Diesel Storage Tanks required more than ever…due to loadshedding predictions

Diesel Storage Tanks required more than ever…due to loadshedding predictions

Are you tired of experiencing business disruptions due to load shedding? Do you want to ensure that your business operations continue uninterrupted during power outages? Then you need a diesel storage tank!  

With load shedding becoming a more common occurrence, businesses need a reliable backup power source to keep their operations running smoothly. Diesel generators are an excellent option, but they require a consistent supply of fuel to operate. This is where diesel storage tanks come in. By having a diesel storage tank on-site, businesses can ensure that they have a reliable and consistent supply of fuel for their generators, even during extended power outages.

At PetroEng, we understand the importance of uninterrupted business operations, especially during load shedding. That’s why we offer high-quality diesel storage tanks that can hold large volumes of diesel, ensuring that your generators have enough fuel to run for days or even weeks. Our diesel storage tanks come in various sizes to meet your specific needs, and they are made from durable materials to withstand harsh weather conditions and prevent leaks or contamination.

In addition to providing a reliable fuel supply, our diesel storage tanks can also help you save money. By purchasing diesel fuel in bulk and storing it in our tanks, you can take advantage of lower prices and avoid price fluctuations that often occur during times of high demand.

Our team of experienced technicians can also help you with the maintenance and upkeep of your diesel storage tanks to ensure that they remain in top condition and meet all regulatory requirements. We provide regular inspections, cleaning, and testing of the tank’s integrity to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Don’t let load shedding disrupt your business operations any longer. Invest in a diesel storage tank from PetroEng, and ensure uninterrupted power supply during outages. Contact us today to learn more about our diesel storage tanks and how we can help you keep your business running smoothly.

Additional Information:

Load shedding is an unfortunate reality for many communities and businesses in developing countries. It refers to the deliberate and temporary shutdown of the power supply to prevent the entire electrical grid from collapsing due to excessive demand or insufficient supply. Load shedding can have a severe impact on businesses and daily life, causing interruptions and disruptions that can lead to significant economic losses. To counter the effects of load shedding, many businesses have turned to diesel-powered generators, and as a result, diesel storage tanks have become increasingly important.

Diesel storage tanks are large containers designed to store diesel fuel. They come in various sizes, ranging from small portable containers to large tanks that can hold thousands of litres of diesel. Diesel is a popular fuel for generators as it is efficient, easy to obtain, and can be stored for long periods. Diesel generators can provide reliable backup power during load shedding, ensuring that businesses can continue to operate, and critical functions are maintained.

However, to operate a diesel generator, a consistent supply of fuel is necessary. This is where diesel storage tanks come in. By having a diesel storage tank on-site, businesses can ensure that they have a reliable and consistent supply of fuel for their generators. This is particularly important during load shedding, where electricity may be unavailable for several hours or even days. With a diesel storage tank, businesses can be sure that they will have enough fuel to keep their generators running throughout the entire duration of the power outage.

Furthermore, diesel storage tanks can help businesses save money. By purchasing diesel in bulk and storing it in a tank, businesses can take advantage of lower prices and avoid fluctuations in fuel prices. Additionally, having a diesel storage tank on-site eliminates the need for frequent refueling trips, reducing transportation costs and minimising the risk of fuel shortages during emergencies.

It’s worth noting that diesel storage tanks require proper maintenance to ensure the quality of the fuel and prevent contamination. Regular inspections, cleaning, and testing of the tank’s integrity are necessary to ensure safe and efficient operation. Additionally, proper storage and handling of diesel fuel are crucial to prevent fires, spills, and environmental hazards.

In conclusion, diesel storage tanks are crucial for businesses that rely on generators during load shedding. They provide a reliable and consistent supply of fuel, reduce costs, and ensure uninterrupted operation. However, it’s essential to maintain and handle diesel storage tanks correctly to ensure safe and efficient operation.

How to fight Fuel Tank Corrosion?​

In the ever-growing environmental awareness landscape, corrosion control for fuel storage tank systems has shifted its emphasis to environmental protection. It’s wise for businesses to include some corrosion control methods to extend the life of the tank in an attempt to protect the investment of building large fuel storage tanks. As such, corrosion control is now a major part of the requirements for underground and above-ground fuel storage tank systems.

WHAT IS CORROSION

Corrosion is a chemical reaction, which causes the degradation of metal with components of its environment. This includes “rusting steel,” but also metals and plastics that are incompatible with certain chemical compounds.

TYPES OF CORROSION

Galvanic

Galvanic corrosion occurs when two different metals are combined during installation and can cause degradation. This can cause damage to the weaker metal as ions are transferred from one metal to another. 

Stress-corrosion cracking

Stress-corrosion is usually a result of high pressure or fluctuating temperatures which results in the formation of tiny cracks which can go unnoticed on the metal. It then slowly begins to corrode causing severe structural damage which, if not attended to, will move beyond the point of being repairable. 

Microbial

This is commonly referred to as microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). It’s caused by microorganisms when oxygen is absent, sulfate-reducing bacteria produce hydrogen sulfide which causes sulfide stress cracking.  When oxygen is present, the bacteria may directly oxidize iron and form iron oxides and hydroxides.  Concentration cells can form in the deposits of corrosion products, leading to localized corrosion.

