Imagine you’re in need of storage for your oil, diesel, or water. With all the different types of tanks, you don’t know where to start. You would be surprised to learn how many different tank types and bowsers are out there. What they’re used for, how they’re used, the contrast in quality, and what kind of shape, size or capacity you need will vary hugely. By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to cruise through the storage tank market like a master.

 

 

 

Types of Fuel Tanks

Let’s start with the differences between the various types of fuel tanks you will find on the market. Fuel tanks make up a significant chunk of the storage tank industry. Knowing the differences between fuel tank types is critical before deciding what best suits your needs. 

Fuel tanks can come in varieties including:

• Plastic fuel tanks 
• Steel fuel tanks 
• Bunded oil tanks 
• Single skin oil tanks 
• Fuel bowsers 
• Generator fuel tanks
• Highway-tow bowsers 

The list goes on… 

If this seems like a lot to take in, bear with us! For this upcoming section, we shall be placing the various types of fuel tanks under the microscope. Keep an ear to the ground and soon you’ll be a fuel tank expert!

 

What is a Bunded Oil Tank?

 

A bunded oil tank is a type of tank with an inner tank housed within an outer tank. The outer layer is integrally bunded to hold 110% of the inner tank’s capacity. This means if the inner tank is damaged or overfilled, spillage is contained within the integral bund, protecting the surrounding environment and minimising loss. 

Having further protection against damage and theft through their robust, metal,  dual-layer design, steel bunded oil tanks are the storage method of choice for a variety of usages and industries. Bunded oil tanks can also be composed of other sturdy materials such as plastic, which exceeds even the most demanding fuel storage requirements as set down by the Environment Agency and OFTEC.

For those with more conservative needs, slimline bunded oil tanks are available. They come in a wide range of capacities, materials, and designs, many of which may be used for the storage of both heating oil and waste oil. With their emphasis on compactness and sleek design, slimline bunded oil tanks are designed to easily fit through a standard doorway.

Bunded domestic oil tanks are ideal for when you need an effective method of storing your oil at home. If you need convenience, consider a slimline bunded oil tank. These can act as eco-responsible heating oil storage tanks, perfect for both homes and businesses. They are also well-suited to storing oil safely in agricultural and commercial settings.

 

How much do Bunded Oil Tanks Cost?

 

There is a range of bunded oil tanks for sale at competitive prices. You can find capacities of up to 7500 litres, from leading manufacturers such as Harlequin, Carbery, and Titan. Prices can vary depending on the specification. For example, a plastic horizontal bunded oil tank could start as low as £1095 + VAT. If you’re looking for a high capacity steel bunded oil tank, it could reach prices of £3950 + VAT.

 

What are Single Skin Oil Tanks?

 

Single skin oil tanks are one of the more cost-effective and simpler types of oil tanks available. Single skin oil tanks tend to be built with resistance to things such as UV exposure, temperature change, and accidental damage. However, unlike their double-walled counterparts, single-skin oil tanks can only offer one layer of protection against an oil leak or theft because they lack any form of outer containment by design. Because of this, many single skin oil tanks have a secondary containment system installed separately, such as reinforced concrete or masonry bund. 

Slimline single skin oil tanks are ideal for domestic storage of heating oil for a single-family dwelling. They are also well-suited for industrial sites in need of a single wall tank where suitable bunding is in place. Their robust construction in either steel or medium-density plastic ensures years of heavy-duty use.

Do be aware that single skin oil tanks can be strictly regulated on location and installation. Because of this, single skin oil tanks must be kept away from any potential nearby environmental hazards. They have their uses for a single-family dwelling simply looking to store heating oil. They are also popular with industrial sites that already have suitable proactive bunds legally authorised by OFTEC and EA in place.

You can find a wide array of different types of single skin heating oil tanks and domestic oil tanks. Because of their simplicity, many fuel tank sellers can offer clients a relatively cheap price range for single skin oil tanks. Vertical plastic single skin oil tanks tend to start at £373.95 + VAT, with large steel single skin oil tanks often starting from £625 + VAT, with many typically ranging in capacity from 1100 to 2500 litres. 

 

What is a Bunded Fuel Tank

 

A bunded fuel tank is very similar to their oil storage cousins. Bunded diesel fuel tanks ensure 110% of the contents stay within the tank, usually being composed of plastic or steel. This spares any need for an external bund. Bunded diesel fuel tanks often feature either mains, battery, or hand-operated fuel pumps. These help with the dispensing of fuel on the go.

Many commercial enterprises including construction and farm operations benefit from these types of tanks. If you require refuelling your vehicle onsite, steel bunded diesel tanks can offer you a fantastic way to hold on to your diesel. They also offer further protection against both damage and would-be thieves with their robust dual-layer design. You can also consider plastic bunded fuel tanks, particularly as agricultural fuel tanks.

Any bunded diesel tank seller worth its salt will comply with the regulations set by the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, the Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006 and the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (Wales) Regulations 2016. Steel or plastic, these regulations ensure your bunded diesel fuel tank is safe and fit for purpose. 

Being robust and durable tanks, bunded diesel fuel tanks are built to endure the elements. If well maintained, steel bunded fuel tanks can have a lifetime of up to 25 years, whilst plastic bunded fuel tanks can last up to 10. They can vary from cubic, horizontal, slim, and slimline bunded fuel tanks, depending on capacity.

 

How much do Bunded Fuel Tanks Cost?

