Inspecting Your Fuel Tank - Guide To Fuel Tank Maintenance

PREVENTATIVE TANK MAINTENANCE

TAKING CARE OF YOUR TANK

It makes sense to have a regular system of inspections – as periodic, preventative maintenance for your fuel storage assets. Here are some of the things you should consider every 6 to twelve months, depending on the nature of your operations …

Tanks should be visually inspected for leaks. By keeping the area around your tank clear of debris and vegetation, any drips and spills are easier to identify early on. Using a competent, trained person with appropriate PPE, you should also remove any accumulation of water and diesel from the bund and secure cabinet. Any waste should be treated as hazardous and disposed of following local regulations. If you’re in any doubt, your fuel supplier will have provided you with a Manufacturer Safety Data Sheet. You should also regularly carry out a water finding test (by dipping the tank).

Mesh filters (strainers) should also be part of regular inspections. Each feed line will have one, depending on the tank model, either at the end of the line (inside the tank) or near the butterfly valve (Y-type strainer). Internal strainers are accessed by pulling out the flexible dip pipe from the cabinet. If you have a water filter fitted, you may choose to replace this at the same time.

“TANKS SHOULD BE VISUALLY INSPECTED FOR LEAKS. BY KEEPING THE AREA AROUND YOUR TANK CLEAR OF DEBRIS AND VEGETATION, ANY DRIPS AND SPILLS ARE EASIER TO IDENTIFY EARLY ON”

PREVENTATIVE TANK MAINTENANCE

Hinges which hold the cabinet cover or door should be lubricated. These will be fitted with grease nipples for effortless operation. You may also wish to spray some PTFE grease on the moving parts of the locking mechanism.

Inspect the condition of the pumping equipment, vents and valves. Filler caps should be removed, and threads cleaned using a wire brush if necessary. Prevent build-up of rust by applying a small amount of lithium grease on these. Inspect the gasket at the bottom of the cap and ensure that it provides a good seal before refitting.

If your tank is in a static position, ensure that it’s adequately grounded (electrically earthed) before performing an operational test. Finally record your findings and plan for additional maintenance if required, and your next periodic test.