Using An Above Ground Storage Tank

By Krystal Branch


An above ground storage tank are one of the two types of storage tanks. These tanks are situated either on the ground or on a slightly raised ground. Their capacity is regulated to 10,000 litres for those whose contents are any other liquids other than water. One thing to note is that they both have advantages and disadvantages over the other designs.

The reasons for the choice of these designs are numerous. One of these is that they are relatively cheap when it comes to installation costs because it involves fewer activities. One needs to find a space where to construct their tanks of which the only costs involved include construction of a foundation of which it is not a must for those placing their tanks above their houses. This mostly applies to water tanks. For those that require raising the grounds, less cost is involved because there is no excavation cost.

Minimal excavation is required when establishing these designs thus making it relatively cheaper. The only excavation required is for foundation only for the support. They are mostly raised slightly above while there are some which are raised high above the ground. In both situations the excavation required is very minimal slightly less expensive installation. In case where excavation is mandatory for underground tanks is in case of problems calling for repairs.

They can be strategically placed in a safe and secure place free from interference and pollution. This not only secures the contents but also protects the users from harmful and malicious contamination. In case of any unforeseen dangers, these designs can easily be relocated to a better place. This is because moving and setting it up in a different place does not involve many processes like excavation.

In as much as these designs are considered to be generally advantageous, the do however have their own set of disadvantages. The major challenge facing these tanks is their exposure to unfavorable climatic conditions. They are exposed to excessive heat conditions during the day and too low temperatures in the nights. These diverse weather conditions promote corrosion which eventually erodes the surfaces and materials used to make these tanks. This is the major reason for the frequent bursts and leakages often experienced by the owners of these tanks.

Apart from the effect of weather conditions, these tanks are also susceptibility to accidents. They are constructed above grounds and that means they can be accessed easily by various individuals who may cause various forms of accidents on the tanks. An example is whereby individuals working around the tanks leave oil tanks running and accidents of fire result in one way or another. These not only results to accidents to the tanks but also extends to those situated close.

They also require extra space where they can be situated. Unlike the underground tanks which leave the open ground free for any other activity, over the ground tanks are occupy their own space thus using up the space that would otherwise have been used for other beneficial use.

An above ground storage tank therefore requires extra management costs and expenses in order to keep them free from damage and to preserve its contents. It requires physical security set up such as fences and walls. This generally increases its costs. Apart from that, it takes extra expense to pump the contents like water or fuel into the tanks. These also contribute to extra expenses above the underground storage tanks which are more secure.




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