Action Steps for Finding the Right Water Tanks and Fuel Storage Tanks
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Use ladders to gain access to your storage tanks

Those who have used storage tanks appreciate the value of access ladder systems. You can either install these access ladders permanently on an above ground tank or hooked onto the tank for easy removal. Ladders with hook-on designs prevent unauthorized access to the tank. Ladder cages help prevent workers from falling off the ladder and you should consider them for taller tanks.

I recommend: Find access ladder systems at Pioneer Water Tanks. The company offers ladders than can be used on both internal and external tank platforms. Grain Systems offers bin ladders and ladder cages. For an illustrated explanation of different types of access ladder assemblies, visit Assmann.

Keep an eye on your storage tanks' fluid levels with a sensor

For underground storage tanks especially, knowing the fluid level within the tank is critical. A fluid level sensor alerts you when the fluid reaches a certain level, which can quickly prevent a massive leak or overflow. Although fluid sensors are common within underground tanks containing hazardous chemicals, they can also be for use in an application as small as a portable water tank.

I recommend: The Red Valve Company offers a tank level sensor that gives readings based on the pressure within the storage tank. The sensor works in both pressurized and ventilated tanks. Browse the ultrasonic fluid level sensors offered by SSI Technologies. These sensors can be within the harsh environments of gasoline storage tanks and oil storage tanks. Detect potential leaks within your water storage tanks with a level sensor from A.T. Monitors.

Outfit your storage tanks with the necessary valves

Most storage tank applications require valves to operate safely. An anti-siphon valve prevents the contained fluid from spilling in the event of a ruptured pipeline. Check valves prevent the fluid from flowing backward, and are common in applications ranging from fire hydrants to agricultural irrigation.

I recommend: Find an anti-siphon valve at C.L. Weber. The American Tank Company offers brass check valves, which can be in a variety of water, agricultural and industrial applications. Review the vertical menu on the left side of the page for more storage tank accessories.

Protect your gasoline storage tanks with emergency vents

Emergency vents are installed on above ground gasoline storage tanks to relive pressure in case of a fire, which can lead to a devastating explosion. When the pressure within the tank reaches a certain PSI, the vent's lid rises, releasing the pressure.

I recommend: Find emergency vents for above ground storage tanks at Franklin Fueling Systems. The Petroleum Equipment Manufacturing Company offers an emergency vent valve constructed of rust-resistant cast iron.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When purchasing inflatable plastic water tanks for temporary storage, check to see if the tank self-inflates or if it needs a separate air compressor.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Potable water tanks

Farmers and nurseries often utilize water tanks to transport potable water to plants and crops, while other businesses may use them to provide water to on-site events where running water isn’t available.

I recommend: Search for mobile transport tanks at WaterTanks.com. Learn about the benefits of plastic water tanks at TankSystems.com. Check out Business.com for listings of companies that manufacture water tanks that fit on your truck for easy transport.

Plastic tanks

Plastic tanks are ideal for storing potable water and other non-corrosive liquids.

I recommend: Tank-Depot.com offers stationary water tanks and plastic water tanks for commercial or fire protection uses that are opaque, reducing algae growth. If you’re looking for a plastic water tank, find manufacturers at Business.com.

Hot water storage tanks

Hot water tanks allow businesses in the food service industry to sanitize equipment.

I recommend: Hanson Tank has glass-lined insulated tanks for potable hot water and offers vertical and horizontal storage tanks from 140-2150 gallons. Parker Industrial Boiler manufactures tanks and heat exchangers for all types of volume water heating applications.

Above ground fuel storage tanks

Businesses that have a fleet of vehicles may opt to have an on-site fuel storage tank that provides the convenience of refueling vehicles on-site and provides fuel in emergency situations.

I recommend: ConVault manufactures above ground fuel storage tanks. Search for tanks from 500-50,000 gallon capacity at SuperSafe Tanks Inc.

Underground fuel storage

Convenience stores and gas stations aren’t the only businesses that need underground fuel storage tanks. Businesses with large fleets and businesses that are located in remote areas often require large fuel storage tanks that are best placed underground.

