National Oilheat Research Alliance 49
Chapter 11
Conclusion
Proper installation and maintenance procedures
can help minimize or prevent the number
and severity of service and environmental
issues associated with fuel storage.
It requires the technician:
Diligently follow manufacturers'
installation procedures
Each tank manufacturer supplies installation
instructions. The instructions may vary and
the most current versions can be found on the
manufacturer’s website.
Do not transfer the fuel from a tank
being replaced into a new tank
The sources of many service problems
including premature tank failure, are sludge,
water and bacteriological contaminants. Fuel
pumped from an old tank to a new one accelerates
the process. Even when a filtration
system is used, contaminants from the tank
being replaced can end up in the new tank.
Whenever possible, schedule tank replacement
when the usable fuel is depleted.
Inspect storage tanks and fuel lines
before delivery to all new customers
Although operational pressures often make
it inconvenient to inspect a new customer’s
tank before the first delivery is made, it is
worth the effort. A thorough inspection of
each tank helps avoid spills and the costly
environmental cleanups that can result. Refer
to the recommended inspection procedures
and the Initial Storage Tank Evaluation form.
(Appendix I)
Conduct tank & fuel line inspections
during preventative tune-ups
Storage tanks have a useful life span. Conduct
regular inspections of customer tanks to detect
early signs of the tank being due for replacement.
Refer to the recommended inspection
procedures and the Routine Storage Tank
Evaluation form. (Appendix I)
Perform a brief inspection each
time a tank is filled
Make it a standard practice to conduct a
brief inspection before starting each and every
delivery. Refer to the recommended inspection
procedures and the DeliveryReport form.
(Appendix I)
Avoid applying “band aid” type
solutions to problem tanks
Raising suction lines by several inches or installing
floating suction lines may help to avoid
plugged nozzle and filter service, However,
these are an indicators that maintenance of the
tank bottoms may be needed.
During the heating season, a short-term solution
may be warranted, but schedule the tank
for future action. A tank with a buildup of water
and/or sludge causes service problems that
are not remedied by raising the lines. Leaving
the water on the tank bottom can shorten the
life of a steel tank.
Fix the problem, not the symptom. Evidence
indicates microbiological growth is linked to
corrosion of tanks and lines. A plugged nozzle
or filter is often a signal of a microbiological
growth which needs to be addressed.
Implement a pro-active tank
replacement program
Properly manufactured, installed and maintained
tanks can last 30 years or more. However,
replacement of a tank a year too early is
far better than replacing a tank a single day
too late. Like all components of the home,
fuel tanks age and should be replaced before
problems arise.
Incorporate tank installation,
inspection & maintenance into
your company’s training schedules
Tank designs have changed over the years
and the causes of tank failure are now better
understood. Service technicians and fuel
delivery personnel should be updated on current
fuel storage tank installation, inspection
and service recommendations and procedures.