A Brief Comparison between Above Ground and Underground Fuel Tanks
17 November 2022One important aspect of petrol stations that should never be compromised when designing them is fuel storage. You see, petrol stations provide fuel to vehicles so they can continue their trip for hours. Without storing enough fuel, these facilities may not be able to supply the needs of vehicle owners. The lack of proper fuel storage may then lead to slow servicing. Poor fuel storage, ultimately, may lead to costly and catastrophic disasters.
Two fuel storage options that owners of petrol stations can maximise are above ground and underground fuel tanks. Knowing their qualities and differences can help owners of petrol stations decide which one to get for their facilities.
Above Ground and Underground Fuel Tanks
Above ground fuel tanks, as their name implies, are fuel storage tanks installed above the ground. These containers are often made from metal, allowing them to handle a wide range of liquid or gas substances without generating any bad effects. Petrol stations use these tanks or containers in storing a large volume of fuel.
Underground fuel tanks, alternatively, are tanks located below the ground. They are often connected to the pipework, which allows seamless transfer of media from these containers to their intended location.
In hindsight, both tanks function and work similarly. They are even designed almost similarly. Their differences, however, lie in their overall maintenance, involved risks, general operational and servicing costs, and other related elements.
Primary Differences between the Fuel Tanks
Above ground and underground fuel tanks have distinctive qualities that them great for specific applications. Knowing their differences can, however, help petrol station owners choose the best one for their business.
• Contamination and Leak Risks: Issues with underground fuel tanks can be more difficult to spot since they are buried underground. Fortunately, instances of contamination and leaks are expected to be minimised with underground fuel tanks since they are not exposed to people and other elements in the surroundings. Above ground fuel tanks, alternatively, can be easier to monitor in terms of contamination and leak risks. They can, however, be at risk of contamination and leak, which can affect the overall quality of the fuel.
• Fire and Explosion Risks: Above ground fuel tanks are more vulnerable to fire and explosion risks since they can be exposed to heat and other elements that can trigger negative effects on the stored fuel. The limited amount of pressure and tension on underground fuel tanks allows them to be much safer from these risks.
• Appeal and Longevity: Since underground fuel tanks are buried underneath, petrol station owners do not have to worry about the overall appeal of their facilities. They can even last longer than their above ground counterparts. Opting for above ground fuel tanks, on the other hand, can make their places somehow a little bit crowded, especially if they do not have a large property area for the tanks.
• Overall Maintenance: One thing that makes above ground fuel tanks preferred by many petrol stations is they are easier to maintain. Their risks of contamination, fire, and others may be higher than the underground ones, but they can conveniently be serviced without spending too much money on the excavation and other processes.
If you need access to either one of these tanks, you can contact us at Future Fuel Services.
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