Getting Your Fuel Storage Tank Management Plan Up to Regulatory Standard

Storage tank management programmes include valuable products and procedures such as monthly visual inspections, annual preventative maintenance, testing and calibration, emergency on-call, non-emergency on-call, and replacement components for USTs and related fuel system monitoring devices. A thorough programme also includes sump cleaning, tank water removal, scheduled protection testing, tank and line tightness testing, and operator training. A tank management programme keeps track of each tank’s pipe arrangement, as well as tank and piping leak detection and monitoring devices, so you know which equipment needs to be inspected and when.

Preventative maintenance

Annual preventative maintenance, testing, and calibration of tank monitoring, leak detection systems, overfill alarm systems, and spill prevention equipment is required. Calibration, cleaning, lubrication, adjustments, and alignment of fuel storage tank equipment must be planned according to manufacturer guidelines. The maintenance must specifically involve the removal of any tank monitoring probes, performing the necessary maintenance to verify they are working correctly, and re-installing them. Regular maintenance also involves fluid testing in the subsurface tank interstitial region. Maintenance service reports are an important aspect of UST record keeping and must be kept for the duration of the underground storage system’s operational life.

Tank inspections

Storage tank inspection, audit and calibration service providers offer you unparalleled expertise, state-of-the-art technology, and a global reach. This is a must for clients needing to ensure safe storage of everything from chemicals and petroleum products to water and waste. Most inspection services offer inspections for both underground storage tanks (UST) and above-ground storage tanks (AST). Storage tank inspection, audit and calibration services can include:

• 3D modelling of tank floor and shell
• Assessment of water and sludge inside containers
• Assessment of subsoil corrosion
• Automated tank floor measurement
• Environmental impact studies and risk analysis
• External thickness measurements and calculation reviews
• Hydro-testing
• Identification plate stamping and adjustment
• Non-destructive testing (NDT)
• Project management and construction supervision
• Tank floor volume measurement
• Tracing of system leaks and assessment of material strength
• Ultrasonic density tests
• Welding procedures and qualification to international standards

In-tank monitoring systems

You can’t always manually detect whether you have water, dirt, or a leak in your underground storage tank. Water is particularly bad for fuel tanks since oil-based fuels rise above the water, you won’t learn anything by peeking into the top of your tank. Owning an underground storage tank requires taking precautionary measures, such as doing regular checks on your tank, performing adequate maintenance, and reconciling fuel issues against stock levels. 

That is why storage tanks need an in-tank monitoring system to keep a constant watch on things going on inside the tank. Metron Systems has this covered, you can use the Metron4 as a remote fuel tank level system which intelligently analyses what is happening inside your fuel storage tank. Working with an accurate pressure probe that is sensitive to the level of the fluids inside your tank, can record levels at five-minute intervals, for busy sites. There is also our accompanying cloud-based analytics software platform which is fed information by the Metron4 device, making it easier than ever to maintain and understand your fuel tank.

Testing your fuel tank

Leak and line testing

Double-walled underground storage tanks with leak detection systems in them do not require testing, however, the leak detection system must be recertified every year. The following are examples of leak detection systems:

• Continuous interstitial space system 
• In-tank monitoring system
• Examining the soil for vapours

Automatic line leak detectors must be tested annually to ensure they are working in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. This is required for pressurised systems equipped with an in-tank pump. Testing is critical since a huge leak may go unnoticed if the system is not working properly. 

Sump cleanout

Tank manhole chambers and under-pump sumps commonly gather water during the winter and spring seasons. During its operational life, an underground storage tank may collect hundreds of litres of water and sediments. These liquids and solids must be appropriately disposed of as hazardous waste. As needed, Vectec Ltd can provide pump-out and disposal services.

Security

Many locations are concerned about security issues. Protecting any fuel tank will be an important aspect of the job. There is more to defend with an above-ground system, therefore security solutions may need to be more expensive. There is less of a risk with underground storage tanks, but it is still significant enough to warrant the use of a good security system.

Metron fuel tank theft alarms can be equipped with a Metron4 gauge, a mains supply with battery backup, relays for connecting to external alarms, and unobtrusive casing. With this setup linked to MetronView, you’ll will receive email alerts on unexpected level changes and local alarms can be triggered if the ent occurs outside working hours.

On-call emergency services

This service is accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week to respond to a leak or any major spill. Troubleshooting, changing, or replacing equipment, and taking the required procedures to rectify a leak or an alarming situation are all part of the service. A storage tank management plan is highly diverse, with several difficult duties that only an expert can carry out.

On-call non-emergency services

These services are typically offered during normal business hours and cover components such as faulty vehicle fuel dispensing systems. Non-emergency situations may include observations such as water in the tank or piping system, or probe failure, but this does not imply that the tank or piping is leaking.

Metron Systems is the UK’s leading provider of smart, state-of-the-art fuel tank management systems. Contact us today about our solutions that support safe, compliant, and optimised fuel management.