How to keep your oil storage tanks Safe

The United Arab Emirates is known to be one of the countries with the highest rates of per capita oil consumption. Almost 900,000 barrels per day was the overall oil consumption of UAE in 2019 which is a staggering amount- almost 1% of the total world consumption. The complete oil requirements of the UAE is met through domestic production itself. Diesel trading companies in UAE ensure the storage and transportation of the fuel in a safe and secure manner by complying with the regulations put forth by the oil & gas laws of the UAE. Read along to learn how to keep your oil storage tanks Safe.

Things you need to know about oil storage tank safety
Oil storage needs to be carried out with utmost care and attention to detail. In fact, there is a  different legal limit on how much fuel you can store at your home and at business. A special license is required from the concerned authorities in order to own and operate Field Constructed Aboveground Fuel Storage Tanks having capacities equal to or greater than 50,000imperial gallons per tank. In fact, all new tanks must be registered with the bureau within 30 days of coming into operation.

All Fuel storage tanks must carry a nameplate or placard providing the specifications of the tank and are required to comply with API 650 or similar internationally recognized standards. These include a tank identification number, date of installation, capacity, the material of construction & a Certification Mark provided by the manufacturer confirming the design standards of the tank.

Your tank must never be stored above roof level and should be on floor level or below ground level. Remember, your tank needs to be away from areas that are at risk of damage via impact, machinery and weather yet easily accessed for deliveries and maintenance.

Typical signs of damage on an oil storage tank
Diesel fuel suppliers in UAE recommend the checking the following for oil storage tank damages: 

• Moisture- Wet spots on the surface of the tank or underneath it.
• Weakened legs- A full 275-gallon oil tank can weigh more than a ton. It’s just a matter of time before a problem arises if your tank was poorly installed since all of that pressure goes right on your tank’s supporting legs. 
• Broken vent alarm- The delivery team knows that oil is flowing with the help of sound made by oil tanks when they’re being filled. A lack of sound could indicate trouble. 
• Stray oil – Oil near the tank gauge or on the ground. 
• Damaged oil lines-have the unit serviced immediately if the rubber tubing of the Oil lines is split or cracked.
• A faulty fuel gauge
• Rust and dents 

Oil storage regulations and technical specifications
To avoid the risk of pipelines breaking and causing an oil spillage, your tank must be stored at least 10 meters away from inland or coastal waters, away from areas that are in danger from flooding and 50 meters clear of spring.

For effective Corrosion protection, the Licence Holders must ensure Compatibility between any fuel oil to be stored in the system and the material used in the construction of the system.

Tank requirements:

1. Metallic fuel storage tanks on foundations consisting of material that can allow moisture penetration and Corrosion must be protected from Corrosion
2. Where Cathodic Protection is used it must be designed by a Corrosion Expert and comply with API 651 or with similar internationally recognized standards
3. Exposed surfaces of Fuel Storage Tank Systems shall have a protective coating to prevent and control atmospheric Corrosion. According to the manufacturer’s instructions and approved for use by ADWEA, the coating shall be applied.

Steel piping requirements: 

1. Piping needs to be located above ground and not in contact with the soil
2. Cathodic Protection must be ensured
3. Double-walling

Secondary Containment: The area around a fuel storage tank must have a Secondary Containment designed to contain a Fuel Leak and prevent it from impacting the environment and public health. It must be able to contain at least one hundred and ten percent (110%) of the design capacity

How often should you check the oil tank for damage?
Fuel storage tank instruments, such as alarm systems, level indicators, pump cut-off systems, level transmitters, valve actuation systems, etc should be tested before every start-up and several times during operations. This is to make sure that the system performs to operational and design requirements. The Licence Holder needs to inspect the tank pressure vacuum relief systems regularly and ensure that there are no blockages to the vents or intake systems that could endanger tank safety.

Daily inspections - The surface of the Secondary Containment area and the Fuel Storage Tank Systems must be visually inspected daily for evidence of damage or Fuel Leaks. Any Fuel Leaks or spills must be cleaned up immediately and corrective action must be initiated at the earliest.

Inspections every 6 months - Licence Holders must inspect the Fuel Storage Tank Systems for identifying cracks, areas of wear, Corrosion and thinning, malfunctioning equipment, poor maintenance and operating practices, structural or foundation weaknesses and separation or swelling of tank insulation.

10-year inspections - all Licence Holders must perform a detailed inspection of fuel storage tanks. The initial inspection must be performed upon the life of the tank reaching a complete ten years. The ten-year inspections must be performed by an individual trained in the care and use of the test equipment and its operating procedures using a documented and validated method.

Now you may have got an idea regarding how to keep your oil storage tanks safe. Redlines is a leading diesel supplier in Dubai with many years of experience and regular fuel supply across UAE.