12/12/2023
Fire-protected oil tanks
Fire is one of the most significant risks to consider when choosing and installing an oil tank. Fire can cause severe damage to your property, as well as destroy any equipment or goods stored on-site.
What is a fire-protected oil tank?
A fire-rated or protected oil tank is a storage device that has been tested and certified to withstand extreme temperatures and contain any leakage that may occur when exposed to large flames. These tanks are typically used in manufacturing, construction, and demolition, where large amounts of flammable liquids are stored for use with equipment such as forklifts. There are two main types of fire-rated tanks: vertical and horizontal.
Vertical fire-rated oil tanks
A vertical tank has one end capped off while the other end extends from above ground level down into the ground at least 3 feet (1 metre) below grade level. This design helps prevent spills caused by overfilling or damage during transport or installation.
Horizontal fire-rated oil tanks
Horizontal tanks are placed on top of concrete pads to fill through openings on either side. This allows easier filling and better ventilation, which enables air to circulate through the tank, making it less likely to overheat.
Both types use thick steel walls with inner layers made from fibreglass insulation. This material is designed specifically for high-temperature environments in industrial settings, where extreme heat might otherwise cause harm if left unchecked, such as melting plastic containers held together by melted glue!
Fire separation distances
The distance between a fuel oil tank and the nearest building, vehicle or fence is determined by the type of fire protection.
- For a non-pressurised tank protected by an automatic fire suppression system (AFSS), the separation distance must be at least 10 feet.
- For pressurised tanks with an AFSS, the separation distance must be at least 15 feet.
- For both non-pressurised and pressurised tanks without AFSS, it is recommended that there be at least 20 feet between them and surrounding structures or vehicles.
Oil tank fire regulations – fire separation distances and tank bases
The Fire Protection Association (FPA) is the leading body in fire safety, providing a forum for exchanging information and expertise between industry professionals.
The FPA has several articles on this topic that you can access by clicking here.
Fire separation distances are essentially the distance that an oil tank can be from another building or boundary line to reduce the risk of fire. The distance shall be increased by 0.5m if there is no property compartment wall or floor slab/deck slab separating them. This distance should always be greater than 1 metre and less than 3 metres where possible.
Where it is impossible to achieve this separation distance, consider using fire-resisting construction such as concrete blockwork, brickwork, etc. Alternatively, using non-combustible insulating materials (such as vermiculite) will provide thermal protection for your tank base soils, while allowing for adequate airflow around any combustible components within these materials. Elevated fuel tanks usually have some form of insulation.
Choosing and installing your fire-rated oil tank.
Once you have decided that a fire-protected oil tank is right for you, ensure that you are aware of the below specifications for your development, and communicate them clearly with the installation engineer.
- Fire separation distances
- Tank bases
- Fire-rated oil tanks
- Fire barrier systems
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand the basics of fire-rated oil tanks and what they can do for your business. Please do not hesitate to contact our team if you have any questions or want further information on these products.
