With winter approaching now is the perfect time to review your fuel storage safety and maintenance procedures. Ensuring uninterrupted power and safe dispensing systems begins with preventative maintenance. Tank owners should be performing regular maintenance and inspection on their tanks as required by warranty and by many state/local codes. Water is one of the most harmful elements to the integrity of your fuel storage system. Therefore owners should remove snow from the top of aboveground tanks. Water from melting snow can cause rust and corrosion on the exterior of steel jacketed tanks and can significantly damage your fuel system leading to corrosion, clogged fuel filters and fuel injectors and possibly even tank failure. While ConVault aboveground storage tanks are covered with a low maintenance concrete exterior which requires much less maintenance than traditional steel tanks, they should still be regularly inspected and monitored for leaks.
Maintenance tips include:
- In Winter Remove Snow From the Tank Top
- Use A Biocide Additive To Maintain Fuel Quality
- Visual Inspection to Check for Leaks and/or Tank Failure
- Fittings and Pipe Nipples Should Be Repainted / Powder Coated to Prevent Rust (Except Stainless Steel)
- Seal Any Cracks In the Concrete: ConVault tanks can be sealed with an acrylic for added protection
- Monitor Tank For the Presence of Water! Eliminating Water from your fuel storage system will increase tank life. Water causes corrosion by providing the right environment for microorganisms to thrive.
How does water enter your fuel storage system?
- Through your Fuel Jobber
- Air Moisture During Rainstorms/Snowstorms
- Air Moisture from the Tanks Normal Venting Process
- Improperly Sealed Tank Connections
How can you prevent water from entering your fuel system?
- Seal and caulk all tank Connections
- Obtain fuel from a reputable supplier
- Install PVV caps instead of your normal vent caps
- Use a filtration system with a coalescing element in it
What to do if water has contaminated your fueling system?
- Use a Biocide Additive!
- Remove Water with a Small Hand Pump (Thief Pump)
