meet the NFPA 30 code.
A dual compartment 12,000-gallon aboveground storage tank for fueling gas and diesel vehicles at a DPW facility.
What is the difference between a Fireguard and Flameshield tank?
Fireguard tanks are insulated tanks that meet the UL 2080 “Fire Resistant” standard and the UL-2085 “Protected” standard for storing flammable and combustible liquids. Fireguard tanks minimize vapor generation during a pool fire by providing a greater insulation value. The insulating material is 75% lighter than concrete, reducing shipping, installation, and relocation costs. The name Flameshield came from the collaboration of the Steel Tank Institute (STI) and the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) to obtain a definition for a ‘fire resistant tank’ as required in NFPA 30A. Fireguard tanks are available in sizes from 250 to 20,000-gallon capacity. We offer this model in cylindrical, rectangular, and vertical construction.
Flameshield is a two-hour fire tested tank. It is not a ‘fire resistant tank’ and does not meet the Underwriters Laboratories UL 2080 standard. Flameshield is still recognized by jurisdictions that adhere to earlier versions of the NFPA 30A Code. It is a popular option for tank owners because it’s less expensive than comparable Fireguard protected tanks.
Flameshield® labeled tanks are manufactured with a tight-wrap double-wall design to strict Steel Tank Institute (STI®) specifications and are subject to the STI’s Quality Assurance program. Flameshield® tanks have secondary containment and interstitial monitoring capability and are available in 50 to 25,000-gallon capacities.
Comparison of AST Standards Used with Motor Vehicle Fueling
Typically, products complying with a given standard would also comply with all the standards listed below. As an example, protected tanks would generally meet the requirements for both fire resistant and UL 142 tanks. All of the standards require emergency venting of both the primary tank and secondary containment to assure the safe operation of the tank system in the event of a fire.
| Standard | Fire Test Performed | Pass/Fail Criteria | Other Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| UL 2085 Protected Tank | 2 hour, 2000 degree F fire | Temperature limit: 260 degrees avg., 400 degrees max. at any one thermocouple | Secondary containment Optional: vehicle impact resistance, ballistics resistance |
| SwRI 93‐01 Protected Tank | 2 hour, 2000 degree F fire | Temperature limit: 260 degrees avg., 400 degrees max. at any one thermocouple | Vehicle impact resistance, ballistics resistance. Optional: secondary containment |
| UL 2080 Fire Resistant Tank | 2 hour, 2000 degree F fire | Temperature limit: 800 degrees avg., 1000 degrees max. at any one thermocouple | Optional: secondary containment, vehicle impact resistance, ballistics resistance |
| SwRI 97‐04 Fire Tested Tank | 2 hour, 2000 degree F fire | Primary tank must pass 5 psi air pressure test for one hour. No temperature limits. | Optional: secondary containment, vehicle impact resistance, ballistics resistance |
| UL 142 Aboveground Storage Tank | No fire test required | Tests do not address fire issues | UL 142 is a construction standard for steel tanks |
Modern storage tanks come in all shapes and sizes
With improved manufacturing techniques, it’s now possible to build double-wall tanks in any size and shape. Advances in technology have resulted in the manufacture of tanks made with corrosion-resistant linings, and tanks with double-wall protection provide the ultimate insurance. Rain shields, access ladders, spill containment, and leak detection systems are a few of the accessories available on aboveground tanks. CommTank offers a labor warranty that’s unique in the industry – a two-year warranty that starts on the day of installation. And we give you access to the best tank manufacturers in the business: Stanwade and Pryco, Inc.
Stanwade tanks are constructed and tested following UL-142 Standard for Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids. Stanwade aboveground tanks are available in cylindrical, rectangular, single-walled, double-walled, and fire-rated designs. Stanwade aboveground tanks are designed and engineered to meet the demanding needs of many industries. They provide a sensible and safe solution to the storage of petroleum products and chemicals at bulk plants, transportation facilities, industrial sites, and military and commercial airports.
Pryco manufactures Day Tanks and Sub Base Tanks that are offered in standard and trim models, as well as a single or double-wall. Certified welders fabricate all Pryco Day Tanks using heavy gauge steel. Pryco’s equipment is used in sophisticated fuel systems for emergency, standby, co-generation power systems, and boiler fuel systems.
A Fill-Rite heavy-duty pump is mounted to a Fireguard above ground storage tank.
Please refer to our product page to learn about the sizes and accessories that are available.
CommTank’s methodology for fuel tank installations
- A project manager will visit your location to measure the space where the new tank will be installed, and the distance from the proposed location to the boiler, furnace, or generator. The location for fill and vent pipes will also be measured to the new tank for proper pipe estimating.
- For the aboveground tanks, the floor under the proposed oil tank location must be sufficient to support the weight of the tank. We’ll make sure it complies with ASTM A615 Grade 60 or ASTM A706 Grade 60, and the ACI Standard.
- Determine whether bollards are required to protect the tank from vehicles.
- If secondary containment is required a steel or concrete dike can be built on-site.
- We will submit a plan and get it approved by the town or city.
- Depending on the size, we’ll deliver and place the new tank with a forklift, boom truck, or crane.
- When large tanks are being installed, we will size the supply and return lines based on the consumption requirements. Boilers and generators are usually installed with steel lines between 3/4 to 2 inches. The city or town fire department may require double-wall piping to protect the lines in case of fire or a leak.
- Install the tank, vent line, overfill protection, and spill containment bucket on the fill pipe if required.
- Depending on the size, your tank can be ordered with supports such as skids, legs, stabilizers, or saddles. Custom legs can be welded to meet elevation requirements.
- Fuel management systems can be installed if needed. Remote fill ports are also used if access to the tank is in a hard to reach location for the fuel supply truck.
For more examples of our work please see the aboveground tank installations projects section of our web site.
Contact CommTank today for expert aboveground tank installations: 1-800-628-8260