If you are considering purchasing a heating oil tank, you may want to consult OFTEC (The Oil Firing Technical Association), for which is the professional body responsible for advising on and directing activity within the heating oil tank industry The OFTEC website has a wide range of informative and educational information on heating oil tank installations.

As a general overview, heating oil tanks can be made from a variety of materials and can consist of a variety of designs. Some tanks are made from plastic, some from steel. Furthermore, some tanks are single skin, whereas other are bunded, or double skinned tanks.

In deciding whether you want a steel tank or a plastic tank, it is worth noting that many people choose plastic tanks as they are not susceptible to the same levels of corrosion as steel tanks. They are also often lighter and easier to transport, not to mention being cheaper to buy. However, steel tanks are often a better option for customers who need to store very large volumes of oil, i.e. capacities over 10,000 litres. In such instances, steel tanks are often more structurally robust.

Tanks UK plastic oil tanks are made from a medium density polyethylene (MDPE). Materials and components used in the manufacture these tanks are resistant to any damaging effects of the liquids they are designed to contain.

A bunded oil tank consists of a ‘tank within a tank’ design. Fuel is held within the inner tank, while the outer tank acts as a protective shell, meaning that in the event of an oil spill, your heating oil will gather in the outer tank, preventing it from leaking into the surrounding environments and therefore avoiding a costly environmental clean-up operation.

Bunded oil tanks are a legal requirement at commercial and industrial premises. They are also a legal requirement in the Channel Islands and at most domestic installations in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

The difference between a bunded tank and an older style single skin tank, is that the single skin tank does not provide any secondary containment features – meaning that in the event of a tank split or tank failure, your heating oil will leak into the surrounding areas. Most insurance policies will not cover the policy holder for an oil spill, therefore it is important to protect your property and surroundings from an environmental clean-up, which could cost up to £50,000.

Oil tanks should always be installed by a qualified and accredited tank technician. Ideally, your oil tank installer should be OFTEC registered and licensed.

Due to the fact that oil tanks contain valuable heating oil, which also has the potential to act as a costly environmental pollutant if handled incorrectly, it is extremely important that you ensure your tank installer is qualified to carry out the work you have hired him for.

Tanks UK only work with OFTEC licensed tank installers. We have a network of accredited installers that spans all of the UK and Ireland. For a free tank installation quote, or to become a Tanks UK installer, contact us on 01245 260 994, or use our contact form to send us an email.

Top outlet oil tanks have the outlet to the burner placed at the top, rather than the bottom of the tank. Oil is drawn out at the top of the tank, as opposed to being gravity fed through an outlet at the bottom. A variety of Tanks UK oil tanks can be supplied as either top outlet or bottom outlet.

With top outlet tanks, it may be necessary to install a Tiger Loop de-aerator to eliminate the need for a return line to the tank.

Top outlet tanks are not compatible with wick burners, which are fitted to many oil fired stoves. At such installations, a bottom outlet oil tank should be fitted. Alternatively, an oil lift device could be introduced within the oil supply line.

Water can form in any heating oil tank. It occurs as a result of the tank warming up during the day and then cooling at night. In single skin oil tanks it will collect in the base of the tank; in bunded oil tanks it may additionally collect between the inner and outer tanks.

Oil tanks should be inspected annually for the presence of water found to be present either inside the oil tank or in the case of bunded oil tanks, between the inner and outer tank. Failure to remove any condensation may result in fuel contamination and can cause irreparable damage.

Most oil tank installers can easily remove water from your oil tank. To obtain a consultation for the presence of water in your tank, contact Tanks UK to speak to an OFTEC licensed and accredited tank installer.

If you notice a split or any distortion in the shape of your oil tank, you should consult an OFTEC licensed tank installer immediately.

If you own a single skin oil tank, a tank split can cause tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage – something which your insurer may not cover you for. For this reason, any concerns which you have about your oil tank should be addressed without hesitation.

There are rarely instances in which oil tank splits should be repaired. Damage to the integrity of your oil tank poses a significant environmental risk and for that reason, you should always carefully consider replacing your tank in such instances.

Oil tanks with a capacity of 3,500 litres or less should be fitted at least 1.8 metres from non-fire rated walls or from flu outlets.

