5 things to ask before buying a tank

READY TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT TANK?

With so many options on how you can store fuel, including bulk fuel storage, choosing the right tank can be a challenge. Here are five things we think you should ask before deciding which route is right for you …  

1. Regulations

Storing and dispensing fuel is hazardous – and subject to layers of national and local regulations. So first off, you need to ensure the tank you’re choosing meets the right standards. There are regs that cover tanks being transported filled with fuel (or even with residue). And others that deal with stationary, more permanent installations. Fixed tanks are often administered by local marshalls and fire departments – and some will have specific codes unique to their geography. Various environmental departments also have programs around spill prevention – and if you work on ecologically sensitive sites, where marine life may be affected, there’s another layer of things to double-check. Our tanks have more international standards and approvals than anything on the market. If you need advice, wherever you are in the world, we can help.

2. Size

After compliance comes capacity. How much fuel do you need to hold? Each refill attaches extra risk and delivery costs – but on-site you may also want something agile and easily redeployed. Larger tanks are the most cost-effective for bulk buying, but you want to avoid fuel standing for too long. As a rule of thumb, we recommend you choose a solution that will store a month’s supply of fuel. Your need may seem similar to others, but it’s likely to be slightly different – so no one size fits all. You may have a small yard or limited access site – in which space optimization will be important – and the ability to stack and store tanks. For others in remote or unmanned locations, theft prevention will be key.

3. What you are refueling

What type of equipment you’re fueling also has a huge bearing on picking the right tank. Powering an event generator is a very different task from supporting lots of individual pieces of construction equipment. You may need a tank that will connect directly with specific ports, or one that dispenses DEF to support newer machinery and plant.

4. Is the tank transportable?

If you’re using a tank as temporary storage – on-site, for events or seasonal programs – you might find DOT approved transportable tanks the most flexible answer. They need to be tough – and if you plan on using a trailer to tow tanks around a site or on the highway, they will need the appropriate approvals, too.

5. Accessories you may need

Along with considerations around fuel pumps or generator feed and return lines. You may want to add a tank rose heel which will make refueling easier. The reel means that the hose does not need to drag along the floor which minimises damage and provides greater control.  A reel will keep the hose neatly wound, preventing wear and tear and increasing the lifespan of the hose itself, all contained within the cabinet.

Fuel contamination can cause lots of problems for your business. Fuel contamination, whether that’s dust or dirt getting into the tank, can affect the quality of the fuel and encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.  Fuel tank filters catch dirt and debris to prevent it from contaminating the fuel both on-site and during transportation so you can rest assured that your fuel remains high-quality.

At Western Global, we offer a wide range of fuel storage tanks for clients within all major industries. Whether it’s fuel storage for a residential construction project, a generator backup tank, or a complex solution for a major infrastructure project, we have you covered. Our solutions are designed with sustainability, efficiency and professionalism in mind. Contact us today for more information.