{"id":109096,"date":"2022-03-28T15:03:58","date_gmt":"2022-03-28T14:03:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.crownoil.co.uk\/?page_id=109096"},"modified":"2026-01-05T10:39:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-05T10:39:18","slug":"oil-storage-tanks","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.crownoil.co.uk\/guides\/oil-storage-tanks\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to Oil Storage Tanks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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How to look after and maintain your oil tanks<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oil tank owners have a legal duty to ensure fuels and oils are stored safely and securely. Without regular maintenance and the correct storage conditions, your fuel tank can easily become a liability rather than an asset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This guide is helpful for anyone who has recently had a fuel tank installed or simply needs to update or refresh their knowledge, showing you the risk factors that you need to look out for and what you can do about them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Oil tank regulations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

There are different regulations that apply to fuel tanks, depending on the fuel stored, where they are located and how much you\u2019re storing. To help untangle the red tape and ensure you\u2019re operating within the law. Our expert team put together a dedicated oil storage and installation regulations guide<\/a> to help both commercial and domestic users stay within the law.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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The benefits of an on-site oil tank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An on-site storage tank is ideal for businesses that use large amounts of fuel or when oil barrels (drums) are too small or inconvenient. An onsite tank can save you time by not having to make frequent fuel orders, as well as reduce regular delivery costs and improve efficiency within your operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Having an on-site tank also allows you to buy fuel in bulk, which helps to reduce the price you pay per litre. Companies can also benefit from fuel management systems, such as oil tank telemetry monitoring, allowing them to control and monitor fuel consumption to further help reduce costs.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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In 2018, the UK experienced an extremely cold winter, which was followed by a particularly warm and dry summer. This led to a 23% rise in callouts to instances of corrosion and reports of fuel contamination.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Common oil tank issues<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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External temperature fluctuations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, it\u2019s quite common for water to get inside a fuel tank, particularly during the spring and summer due to heat gain and evaporation. When the external temperature increases, condensation can form internally and cause the tank to \u201cbreathe\u201d. This accelerates contamination by causing water and bacteria to accumulate. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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FAME content in fuels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Fuel tanks also face a number of issues due to the nature of the products stored. The introduction of ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD), paired with the increase in bio (FAME) content and modern refining techniques, has led to a widespread increase in contamination issues. These microbes sink to the bottom of the tank and build up with rust and dirt, resulting in sludge forming on the base of your tank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over time, this can lead to hidden flaws, cracks and corrosion developing in the structure of your storage vessel. Even minor damage to any storage tank can hugely increase the risk of a tank failure. If left unmonitored, it can lead to an accidental oil spill, which can have a significant negative impact on the environment and your bottom line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many different types of corrosion can occur, the majority are not visible by exterior examination and further internal testing, such as Non-Destructive Testing<\/a>, is required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Tank servicing and maintenance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Tank owners have a legal duty to ensure that the fuel stored is safe and secure without posing a risk to the environment. Spills and leaks are extremely expensive to clean up and can contaminate nearby groundwater supplies, building foundations, local wildlife and their habitats.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ongoing care of your tank is imperative. If you have any concerns about your oil tank, you must contact your fuel supplier or an OFTEC-registered engineer as soon as possible.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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According to the UK Spill Organisation, an oil spill costs a typical business up to \u00a330,000 in fines, clean-up charges and production losses.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Ongoing oil tank care<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

You should carry out regular maintenance yourself to help ensure your tank lasts longer and is less likely to need expensive repairs or replacements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few simple checks now can save you thousands of pounds in the future. Signs of wear and tear include:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n