I recommend: Central Valley Tank of California and Balmoral Tanks make tanks for underground fuel storage. The government regulates underground fuel storage tanks, so check out the Technical Standards & Safety Authority website for regulations. For more suppliers and resources for fuel storage tanks for the transportation industry, check out Business.com.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When filling a potable water tank, use the same water source every time if possible. This minimizes the chance of mold, algae, fungus and bacteria from multiplying when water supplies are mixed.
• •  Consider installing a water filter to the out-portal of your potable water tank.
• •  Before installing water storage tanks or fuel storage tanks, always investigate county health, state and federal regulations.

Action Steps
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Learn the materials commonly used to make storage tanks

Storage tanks are constructed from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most common materials are plastic, steel and fiberglass. Plastic tanks are ideal for water storage because of their affordability and versatility. Gasoline storage tanks are often stainless steel because of the materials resistance to corrosion. Fiberglass storage tanks require very little maintenance.

I recommend: Visit Chem-Tainer Industries to see several examples of plastic storage tanks, including plastic water tanks and storage tanks used for spill containment emergencies. To read plastic storage tanks specifications and see CAD drawings, visit the PolyProcessing Company. To see photographs of stainless steel storage tanks and read specifications, visit Custom Metalcraft. Read more about fiberglass storage tanks at Arrowhead Tanks.

Know the federal requirements for operating large storage tanks

Large storage tanks are classified as either underground or above ground. Governmental agencies closely monitor both underground and above ground storage tanks when the tanks contain fuel, oil and other hazardous chemicals. Gasoline and oil storage tanks must adhere to strict federal requirements regardless of if their placement is underground or above ground.

I recommend: Learn more about underground storage tanks, particularly those that contain petroleum and other hazardous chemicals, at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Read about the federal requirements for aboveground storage tanks used for hazardous chemicals at the Federal Facilities Environmental Stewardship and Compliance Assistance Center.

Review the various portable water tank options

Portable water tanks are frequently used for temporary storage. Water tanks inflated prior to use are pillow tanks or onion tanks. Onion tanks have an open top. Portable water storage tanks that fit in the bed of a pick-up truck are a popular option when the water must be at various locations.

I recommend: To see photographs and read specifications of portable storage tanks, including pillow tanks, onion tanks and pick-up truck tanks, visit Interstate Products. To read about the common uses and features of pillow tanks, visit Elastec/American Marine.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A plastic water tank must be a dark opaque color or algae and bacteria will naturally grow within the tank.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Bitumen

Bitumen is a sticky, naturally occurring blend of hydrocarbons that ranges from solid to semi-solid and brown to black in color. Bitumen is used to help create a dirt, sand, water and insect-proof material for sealing water tanks called presstite.

I recommend: Planete-energies.com explains how bitumen is mined and, in some cases, extracted from crude oil.

Pillow tanks

Pillow tanks are collapsible storage tanks that are suitable for short- or long-term storage of liquids, including water, juice, gasoline, waste water and more.

I recommend: Elastec/American Marine gives technical specifications for pillow tanks and explains their suitability for varied uses, particularly in the field of disaster relief.

PSI

Some liquids, such as ammonia, may be so dense that they exert pressure from the inside out in storage tanks. This pressure is measured in PSI or pounds per square inch, and storage tanks should be rated to a minimum level for certain liquids. For example, ammonia should be stored in a tank with a rating of 30 PSI or better.

I recommend: Tanner Industries offers advice for the proper storage of ammonia in tanks, including how to manage the PSI with safety release valves and proper ventilation.

Federal UST program

The Federal Underground Storage Tank (UST) program dictates the handling of underground storage tanks holding petroleum products and other hazardous substances.

I recommend: The U.S Environmental Protection Agency explains the purpose of the UST program, which tanks it applies to, and offers links to the relevant statutes.

Filament winding

Filament winding is one process by which fiberglass storage tanks are constructed. In this process, multiple continuous fiberglass strands are wrapped around a mold with resin then brushed, poured or sprayed on.

I recommend: Arrowhead Plastic Engineering explains the filament winding process, as well as the hands lay-up and spray-up processes.

Tank access

Ladders, hatches and platforms are just a few of the methods used to gain access to storage tanks.

I recommend: Grain Systems displays different versions of tank access for both hopper (dry goods storage) and liquid storage tanks.