Gasoline Storage Tanks Key Terms

Know the terminology associated with gasoline storage tanks

By Howard Robertson

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.

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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.
Try: 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.