If a clearance space of 1.8 metres is not possible, protection measures stated in British Standard BS 5410: Part 1: 1997 must be provided by introducing a 30 minute fire-resistant wall. The fire wall must extend at least 300mm above the end points of the oil tank.

When installing an oil tank, any exposed eaves which form part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil storage tank must have a 30 minute fire resistant wall installed. Cladding can also be applied to prevent a fire from spreading to the roof.

Oil tanks should never be installed within enclosed, inhabited spaces. Oil tanks may be installed in specialist enclosures, which have been purpose designed and built for such requirements.

Detailed requirements exist for the installation of oil storage tanks within habitable buildings and domestic garages.

Tanks below 3,500 litres in capacity should not be placed within 760mm of a boundary such as a fence or similar.

This distance assumes that there are no flu outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in British Standard BS 5410: Part 1: 1997 must be provided, by means of a 30 minutes fire-resistant wall, which extends at least 300mm above the end points of the tank.

Heating oil tanks are designed for the purpose of storing the following fuel  types:

• Kerosene (C1/C2)
• Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2)
• Heating Oil
• Diesel
• Biodiesel blends manufactured in accordance with British Standard BS EN14214 and not greater than B5.

Heating oil tanks should never be used to dispense diesel or any other agricultural fuel. For such requirements, a diesel dispensing tank should be installed in order to comply with relevant fuel storage regulations.

Heating oil theft is an issue of great concern for any oil user and has received high levels of publicity, due to the rise in the number of fuel thefts across the UK and Ireland.

There are many ways in which one can protect their valuable heating oil. For a start, you can ensure that your oil tank is installed and situated as much out of sight as possible. This means having it installed in a location within your garden which is not directly visible from the road or other areas surrounding your property.

In addition, you should always secure your oil tank with a specialist oil tank padlock or similar tank security device. Padlocks are a cheap and simple way to secure your tank, but can be circumnavigated if required. Installing a tank alarm will ensure that thieves are distracted by a loud and attention-grabbing alarm sound. The Yale Tank alarm is the perfect tank security device for such requirements.

A Spinsecure tank lock can also be fitted to your oil tank, which means that the access point to your oil tank consists of a tap-type device, which is almost impossible to break or hack.

Tanks UK sell a specialist ‘Tank Security Pack’, which consists of both a Yale Tank Alarm AND a Spinsecure Tank Lock – the ultimate tank security system.

Finally, you should install visual warnings on your oil tank in order to deter any would-be thieves. Many Tanks UK oil tanks come supplied with a sticker displaying the message ‘THIS TANK IS ALARMED’ – a highly effective visual deterrent.

All Tanks UK plastic diesel dispensing tanks are bunded – meaning they have been designed to incorporate a ‘tank within a tank’ design. This protects your valuable fuel in the event of a tank split.

Furthermore, our diesel dispensing tanks are supplied with metal spiggots, adjacent to the diesel tank’s access door, which are capable of accommodating a secure padlock.

Advanced diesel dispensing tank models can be supplied with fuel management systems, which mean that even in the event of a thief gaining access to the fuel cabinet, diesel cannot be dispensed without unique access keys to activate the fuel pump.

The presence of water within your diesel tank and indeed, within your diesel, is common. This builds up as a result of climate changes which occur over time.

A specialist tank installer will be able to remove any water from your fuel. Simply contact Tanks UK to arrange a visit from an accredited installer.

You can also take preventative measures in reducing or eradicating the presence of water in your diesel tank or your fuel. A Cim-Tek tank dryer, which is made from fabric and sits within your diesel tank, can collect water over time. Simply check and replace it regularly to keep water levels at a minimum.

Furthermore, purchasing a water filter with your diesel tank will ensure that even if water is present in your diesel tank, it will not filter through to your vehicles’s fuel tank. We strongly recommend purchasing a water and particulate filter with all diesel tanks by way of protecting your vehicles from damage. Tanks UK Advanced Diesel Dispensing Tanks are supplied with a water and particulate filter as standard.

AdBlue is the trading name for AUS32 (Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5%). It is a liquid, which is injected into exhaust gases of modern diesel engines, as part of a post-combustion cycle. AdBlue reduces the volume of harmful NOx (Nitrous Oxides) in vehicle emissions, therefore reducing the negative environmental impacts of vehicle emissions.