Uniform Corrosion

Occurs when metal is exposed to water and the surface gets oxidized and forms a uniform layer of rust. This rust eats up the metal until the complete failure happens. uniform corrosion is rather easily measured and reduces disastrous failure of the tank or pipes, making total failure relatively rare.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUEL TANK (DIESEL TANKS) OWNERS

The following are tips on how you can Prevent Corrosion from affecting your Fuel Storage Tank and pipes

Area of Installation & Placement

When installing, it is important that the placement of the tank be in an area where it is sheltered from the elements and has minimal contact with other surfaces that may compromise its integrity. Also, keep the tank away from areas where it can be in constant exposure to caustic agents as these cause great damage to steel tanks.

For above-ground fuel tanks, placing your fuel storage tank on a concrete slab would be ideal as this will prevent contaminants such as dirt, biological material, and other harmful substances from making their home around the base of your tank.

Visual Inspections

Most tanks may show no major evidence of corrosion damage. The absence of discernible symptoms does not indicate a healthy tank. This makes visually inspecting your tanks at certain intervals very important. By checking filters, there may be sludge residue or particles, and this is an indication that there’s corrosive damage in the storage tank.

Filtering for Water and Contaminants

Underground and above-ground tanks must receive the best available fuel free of any particulates that may affect fuel quality and tank integrity. As such, it’s important to filter fuel for water and any undesirable debris or contaminants before it’s transferred into the tanks.

Filtering the fuel will ensure that any negative agents which can lead to fuel instability and tank corrosion are removed. No matter the reliability of suppliers, fuel tank owners must work under strict protocols to ensure their fuel is in its peak condition when they receive it, relying on the word of the supplier is never enough.

Partner with PetroEng to evaluate corrosion problems.

If you own a fuel storage tank, contact a company that can best service your equipment and evaluate the extent of corrosion in your system.

This is highly recommended as very few tank owners and operators may have the technical knowledge or resources to fully evaluate and address any corrosion problems. If wrongly attended to, they may further damage their tanks.

PetroEng has highly skilled experts in this field, and solving corrosion issues in your fuel storage tanks is a specialty.

If you suspect have a corrosion problem in your tank or pipework, contact PetroEng today.

How to fight Fuel Tank Corrosion?​

When you’re storing fuel on your worksite, you’re confronted by two fuel storage options for the material your fuel tank must be made from: Steel or plastic. The different materials offer their own advantages and challenges, and as such your decision will be influenced by the material which suits the demands of your operation.

STEEL TANKS

Steel fuel tanks are made from multiple-layered walled designs.

BENEFITS OF STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANKS

• Steel is a highly durable material which ensures a long lifespan. This also makes steel fuel storage tanks ideal for above ground storage installation units as they can take more punishment from the elements and minor accidents on the worksite.  This also makes fuel theft more difficult.
• The material is non-porous, which means the tank will not absorb fuel or other chemical contents and leaves your fuel free of any contaminants that can affect its integrity and function.

• Steel fuel tanks can be custom designed and made in a variety of complex designs to suit your location or wants.
• Due to the nature of the material being highly sturdy, steel tanks can have larger capacities than plastic tanks. This may be advantageous in terms of bulk purchases of fuel at lower costs

DISADVANTAGES OF STEEL FUEL STORAGE TANKS

• Steel is heavier than plastic, making it more challenging and expensive to transport and install.
• There is a high risk of creating sparks near fuel during theft, especially in the chance the thieves use drilling tools to attempt to siphon the fuel from the tank.

• The tanks are welded at production, creating seams around the tank. These seams are susceptible to cracking if not properly maintained. This may cause leakages which in turn can adversely affect the environment.
• Steel, over a period of time, may corrode. In this case, it needs specially trained personnel to maintain it.

PLASTIC TANKS

Plastic fuel tanks are generally made from non-hygroscopic high density polyethylene material.

BENEFITS OF PLASTIC FUEL STORAGE TANKS

• Due to their lightweight nature, plastic fuel tanks are easier and cheaper to transport and install.
• Plastic tanks are generally safer because they tend to be seamless and not prone to failures which are found in steel tanks due to the seams.

• Plastic is less durable than steel. This pliable nature may result in shape deformity under certain stress or weather elements.
• Plastic is not susceptible to corrosion which greatly reduces the risk of contamination by the fuel tank.

DISADVANTAGES OF PLASTIC FUEL STORAGE TANKS

• The size of plastic storage tanks has a 6500 litre capacity limit. Anything above this limit may be deemed unsuitable as the integrity of the tank is compromised.
• Extended periods of exposure to direct sunlight may weaken plastic tanks, reducing their suitability for above ground storage operation.
• Plastic storage tanks are more prone to content theft as the material is “softer” than steel, making it easier to drill into and siphon fuel from.

Ultimately, the strength of steel fuel storage tanks have a variety of benefits to companies of various operation sizes. Businesses that need large storage installation would do well to make use of steel storage tanks.

Contact PetroEng Today for more details