As a leading storage tank supplier, tanks.ie receives enquiries about safe, secure and environmentally responsible fuel storage. To find answers to some of the most Frequently Asked Questions... just click the relevant question. If however, you have a question we haven't answered then please do not hesitate to contact us for further assistance or alternatively click here to view the tanks for sale from tanks.ie.

 What is a Single Skin Tank?
 What is a Bunded Tank?
 How close to a boundary can I place an oil storage tank?
 How close to a flue outlet can I place an oil tank?
 How close to a building can I place an oil tank?
 Can I place an oil tank inside a domestic garage or building?
 Are tanks sold by Tanks.ie suitable for direct burial underground?
 From what materials are plastic tanks manufactured?
 What are the base requirements for plastic tanks?
 Can I fit a sight-gauge to a single skin oil tank?
 Can I fit a sight-gauge to a bunded tank?
 There is a two-pin type socket fitted to my Harlequin tank. What is this for?
 Are plastic tanks designed to protect from the damaging effects of sunlight?
 Are tanks supplied by Tanks.ie suitable for the storage of aviation fuel?
 Are plastic tanks fitted with sludge-valves / ball-cocks?
 I have discovered the presence of water in my oil. How do I get this removed?
 Are plastic tanks suitable for use with oil fired cookers?
 On warm days there is a slight smell of oil from my tank. Why?
 Are plastic Waste Oil Tanks suitable for petrol or other highly flammable liquids?
 What are the advantages of a Tiger Loop?
 Does a Tiger Loop require batteries or mains power?
 How do I prime a Tiger Loop?
 Do you sell gravity-feed kits for the delivery of diesel fuel?
 Do you supply dip-sticks?
 What liquids are Apollo gauges used to monitor?
 Is an Apollo gauge compatible with a Watchman / Full Stop Handheld Unit?
 What are the installation requirements for 240v Fuel Stations & Fuel Points?
 What liquids can Fuel Stations & Fuel Points dispense?
 Can I dispense Kerosene (C1/C2) from a Fuel Station or Fuel Point?
 Are Fuel Station or Fuel Point flow-meters suitable for the resale of fuel?
 Are batteries supplied with low voltage Fuel Stations or Fuel Points?
 Are Fuel Stations or Fuel Points suitable for dispensing 'Ad-blue'?
 Are Single Skin Tanks or standard Bunded Tanks suitable for storing 'Ad-blue'?
 What is a Single Skin Tank?

A single skin oil tank consists of a single container in which fuel is stored. Single skin oil tanks are not suitable for the storage of fuel at commercial, industrial or institutional premises; or at domestic installations with an installed capacity of over 2,500 litres - unless installed within a suitably bunded area. For all other installations, an Oil Tank Risk Assessment must be undertaken by a competent person prior to installation and in accordance with the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3. In anticipation of future possible regulations, serious consideration should be given to fitting a Bunded Tank, even where a single skin tank may currently suffice.
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 What is a Bunded Tank?

A Bunded Tank simply consists of an 'oil tank within an oil tank'. In the event of a spillage, surplus liquid will collect in the outer tank, thus averting a pollution incident. Bunded Tanks are now required at commercial, industrial, institutional, commercial and most domestic premises.

 How close to a boundary can I place an oil storage tank?

If the oil tank has a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres, it should not be placed any closer than 760mm to a boundary. This assumes that there are no flue outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30-minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

 How close to a flue outlet can I place an oil tank?

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 metres of a flue outlet. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30-minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank. For oil tanks with a nominal capacity of 3,500 litres or greater please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

 How close to a building can I place an oil tank?

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity not exceeding 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to a non fire-rated (30-minute minimum fire resistance) wall or eaves. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the measures noted in British Standard BS5410 and OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 must be provided i.e. the provision of a 30 minutes (minimum) fire resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil tank to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire from spreading to the roof. For oil tanks with a capacity of 3,500 litres or greater, please contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

 Can I place an oil tank inside a domestic garage or building?

Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area and if installed internally, should always be contained within an enclosed chamber. Detailed requirements exist for internal oil storage installations. For more information contact your local Building Control Officer or OFTEC.

 Are any plastic oil tanks sold by Tanks.ie suitable for direct burial underground?

A definite NO.

 From what materials are plastic oil tanks manufactured?

All oil tanks supplied by Tanks.ie are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) - a material that displays excellent chemical and impact resistance properties, making it ideal for external fuel storage. Fittings vary according to tank type and supplier. However, in general, fill points are made from either coated mild or stainless steel, outlets from coated mild steel, and vent points are manufactured from plastic. All materials used in the manufacture of oil tanks supplied by Tanks.ie are resistant to the potentially damaging long-term effects of fuel.

 What are the base requirements for plastic oil tanks?

All oil tanks must be installed on a flat, level and fire resistant base capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. If concrete slabs are used they should be a minimum of 50mm thick. The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers or pillars are not suitable for this purpose and can cause irreparable damage to the tank.

 Can I fit a sight-gauge to a single skin oil tank?

Technically, sight-gauges can still be fitted to a single skin oil tank - subject to prevailing statutory requirements. However, it should be noted that a sight-gauge is a potential leak point and as an environmentally responsible supplier we do not supply them and do not recommend them. Preference should instead be demonstrated to fitting an electronic oil tank contents gauge, which, unlike a sight gauge, is positioned above the maximum level of fuel in the tank, thereby dramatically reducing the likelihood of an environmental pollution incident. An Apollo type electronic oil tank gauging system is fitted as standard to all Harlequin Advance Single-Skin Oil tanks supplied by Tanks.ie - eliminating the requirement to fit a sight-gauge.

