What Are the Advantages of Plastic Bunded Oil Tanks?

When it comes to storing oil and other fuels, the type of tank you use can significantly impact the longevity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of your investment. Steel tanks can be a popular choice for commercial and industrial settings, as they are seen as a robust and strong option. As these tanks age however, they become prone to corrosion, costly maintenance, and in the worst case pinhole leaks leading to a major oil spill.

What are pinhole leaks in Steel tanks?

Pinhole leaks are an endemic issue with steel fuel storage tanks and are an early indicator of accelerated degradation of the tank, leading to the need for costly clean-up costs, refurbishment, or outright replacement. The build-up of acids, salts, and even moisture will over time corrode the tank walls and welded seams, leading to pinhole leaks. Other factors such as repeated temperature variations and overfilling can eventually cause catastrophic breaches.

Not All Tanks Are Made Equal

Plastic tanks are a superior alternative to metal tanks since they are less prone to corrosion, and of these, tanks made from the rotational moulding process offer the best performance:

1. Corrosion Resistance

Unlike steel, plastic tanks do not corrode, rust or rot. This makes them ideal for storing oil, fuel, kerosene, and other liquid fuels without the risk of contamination.

2. Durability

Plastic tanks are tough, lightweight and impact-resistant. Rotationally Moulded (or Rotomoulded) tanks have fewer seams and greater wall thickness making for a stronger, more stable tank. This is the approach taken by Sturdy Products for our Oil and Water tanks which are made from UV-stabilized medium-density polyethylene (MDPE), offering fantastic resistance to sunlight and impact, ensuring longevity and reliability.

3. Maintenance-Free

Plastic tanks require no painting or special coatings, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.

4. Environmental Safety

With a reduced risk of leaks comes a reduced risk of environmental contamination. For greater peace of mind, Sturdy Oil tanks are available with an integrated “second skin” bund. This provides an extra layer of protection, catching any leaks or spills as they occur, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.

5. Cost-Effective

Over the long term, plastic tanks offer significant cost savings due to their durability and low maintenance requirements.

Technical Specifications and Certifications

Sturdy Bunded Oil Tanks are designed to meet the highest industry standards. Our tanks are available in various capacities, ranging from 950 litres to 10,100 litres, and are certified to comply with EN 13341 and CEN 266 standards. This ensures that our products are not only reliable but also meet stringent safety and quality requirements.

Environmental Benefits

Plastic tanks from Sturdy Products are not only durable but also environmentally friendly. They are fully recyclable, reducing the environmental impact compared to steel tanks, which require more energy and resources to produce and maintain.