National Oilheat Research Alliance 11
are just a few of the items that may need to be
considered. If the sump is the type that relieves
water pressure from beneath the floor, creating
a lip around the sump above the floor surface
may be all that is needed to prevent the fuel
from entering.
The distance from the closest safe place
for the delivery vehicle to park. Remember
to consider the length of the delivery hose and
that the hose must be able to reach the fill in all
weather conditions.
Protect tanks and piping from weather and
physical damage.
The accessibility of the tank for inspection
and servicing the tank and its components
needs to be considered. In general, it’s best to
discourage the installation of tanks in locations
that impede ease of inspection. Areas that
may present the risk of accelerating corrosion
should also be avoided.
Accessible above-ground tank installations
have an advantage over in-ground installations
in that:
• when properly installed and prudently
located, it’s relatively easy to conduct a
tank inspection
• areas of concern can be quickly noticed
and corrected
• above ground-tank installations are less
costly than in-ground tank installations
4. Corrosion
Factors that cause corrosion should always
be taken into consideration when selecting the
best type of tank for a particular location.
For USTs, NFPA requires the tanks be protected
from exterior corrosion by a properly
designed, installed and maintained cathodic
protection system, special coating, or fabricated
from an approved or listed corrosion resistant
material or system. Fiberglass tanks can be used
and steel tanks manufactured to the Steel Tank
Institute sti-P3 standard or ACT 100 and ACT
100U standards meet the requirement.
If an indoor installation is not viable or the
customer prefers having the tank installed
outside and above ground, the location should
be based on regional weather patterns or conditions
and the elements that most affect external
corrosion.
It is best to situate the tank where the effects
of radical temperature change can be avoided.
A shady spot that has some protection from
weather is ideal. Long exposure to direct sunlight
contributes to temperature swings that
Adding a lip around the
sump can prevent fuel
from entering.