 Can I fit a sight-gauge to a Bunded Tank?

No. Please note however that all Harlequin Bunded Tanks (except 350BND/ENV), Harlequin Polyrock Bunded Oil Tanks, Harlequin BioBund Bunded tanks, and Harlequin Fuel Stations are pre-supplied with an electronic oil tank contents gauge, which removes the requirement for a sight-gauge to be fitted.

 There is a two-pin type socket fitted to my Harlequin oil tank. What is this for?

This permits an LRC enabled delivery driver to plug in his overfill prevention equipment and is not for consumer use.

 Are plastic oil tanks designed to protect from the damaging effects of sunlight?

Yes. Every tank sold by Tanks.ie is manufactured from a material which incorporated UV inhibitors. These prevent UV rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degradation.

 Are plastic oil tanks suitable for the storage of fuel for aviation use?

No.

 Are plastic oil tanks fitted with sludge-valves / ball-cocks?

No. Openings (other than the tank outlet) are not permitted below the maximum level of fuel in the tank. This reduces the risk of accidental spillage. In the event that contaminants (e.g. water) need to be removed from the tank, they should be removed by an appropriately licensed contractor via the inspection aperture fitted to each tank.

 I have discovered the presence of water in my oil. How do I get this removed?

Please contact your local fuel distributor who will be able to provide advice on how best to remove it.

 Are plastic oil tanks suitable for use with oil fired cookers?

Yes.

 On warm days there is a slight smell of oil from my oil tank. Why?

This is perfectly normal and is simply the fuel venting through the weatherproof vent fitted to the oil tank.

 Are plastic Oil Recycling Banks / Waste Oil Tanks suitable for the disposal of petrol or any other highly flammable liquid? No. For advice on how to dispose of petrol and any other similarly dangerous liquids, please contact your local authority.

 What are the advantages of a Tiger Loop?

The Tiger Loop is a de-aeration device which removes air from the fuel prior to combustion. The result is a cleaner, more-efficient burn, with reduced emissions and enhanced cold weather performance. Additionally, the Tiger Loop can permit the tank to be positioned lower than the burner and up to 30 metres away. Therefore when connected to a pressure jet burner, it is ideal for Top Outlet Bunded Tank installations and eliminates the need for an undesirable return line. Please note that Tiger Loops are unsuitable for use with installations incorporating a vaporising burner.

 Does a Tiger Loop require batteries or mains power?

No.

 How do I prime a Tiger Loop?

The Tiger Loop is self priming.

 Do you sell gravity feed kits for the delivery of diesel fuel?

No, as an environmentally responsible supplier we do not supply these kits, due to the high risk of accidental damage / discharge associated with their use. Additionally, at many installations today their continued use is illegal. If you require a tank to store diesel fuel for vehicular use, we would advise you consider a Harlequin Fuel Station, or Fuel Point For BioDiesel applications, Harlequin BioFuel Stations are recommended for BioDiesel blends of up to B100. Alternatively, for connection to remote pedestal type dispensing units, Harlequin's BioBund range is ideal. Please note that all BioDiesel tanks supplied by Tanks.ie are suitable only for use with BioDiesel produced in accordance with European Standards.

 Do you supply dip-sticks?

No - not as separate items. However, dipsticks are supplied as standard on all Harlequin tanks with a capacity between 650 litres and 2700 litres as standard.

 What liquids are the Apollo remote electronic gauges used to monitor?

Kerosene (C1/C2), Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2), Diesel (D) and Water.

 Is an Apollo gauge compatible with a Watchman / Full Stop Handheld Unit?

No.

 What are the power requirements for mains powered Harlequin Fuel Stations, Harlequin Fuel Points and Harlequin BioFuel Stations?

13 amp single-phase mains power supply with a Residual Current Device (RCD) fitted at the connection point to the power supply. All mains electrical installations must only be undertaken by a qualified electrician and must be inspected and tested regularly in accordance with statutory requirements.

 What liquids are Harlequin Fuel Stations and Harlequin Fuel Points suitable for storing and dispensing?

Diesel (D) to British Standard BS2869. Additionally, Harlequin Fuel Stations and Harlequin Fuel Points are also suitable for the storage and dispensing of Bio-Diesel with a bio-element of up to 5% concentration.

 Can I store and dispense Kerosene (C1/C2) from a Harlequin Fuel Station, Harlequin Fuel Point or Harlequin BioFuel Station?

No. The pumps and ancillary equipment fitted to these products are suitable only for use with Diesel. Dispensing a non-approved fuel from this equipment could result in serious injury or death.

 Are the flow meters fitted to Harlequin Fuel Stations, Harlequin Fuels Points and Harlequin BioFuel Stations suitable for the resale of fuel?

No.

 Are batteries supplied as standard with low voltage Harlequin Fuel Stations?

No.

 Are Harlequin Fuel Stations, Harlequin Fuel Points and Harlequin BioFuel Stations suitable for dispensing 'Adblue'?

No.

 Are Single Skin Oil Tanks or standard Bunded Tanks suitable for storing 'Adblue'?

No.