If you use oil to heat your home one important consideration that you must always keep in mind is the lifespan of the oil tank in which it is stored. Ensuring that your oil is well protected is more than just about making sure that there is none wasted. Oil leaks can also be very damaging to the local environment and can also be extremely flammable. It is, therefore, vitally important that you are aware of the condition of your oil tank, do what you can to keep it in good condition, and replace it when it is needed.
Several factors are involved which can determine how long a steel oil tank can last, not in the least the place where it is located. As with anything that is made of steel, one of the biggest factors that need to be considered is that steel is at risk of corrosion. By leaving the tank somewhere that it is open to the elements, at risk of getting wet – especially if the air is salty – you are heightening the risk of corrosion.
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of a Steel Oil Tank
There are several factors that can affect how long a steel oil tank lasts. These include:
Single Skin or Bunded – Steel oil tanks can come either as a single skin heating oil tank or a bunded heating oil tank. A single skin heating oil tank is set up like a traditional tank with just one layer of steel between the oil and the outside. In some circumstances, this tank is perfectly acceptable for the storage of oil.
Another option is the bunded heating oil tank. A bunded tank effectively consists of a smaller tank within an outer tank, giving the oil an extra layer of protection should there be damage caused to one of the layers. This gives extra security, helping to avoid oil leaks and minimise the damage or risk of fire should something occur. There are some circumstances where a bunded tank is required for the storage of oil.
It is important to remember, however, that even if your tank is bunded, you should maintain and replace the tank properly if it is needed.
Location of Steel Oil Tank – As previously discussed, it is important that your oil tank is protected as best you can from wind and rain (especially if you are near the coast). For general domestic installations underground oil tanks should be made not of steel, but plastic. This reduces the risk of corrosion.
Likewise, if your steel oil tank is kept inside, it is better protected than if it is kept in the open air. You would however need to use a bunded stell tank and ensure that suitable fire protection is provided.
Steel Thickness – It goes without saying that the thickness of the steel that is used in the construction of the oil tank can also affect its lifespan. Our Atlantis oil tank range, for example, has a thickness of between 2.5mm and 5mm.
Plumbing Connections – Another aspect that can affect the life expectancy of your steel oil tank are the condition of the plumbing connections that you have. In addition to the actual tank that stores the oil, you also have oil line piping, a vent, gauges, and overfill prevention mechanisms amongst other things. They all need to be working properly, so it is important that you keep them well maintained and looked after to ensure the longest lifespan possible for your steel oil tank.
External Damage – External damage can also affect the lifespan of your steel oil tank. This could be anything from damage during the transportation of the tank, to masonry or other debris falling on it after it has been restored. It is important that any damage is fixed or the tank replaced if you notice any problems.
Ensuring a Safe Steel Oil Tank
There are several things that you can do as a responsible steel oil tank owner to ensure that your tank is safe and effective to use. These include:
- Ensure that your tank is located in a sheltered place, as far away as possible from streams, ponds, and drains.
- Check your steel oil tank on a weekly basis for damage and leaks, and if you notice any problems, get an Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) technician to inspect it and fix it.
- Ensure that your steel oil tank and its piping are serviced and inspected yearly by an OFTEC technician.
- Keep an eye on the amount of oil that is being used. If this suddenly increases, this could mean that you have a leak in the tank.
- Remember that if your tank has a capacity of over 3,500 litres, it must be bunded.
If you have an oil leak, you must contact the Environment Agency on their 24-hour helpline.
