If you are a new entrant in the gasoline storage tanks industry, you will need to know the popular jargon of the storage tank business.

Gasoline storage tanks were traditionally steel tanks, but modern tanks made of polyethylene and fiberglass are more popular these days as they offer greater chemical resistance.

Since gasoline and other fuels are inflammable in nature, you will need to be careful during the installation and maintenance of these tanks. In addition, you will need to be aware of the environmental consequences of seepage or leakage of petroleum from the gasoline tanks.

Here are some key terms that you will need to understand if you are in the gasoline storage tank industry.

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Underground Storage Tanks (UST)

You will require an underground storage tank if you need to store at least part of the total volume of gasoline underground. Maintaining a tank underground is an expensive affair, and the possibility of groundwater contamination is very high due to the tank's susceptibility to corrosion.

I recommend: At Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, you can learn about using underground storage tanks and the regulations related to them.

Aboveground Storage Tanks (AST)

Tanks that store gasoline above ground level are aboveground storage tanks. You can easily install an aboveground tank, and it is easier to maintain the AST than an underground tank. However, these tanks take up more space and can be more expensive.

I recommend: Learn about the federal requirements for maintaining aboveground storage tanks at FedCenter.gov.

Storage tank corrosion

Your storage tank is subject to gradual corrosion if it is made of steel or other metals. Corrosion not only causes loss of fuel but also harms the environment. Cathodic protection is one way to prevent corrosion.

I recommend: Read through the information on corrosion at NACE International, a useful authority on corrosion control solutions. For more information on cathodic protection to prevent corrosion, browse through technical papers available at Deepwater Corrosion Services Inc..

Secondary containment

Secondary containment or spill containment is a method by which you can use an additional cover or buffer layer outside the gas tank to hold the leakage of petroleum.

I recommend: At Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricator’s Association (STI/SPFA), you can learn about secondary containment options for fuel storage tanks.

Floating roofs or internal floating roofs

Gasoline storage tanks may require an internal floating roof that minimizes the evaporation of petroleum.

I recommend: Learn more about internal floating roofs at Engineers Edge, a technical Web site for engineers.

Interior liner

To protect the metal from corrosion, you will need to install a noncorrosive interior liner made of synthetic materials in the gasoline storage tank.

I recommend: At Amtech Tank Lining and Tank Repair, you can find out more about the tank lining process. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission provides details of interior tank lining requirements for underground storage tanks.

When ordering a gasoline storage tank, you have a variety of options for the tank's size and material. Gasoline storage tanks range in capacity from several gallons to millions of gallons. Gasoline storage tanks are constructed of materials, including steel, plastic and fiberglass, that can withstand the damaging nature of gasoline. General-use storage tanks typically aren't adequate for storing hazardous chemicals, such as oil, gasoline and other petroleum products. Gasoline storage tanks must be labeled for use with hazardous products.

Gasoline storage tanks are available in large, industrial aboveground and underground models, as well as small, portable containers ideal for companies, such as vehicle dealers, that need to keep small amounts of gasoline on hand. When purchasing a gasoline storage tank, consider the following:

1. Order an aboveground gasoline storage tank for easy installation.

2. Install an underground gasoline storage tank when you don't want a visible tank.

3. Purchase gasoline storage tanks constructed of a corrosion-resistant material, such as stainless steel.

4. Order a custom gasoline storage tank when you need a unique shape or storage capacity.

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Use an aboveground gasoline storage tank

Aboveground gasoline storage tanks can either be permanently installed or modular. Because aboveground storage tanks are easily accessible, they are easier to repair and maintain than their underground counterparts. Aboveground storage tanks are commonly referred to as ASTs.

I recommend: Purchase above-ground stationary tanks from Containment Technology. These tanks are designed for storing and dispensing combustible and flammable materials, including gasoline and oil. Browse an inventory of modular, aboveground storage tanks for gasoline and other hazardous materials at ModuTank. This gasoline storage tank provider has options to rent or buy.

Install an underground gasoline storage tank

Underground gasoline storage tanks require a larger installation process than aboveground storage tanks, but save companies the eyesore of a large, industrial tank. Some jurisdictions may require underground storage tanks be used when placed near residential zoning. Constant monitoring for leaks is critical when using an underground gasoline storage tank, as an undetected leak presents a significant environmental hazard. Underground storage tanks are commonly referred to as USTs.

I recommend: Containment Solutions offers fiberglass underground storage tanks. These tanks are compatible with most petroleum products. Order an underground storage tank from Modern Welding Company. The manufacturer offers tanks with compartments for storage of multiple fuel types.

Prevent corrosion with a stainless steel gasoline storage tank

Because of the corrosive nature of gasoline, stainless steel tanks are ideal for storing liquid. Stainless steel gasoline storage tanks are available in both aboveground and underground models.

I recommend: Order a stainless steel storage tank from Chattanooga Boiler & Tank. The manufacturer fabricates flat-bottom storage tanks ideal for storing fuel oil, including gasoline. Browse the gasoline storage tank list at Highland Tank, which includes stainless steel models. The company offers storage tanks for flammable liquids that prevent the liquid's temperature from exceeding 270 degrees if the tank becomes engulfed in flames.

Find gasoline storage tank custom manufacturers

Custom gasoline storage tank manufacturers fabricate tanks based on your specifications. Many custom manufacturers can construct any reasonably-sized tank from a variety of materials. Request the company's gasoline storage tank information if you're unsure of the properties that best suit your application.