The chemical reaction which AdBlue is required for, takes place within a special piece of equipment called an SCR.

The requirements to reduce vehicles harmful emissions (pollutants) are specified in European legislation – Euro 4, 5 and 6.

In order to reach the reduced levels of pollutants as defined within current and future European legislation, vehicle manufacturers are now required to incorporate either SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) or EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) technology.

The use of AdBlue has increased significantly as a result of frequently updated European legislation, which require its use in manufacturing and in commercial fleet activity.

AdBlue requires specialist containment. Tanks UK supply both AdBlue storage and AdBlue dispensing tanks – both of which are purpose designed and manufactured to store and/or dispense AdBlue in line with legislation.

The European regulations surrounding the use of AdBlue are frequently changing. However, at present, the relevant regulations applicable within the UK are:

• ISO22241-1 Standard for AUS32
• ISO22241-2 Standard for Quality Testing of AdBlue
• ISO22241-3 Standard for Handling, Transportation and Storage of AdBlue

All Tanks UK AdBlue tanks are fully compliant with the above regulations.

AbBlue is extremely susceptible to contamination. It is therefore of paramount importance that it is stored in a containment system which protects it from such threats and which maintains the quality and integrity of AdBlue at optimal levels.

The de-ionised elements of AdBlue can draw ions from the materials in which it is stored. This can change the chemical composition of the AdBlue and causes salts to form, which in turn clog the ceramic head on the SCR.

A common cause of premature SCR failures is incorrect storage conditions and materials used in storing AdBlue. Inert materials should always be used to store AdBlue.

Tanks UK AdBlue tanks are all fully compliant with AdBlue storage guidelines and regulations.

Steel fuel tanks are beneficial alternatives to plastic tanks for a number of reasons. One of these reasons relates to capacity. For customers requiring tanks which are capable of holding large or industrial scale volumes of fuel, steel is often the best option as it is more structurally adept in such environments, than plastic.

Steel tanks are also a ore advantageous option for customers who plan to store fuel in higher climates or temperatures. Plastic tanks are generally suitable for temperatures of up to 55 degrees celsius, whereas steel tanks can accommodate temperatures past this point.

Steel tanks are also often seen as more secure than plastic tanks, due to the difficulty entailed in penetrating a steel tank V’s a plastic tank. However, plastic tanks are still very secure and are often supplied with a number of additional security devices.

In deciding whether to opt for a plastic tank or a steel tank, it is necessary to review each of your specific containment requirements and considerations. Both plastic and steel have numerous advantages, depending on requirements. Plastic is generally cheaper and more readily available than steel, however, for high spec storage requirements, steel may be the only realistic and suitable option.

At Tanks UK we supply a wide range of steel fuel storage and dispensing tanks:

1. Enclosed Tanks – a bunded tank design which features a water-tight outer bund, to protect the inner tank and its contents.
2. Fuel Banks – smaller steel diesel tanks designed for use in transporting diesel fuel in line with UN ADR Regulations
3. Diesel Bowsers – both road tow and site tow bowsers available. Unlike the Fuel Bank, which is designed to be loaded onto a commercial vehicle such as a pick-up truck for transportation, road tow and site tow bowsers are designed for connection to and towing by a suitable vehicle. All steel diesel bowsers are UN ADR compliant.
4. Container Tanks – made from an all-steel, bunded construction for the most robust and secure structural performance and suitable for the harshest of environments. Container tanks are designed with a bulkhead fitted, to house a bund area and room for dispensing equipment.
5. Fuel Tanks – a simple solution for water-tight storage of fuels such as diesel, heating oil and a range of chemicals and solvents. The bases are fitted with plinths to avoid any ground contact.

All Tanks UK storage tank products are compliant with UK and/or European storage regulations, specific to each liquid or fuel type.

Waste oil tanks are compliant with the following regulations and/or guidelines:

• Water Environment (Oil Storage)(Scotland) Regulations 2006
• Environmental Alliance PPG2
• Control of Pollution (Oil Storage)(England) (Wales) Regulations.

Biodiesel tanks are manufactured for the specialist containment of biodiesel fuels. They are made from a specialist grade of medium density polyethylene, which has superior chemical resistance properties to other materials.

Traditional grade polymers used in heating oil tanks and diesel tanks are unsuitable for storing Biodiesel.