06/09/2024

Everything you need to know about bunded oil tanks

When choosing an oil tank, you might be overwhelmed by all the options available. Plastic or steel? Single-skinned or double-bunded? Understanding the benefits and disadvantages of these different elements can help you to narrow down your possibilities, and choose the right oil tank for you.

What is a bunded oil tank?

Bunded oil tanks consist of two layers—an inner tank that holds the oil and an outer protective layer (the bund) that acts as a secondary containment system. If the inner layer experiences any issues, the second layer collects any leakage. Similarly, if there is any cosmetic damage to the outside of the bunded layer, this provides protection. In comparison, a single-skinned oil tank would leak directly into the environment.

Advantage of Bunded Oil Tanks

Opting for a bunded oil tank offers several advantages, including extra security, protection, and, therefore, peace of mind.

Enhanced environmental protection

Oil pollution can seriously harm the environment by contaminating water sources, threatening aquatic life, and endangering human health through harmful vapours and water pollution. The secondary containment layer of a bunded oil tank ensures that any leaks or spills from the inner tank are contained, reducing the risk of environmental pollution.

Compliance with regulations

Bunded tanks often meet the strictest regulations set by environmental authorities, providing peace of mind and preventing potential penalties.

Long-term cost-effectiveness

While the cost of buying a double-skinned oil tank is initially more expensive than their single-skinned counterparts, bunded tanks are more durable and require less maintenance, making them a cost-effective choice in the long run.

Drawbacks of Bunded Oil Tanks

Higher installation cost

The upfront investment in a bunded tank is more significant than that in a single-skin tank, which can also affect installation costs. However, this balances out over time due to lower maintenance and enhanced safety features.

Space requirements

Bunded tanks are bulkier due to the additional protective layer, so it is important to measure effectively and ensure you have enough space in your property for the tank.

Regulations

Domestic: Tanks with a capacity of over 2,500 litres must be bunded.
Commercial: All tanks with a capacity of over 200 litres must be bunded.

Commercial Guidance

Industrial and Commercial

Businesses in industrial and commercial sectors often choose bunded oil tanks when they need to store large quantities of oil, as they have a much higher level of safety than other tanks.

Residential Industries

Many landlords and rental property owners use double-bunded tanks over steel or single-skinned plastic tanks, especially in environmentally sensitive areas. This helps to reduce the costs of spillages and fines that could be incurred by the council or other governing bodies.

Agriculture

Farms and agricultural businesses often store fuel in bunded tanks. These double-skinned tanks are crucial for preventing potential ground contamination and ensuring that machinery runs smoothly without harming the environment, animals, or crops.

Despite the initial costs of installing a bunded oil tank, the benefits heavily outweigh any negatives for commercial and domestic customers. Shop our range of plastic bunded oil tanks at Oil Tank Change. Once you’ve chosen your tank, get in contact with a member of our team for your installation