I recommend: Custom Pak manufacturers custom gasoline tanks for gas-operated products, such as lawn equipment. United Industries Group fabricates custom modular bolted-steel tanks ideal for storing hazardous chemicals, including gasoline. The custom manufacturer is capable of constructing storage tanks ranging in capacity from 1,000 gallons to 12 million gallons. To find gasoline storage tank manufacturers in your state, browse the MacRae's Blue Book gasoline storage tank directory.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Although a stainless steel gasoline storage tank is excellent at resisting corrosion, rusting is still possible without proper maintenance. For a relatively maintenance-free storage tank, consider purchasing a tank constructed from fiberglass materials.

If you want to use tanks for fuel storage, you must have a thorough understanding of the operations and maintenance of gasoline storage tanks. Education and training will help you and your employees work more efficiently with gasoline tanks and take necessary safety precautions.

You can store gasoline and other petroleum products in aboveground storage tanks or underground gasoline storage tanks. Education and training can help manufacturers determine which of these tanks will best suit their customers’ applications.

To train yourself and/or your workforce on gasoline storage tanks, you can:

1. Search for institutions that offer courses on gasoline storage tanks
2. Seek an expert’s advice on gasoline storage equipment
3. Learn about safety standards for storage tanks
4. Read through articles and magazines that publish useful information on gasoline tanks
5. Join associations for petroleum tank manufacturers

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Find courses on gasoline storage tanks

Several institutions offer training courses on the installation and maintenance of gasoline storage tanks. Education and training programs are necessary for the safety of your employees while working with petroleum storage tanks.

I recommend: At ABS Consulting, you can enroll in a course to understand the legal requirements of underground and aboveground gasoline storage tanks. Education and training on underground gasoline storage tanks is available at Petroleum Training Solutions, a training institution for professionals using petroleum equipment. You can also view training videos at Emergency Film Group to learn about the safe handling of petroleum storage tanks. In addition, you can enroll in a course on installation and leak detection in petroleum storage tanks at Aarcher Institute of Environmental Training, an organization that provides environmental training courses.

Understand the standards for gasoline storage tanks

If you are a storage tank manufacturer, you must understand the different standards and codes related to gasoline storage tanks.

I recommend: Read through the design and installation safety standards for storage tanks by the National Fire Protection Association. To view a list of gasoline storage tanks standards and practices, you can also visit International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Join associations for manufacturers of gasoline storage tanks

Associations of storage tank companies provide a platform for communication and interaction among the experts, storage tank manufacturers and customers.

I recommend: To access technical information on gasoline storage tanks, you can join the Petroleum Equipment Institute. In addition, you can register with Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA), an organization that provides gasoline storage tanks education and training.

Interact with experts in the field of gasoline storage tanks

If you want to establish yourself as a storage tank manufacturer, seek an expert's advice on different issues, such as the design of storage tank, standards and related operational details.

I recommend: You can get advice on gasoline storage tanks at Ami Adini and Associates, experts on the installation and removal of fuel storage tanks. At Intota, you can get advice on the installation and operation of gasoline storage tanks.

A gasoline storage tank is a convenient way to provide certain properties with a good amount of gasoline for use in vehicles and farm equipment. There are many federal and state requirements to meet for installation and maintenance practices. These requirements ensure that the surrounding environment will not be heavily impacted during gasoline storage tank installation and maintenance procedures.

Gasoline storage tanks can be installed above ground or underground, and each of these installations provide their own set of challenges. To find instructions for installation and maintenance, consider the following sources of gasoline storage tank information:

1. Guides on how to properly install a gas storage tank;

2. A gasoline storage tank directory of maintenance solutions;

3. Individual state requirements for installation and maintenance procedures.

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Look for installation instructions from a gasoline storage tank provider

Providers of gasoline storage tanks usually provide detailed information for installation of this type of storage tank. A storage tank for gasoline can either be installed above ground or underground. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a standard for underground installation to prevent the gasoline additive Methyl Tertiary-Butyl Ether (MTBE) from leaking into groundwater sources.

I recommend: MVM provides a list of requirements that a gasoline storage tank must meet in order to be installed above ground. Cal Gasoline provides information on new installation techniques to prevent gasoline additives from being leaked into groundwater.

Find gasoline storage tank maintenance information

Once a gasoline tank is properly installed, it must be checked regularly to make sure there are no leaks and that all of the components are still working properly. Many states require gasoline storage tanks to be inspected on a regular basis or when a gasoline storage tank is installed on a property that is being sold. Maintenance solutions can also be found through professional storage tank inspection companies.

I recommend: Highland Tank provides information on maintenance for gas and chemical tanks, such as a system inspection checklist and ways to keep water out of an underground storage system. Companies may also consider hiring professionals such as Core Engineered Solutions to provide maintenance support.

Check with state agencies for a gasoline storage tank list of requirements

Most states have specific guidelines on where and how a gasoline storage tank can be installed on residential or commercial properties. These guidelines and regulations are in place to consider the environmental impact and possible contamination of the area surrounding an underground or above ground storage tank.

I recommend: The Wisconsin Department of Commerce provides information on the laws regarding underground and above ground storage tanks on residential properties, including when a maintenance assessment should be conducted. The Maryland Department of the Environment provides information on the necessary permits to install gasoline storage tanks.