Double-walled underground storage tanks are a safe and efficient method of storing hazardous substances. Underground tanks are buried in the ground, which means they have a less visible benefit, the tanks are space-efficient.

 

Types of underground tanks

Note that there are two types of underground storage tanks: single-walled and double-walled.
Single-walled tanks are used for storing liquids such as water from rainwater drainage systems, septic tanks, irrigation tanks, fire-fighting systems, drinking water, etc.

Underground double-walled tanks are used to store flammable and non-flammable liquids. In this article we will talk about double-walled underground tanks, used commonly in industrial sector: fueling stations, generators, etc.



What is a double-walled underground storage tank?

An underground storage tank is a robust container designed to store flammable liquids, such as petrol, diesel or oil, below the surface of the ground.

A complex system of interconnected pipes and fittings to fill or empty the tank, manholes, access hatches, are designed to ensure regular inspection, maintenance and cleaning of underground tanks.

The shape of these tanks is cylindrical, horizontal.




Why do underground tanks have double walls?

The requirement for double walls has emerged as a standard approved by the oil industry and environmental protection authorities.

The construction of a double-walled underground tank is as follows:

an inner tank
an outer tank
an interstitial space between them
exterior coated with anti-corrosion layers: primer, epoxy paint, fiber glass

Double walls are a guarantee for the beneficiary and the manufacturer that there will be no leakage of hazardous substances into the soil.




Materials used in the manufacture of a double-walled underground storage tank

Steel is the main element in storage tank construction. Thick steel sheets are bent and welded at high-tech machines to give the tank the right shape and capacity. The selection of quality materials ensures durability, corrosion resistance and compliance with European standards.

Available capacities and applications

Underground tanks are available from 1000 to 100,000 litres.

Of course the capacity of a tank depends on the nature of the activity, the space available for installation, so underground storage tanks can be used in:

Oil/petroleum industry: for the storage of petroleum products such as petrol, diesel and jet fuel, in refineries, filling stations and industrial plants.

Chemical industry: for the storage of various chemicals, including acids, solvents and hazardous substances, ensuring the safe handling and storage of these materials.

Industrial sector: in manufacturing, energy production and agriculture for the storage of various liquids and gases required for their operations.

Importance of buying a quality tank

Purchasing storage tanks, especially large ones of thousands of liters, is a big financial effort that pays off in the long term.

It is true that the steel from which these tanks are made of is durable, but the environmental conditions to which the tanks are subjected in the ground increase its degradation if the metal is not properly treated.

It is important when choosing a storage tank manufacturer to be aware of the standards of fabrication, not to compromise the quality of the materials and to inspect each component before burying the tanks underground.




The materials from which they are made of must be of high quality and within the parameters required by European legislation on hazardous storage tanks.

The personnel working on their production must be qualified and trained to weld and accessorize the tanks in accordance with the regulations. The presence of alarms to warn the beneficiary of possible leaks is mandatory. In order to prevent leaks and guarantee the safety of the environment, the tank is provided with advanced leak detection and prevention mechanisms: such as sensors, probes or automatic shut-off mechanisms.

Moreover, the outer coating of the tanks must be well cleaned, the paint used must be guaranteed for a long time.  

Underground tanks are usually coated with epoxy, resin paints and fiber glass to increase efficiency in terms of mechanical strength and increase resistance against corrosion.

Conclusion

Choosing a suitable storage tank  can be difficult without the right information.

Choosing a reliable company that makes tanks according to the standards, uses the best materials and has a team of professionals behind it for both making, fitting and connecting the tank to the supply system is of utmost importance.

Eurial team is at your disposal to give you all the information you need to make the right decision.

Do not hesitate to contact us.