Bunded Diesel Tanks

BUNDED DIESEL TANKS INFORMATION

Bunded diesel tanks have two layers – an interior tank and an outer tank which acts as a secondary containment (a tank within a tank). In the event of a leak from the main tank, the external tank layer will contain all the oil which would otherwise risk contaminating the local area.

Integrally bunded fuel tanks are the most popular kind of secondary containment. The alternative involves constructing a bund from masonry or concrete which is inconvenient, costly and makes a time-consuming installation. All of our diesel tanks are integrally bunded.

All of our bunded plastic fuel tanks are fitted with submersible pumping units, consisting of a pump, flowmeter, a delivery hose and automatic shut-off nozzle, filtration and gauge.

Fuel tanks which hold larger capacities also come complete with a secondary tank and overfill devices, and a lockable security cabinet containing any relevant equipment. We can produce bespoke fuel tanks on request.

All of these diesel tanks come complete and ready to use; all that is required is a hard, flat concrete base and your final electrical connection.

You can also check out An Expert Guide to Diesel Storage for information, advice and industry insights covering everything from the types of tanks, regulations surrounding oil storage, how to get the best price on fuel and preventing fuel theft.

WHAT SIZE DIESEL TANK DO I NEED?

Our plastic bunded diesel tank solutions come in capacities of 1,350 litres to 15,000 as single units or up to 30,000 litres using interlinking. Our steel diesel tanks are available in sizes from 5,000 to 86,000 litres.

Whether you require a bunded diesel tank for commercial, domestic or agricultural purposes, we recommend buying the maximum size tank you can to reduce the chance of running out of fuel, minimise the frequency of tank refills and to enable you to purchase your diesel at the best possible price.

As a guide, we recommend the following capacities for different industries and company sizes:

DOMESTIC DIESEL STORAGE REGULATIONS

In England, oil tanks with a volume under 3,501 litres used for domestic applications aren’t required to have a secondary containment unless they are sited in locations where oil spills can reach public water sources. This includes:

• Where oil leaks could run over hard ground and reach coastal water, inland fresh waters or a drinking water source.
• Where oil spillages could run into an open drain or a loose manhole cover.
• Where the tank vent pipes cannot be seen when the tank’s being filled, for example, because the delivery tanker is parked too far away.
• Within 10 metres of coastal water or inland fresh water like lakes or streams.
• Within 50 metres of a drinking water source, for example, wells, boreholes or springs.
• In the inner zone of groundwater source protection zone 1

While in these circumstances a bunded oil tank isn’t compulsory, we still recommend bunding all tanks as good environmental practice. Additionally, when you install a single skin tank you face the risk of regulation updates making your tank no longer compliant.

COMMERCIAL DIESEL STORAGE REGULATIONS

Commercial oil storage regulations

Regulations for storing commercial oil must be followed if your business (including marinas and public sector premises) stores oil in a tank with a volume of 201 litres or higher, or if your domestic premises stores oil in a tank with a capacity over 3,500 litres.

Regulations state that all commercial diesel tanks must be bunded.

AGRICULTURAL DIESEL STORAGE REGULATIONS

Diesel stored for agricultural usage follows slightly different rules in England. Diesel storage containers with a capacity over 1,500 litres must be bunded. Additionally, no part of the oil storage installation – including yard drains, dry ditches and land drains – can be within 10 meters of inland or coastal waters.

DO I NEED A BUNDED OIL TANK?

GUARANTEE

Our tanks have a 10 year guarantee on the interior tank and bund, with all parts carrying a 12 month guarantee. We would recommend regular maintenance of your tank via our service maintenance package to extend the tank’s useful life.

DELIVERY

Tuffa Tanks are generally built to order. We can arrange delivery to sites across the UK, or tanks can be collected from our factory in Uttoxeter.

Stock plastic or steel tanks available with next day delivery – call us for current stock levels. Current build times are as follows:

Advantages of plastic bunded diesel tank:

• Light and easy to manoeuvre
• Can hold up to 30,000 litres of fuel
• Manufactured using recyclable, durable polyethylene
• Working life of at least 20 years
• Cost-effective diesel storage solution
• Roto moulded plastic to strengthen and reduce oil leaks

Advantages of steel bunded diesel tank:

• Highly durable and long lasting
• Working life of at least 30 years
• Steel diesel tanks can reach a much bigger capacity (up to 86,000 litres)
• Bespoke design to suit your diesel storage requirements
• Corrosion resistant

MANUFACTURING AND QUALITY STANDARDS

All diesel tanks should meet British Standards and trade association standards. At a minimum, tanks need to comply with BS EN ISO 9001, should be made of a material suitable for the oil stored with sufficient strength to ensure it won’t burst or leak with ordinary use and are expected to last at least 20 years with proper maintenance.

Rotationally moulded polyethylene tanks must also meet BS EN 13341 standards and be CE marked to indicate conformity with health, safety and environmental protection standards. Steel fuel tanks must meet BS 799 standards. Your manufacturer, supplier, or installer should advise you on whether a tank meets these standards.

FAQs

What is a bunded diesel tank?

Choosing between a single skin and bunded diesel tank can be a difficult choice to make. A bunded diesel tank is a bulk diesel storage container comprising of two oil ‘tanks’. The inner tank contains the diesel whereas the external tanks contain any internal leaks. As a single skin tank has a single container it doesn’t provide any additional protection from spills and leaks.We therefore always recommend choosing a bunded tank over a single skin tank for any diesel storage solution.

As a legal requirement, the secondary tank must be able to hold 110% of the contents of the inner tank and is legally required for when storing over 3,501 litres of fuel. If you’re purchasing a diesel storage tank, we recommend investing in a bunded tank, rather than a single skin tank. The bund will provide a long-lasting oil storage solution and additional protection from oil spills compared to a single skin tank.

What is a bunded fuel tank?

Bunded fuel tanks have two layers – a tank which sits inside and a secondary containment (a fuel tank within a tank with a capacity to hold 110% of the primary tanks fuel). The bund will capture any oil spills or leaks from the inner tank.

How much should a bund hold?

To comply with oil storage regulations a bund should hold a minimum of 110% of the inner tanks contents. We manufacture steel and plastic bunded fuel tanks.

How do you store diesel fuel?

When looking for the best fuel storage solution, we recommend purchasing a tank that stores a high quantity of litres, as this is a more cost-effective solution. Storing the maximum litres of oil enables you to purchase diesel at the best possible price, will reduce the number of times you have to refill and will reduce your chances of running out of fuel.

When bulk storing diesel in quantities above 200 litres a bunded diesel tank is often required. The bunded diesel tanks we manufacture are available in plastic and steel and capacities from 1,350 litres to 86,000 litres of fuel as standard.

How do you store diesel long term?

Storing diesel in a tank below 20°C, out of direct sunlight (especially for polyethylene tanks), and free from water will allow you to store diesel for up to a year without the need for additives. Using additives such as metal de-activators, fungicides, biocides and antioxidants can increase this time.

For any enquiries contact our sales team on 01889 567700 or use the online enquiry form on the Contact page.