27/11/2023
What type of outlet is best on an oil tank… Top or Bottom
Oil Tanks have two types of outlets: top and bottom. Bottom outlets are commonly seen on older tanks, whereas top outlets are used on newer oil tanks. If you are looking to purchase an oil tank, those with top outlets are the best option, as they are more reliable and safer for the environment.
What are Oil Tank Outlets?
An oil tank outlet is the area connected to the tank and pipes that allows oil to move from storage to the appliance. There are two types of oil tank outlets; the first is the bottom outlet, which sits at the bottom of the oil tank. The other type of outlet is at the top of the oil tank. For these, further equipment is required to ensure the oil can be transported to the appliance safely.
Bottom Outlets
Bottom outlets are frequently found on older tanks, so if yours has been on your property for a long time, it is most likely a bottom outlet tank. These types of outlets utilise gravity as a way of transporting the oil out of the tank, through pipelines and into your appliance.
If you store oil at your property, you also have the duty of being proactive in ensuring it does not leak into the environment. One of the biggest issues with bottom outlets is their environmental risk. If the pipelines become disconnected or the outlet leaks.
Despite this, bottom outlet tanks still follow regulations and are highly effective. There are also some, but few, cases where bottom outlet tanks are necessary for the type of appliance used.
Top Outlets
Top outlets are positioned above the maximum oil level inside a tank and will only move oil once negative pressure is created through pumps and valves inside the tank. This system pulls the oil out as opposed to relying on gravity. Therefore, top outlet tanks require more equipment in order for them to work. For this, installation costs may be higher than that of a bottom outlet tank.
Top benefits of a Top Outlet Tank
- A top outlet oil tank has a significantly reduced risk of spillages. If your tank causes an oil spill, you could face domestic clean-up costs, reaching 10s of thousands of pounds. Additionally, home insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of these damages.
- You may also incur potential environmental and legal fines. Top outlet tanks reduce this risk.
- Top outlet tanks are considered more efficient due to their pumping system when compared to bottom outlet tanks.
- They are compatible with most modern oil-fired appliances.
- In combination with a bunded oil tank, you will have an extremely safe method of oil storage.
So, Which Oil Tank Outlet is the best?
Overall, both types of oil tanks and their outlets pass all safety checks and regulations, so both are good options. With this in mind, the reduced risk of environmental hazards is so high with a top outlet tank we would recommend them.
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