5 Key Advantages Of Fuel Storage Tanks

When it comes to choosing a new fuel tank there are many factors to consider, including capacity, design, and the type of dispensing equipment the tank is fitted with. One factor that cannot be overlooked is the material the tank is built from. In this respect, all steel tanks offer many advantages over plastic units.

​Every tank and bowser in our fuel storage range is constructed from steel throughout, and here are the key reasons why:

1. Security

The cost of replacing stolen fuel, and also of vehicle and machinery downtime and environmental fines that can often result from fuel theft, makes tank security a top priority. The risk of fuel theft has risen significantly in recent years, with many fuel thieves targeting plastic tanks which can be easily broken into. On the other hand, a well designed and constructed steel tank is extremely difficult to break into – providing much better security and keeping the risk of fuel theft to a minimum.

2. Lifespan

Steel tanks can be used in an extremely wide range of conditions, and offer a much longer lifespan than plastic tanks. Unlike plastic tanks, which are vulnerable to UV degradation, structural failures and damage from vehicles and machines, steel tanks have considerably better longevity and can withstand accidental knocks and scrapes from machines on site. When the all steel construction is combined with a finishing process which includes shot blasting and painting in a 2 pack polyurethane finish, the end result is a product that can withstand use in the harshest of environments and provides years of hassle free fuel storage and refuelling.

3. Cost

The superior security, lifespan and durability of steel tanks means that they provide substantially better value over the long term compared to plastic tanks. In addition, steel tanks can be relocated in future if required, unlike plastic tanks which generally can only be used in one place to avoid invalidating their warranty. This not only gives owners of steel tanks more flexibility, it also means that they benefit from far higher resale values should their needs change in future.

4. Flexibility

Bunded steel tanks can be used in a wide range of applications and industries, including Agriculture, Construction, Haulage, Plant Hire and Forestry. As they can be moved between sites even after years of use, this means they are the most flexible fuel storage solution. This particularly applies to UN approved tanks and bowsers which are designed to be used both for storing and transporting fuel. These units can be easily lifted, moved around site and transported on the highway – even full of fuel for certain models – making them a true workhorse.

5. No concrete base required
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Plastic tanks must be installed on a perfectly level concrete base, which must be in accordance with the tank manufacturer’s guidelines. The installation costs for the base alone will often outweigh the difference in price between the steel and plastic options. With steel tanks, minimal site preparation is needed and providing the base is flat, firm and non-permeable to comply with the Environment Agency PPG2 guidelines, this is all that is required.