 

Because safety is paramount, it’s best to have an OFTEC accredited engineer install your bunded diesel tank. Most fuel tank sellers will satisfy OFTEC regulations. Bunded fuel tank types tend to come with capacities of up to 10,000 litres. You can find self bunded diesel tanks at the low price of £1107.95 + VAT, and you’ll find that high quality and large capacity steel bunded fuel stations tend to top out at around £4,950 + VAT. 

 

What is a Diesel Bowser?

 

Diesel bowsers are a type of tank that allows you to transport your fuel across the highway and on-site safely and reliably. Built with steel and/or plastic, fuel and diesel bowsers are high-quality, tough, secure, and easy to maintain. Many diesel bowsers have two compartments to ensure no fuel is lost in transit. Make sure your diesel bowser has approvals from both the UN and ADR. This will make the diesel highway tow bowsers eligible for use in both on-site usage and transportation across the highway. 

A skid bowser is a portable fuel tank that tends to have eyelets to enable transport by forklift. A tough galvanised steel frame ensures they can endure a lot. This makes skid bowsers perfect for refuelling plants and machinery in the agricultural, marine ground care, commercial and local construction services. 

Highway tow bowsers are named for their multi-facet usage in carrying a variety of substances along the highway. These types of storage tanks should be designed with a strong, secure, and robust chassis, and should be easy to lift. 

Road tow fuel bowsers should be UN-approved and fully bunded in construction. This is to comply with UK environmental pollution prevention guidelines and avoid nasty surprises down the line. Without this UN approval, they can only be towed within sites, or on private roads.

 

How much do Diesel Bowsers Typically Cost?

 

Any decent storage tank seller should be offering a diverse range of mobile diesel bowsers. The usual starting price for these types of storage tanks, such as fuel cubes, would be approximately £650 + VAT and tends to reach as high as £5,150 + VAT for large, portable steel bowsers. Like many things, this depends on the spec you require. Top-of-the-line towable diesel bowsers that have an intrinsic steel structure will likely fetch a higher price.

 

What is a Generator Fuel Tank?

 

Generator fuel tanks are primarily used for supplying a power generator with fuel in an environmentally sound manner. As per the requirements for UN approval, your generator fuel tanks should be constructed from at least 3mm steel with an emphasis on heavy-duty and sturdy corners.  They are extremely tough and, per current environmental regulations, are 110% bunded. 

Generator fuel tanks are a type of tank that can benefit agricultural, industrial and construction diesel tank users. This is due to their “built-to-last” composition. With enough care, your generator fuel tank could last for up to 25 years. Generator fuel tanks are robust by design with strong steel plating to withstand heavy site use.

The smaller generator fuel tanks will range in fuel capacity from 250 to 950 litres, and the bigger models range between 1000 to 3000 litres. The standard pricing for your generator fuel supply tanks can start at £1,195 + VAT and reach up to £3,495 + VAT for large-scale, UN approved transportable generator fuel sources.

 

Types of Water Tanks

 

Whether it comes down to above-ground water storage, you will want to ensure your water is secured by a robust and sturdy water tank that will survive a long time. Depending on what you intend to do with your water tank, knowing the difference between potable and non-potable tanks is essential. Rest assured, we’ll get you up to speed on the different facets of water tanks for storage in no time.

 

What are Non-Potable Water Storage Tanks?

 

Of the two types of water tanks you will find, the non-potable water storage tanks will be prominent in everyday process and industrial settings due to not having to abide by WRAS. Non-potable water tanks are designed to hold non-potable water that is not intended nor safe for human consumption. 

Non-potable water tanks emphasise the hardiness of the design to ensure that any kind of spillage is minimised. The underlying difference lies in the material used to construct non-potable water tanks. Specifically, this is the type of plastic used to line the inside of the tank. In a non-potable water tank, a standard plastic coating is applied on the inside to help improve structural integrity. Bacteria can multiply in this coating, hence the term “not for consumption” for these types of storage tanks.

Non-potable water tanks are used in commercial applications such as toilet flushing, or in commercial landscape gardening services, agricultural irrigation and civil engineering. Industrial water tanks are sturdily built for when you need a way to store your non-drinking water on site. 

You can usually find vertical non-potable water tanks with capacities ranging between 1100 to 9250 litres. Small process water storage tanks tend to start at approximately £350 + VAT, and depending on your requirements, can approach £1,550 + VAT and upwards. 

 

What are Potable Water Tanks?

 

On the other side of water storage, we have potable water tanks. These types of tanks store water that is going to be consumed by humans or animals. Potable water tanks are great for holding on to water for agricultural or industrial purposes. They are also ideal for the safe storage of drinking water at home or on an allotment. 

To be classified as safe for consumption, potable water storage tanks all adhere to the standard rules set by the Water Regulations Advisory Scheme (WRAS). This is to prevent any contamination, minimise bacterial or algal multiplication, and ensure the liquid is safe for drinking. 

Potable agricultural water tanks are built to last (from sturdy MDPE usually) and have the added benefit of algae reducing black colour to maintain the quality of your drinking water. Oftentimes they also feature tank manway access lids to make cleaning and inspection easier. 

There are a range of capacities available for potable water tanks. Typically, one can source anything from a 900 litre drinking water storage tank to a 9250 litre potable water source, with cheaper models starting at £415 + VAT, and the highest quality models going all the way up to £1,795 and beyond. 

 

So now you know

 

Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different types of tanks. Remember that understanding the disparity between water tanks, diesel bowsers and bunded oil tanks is essential when it comes to making a purchase. 

Recognising exactly how your ideal storage tank is constructed is fundamental. For re-fuelling while constructing groundworks, or storing waste oil at a quality local garage, you want to have purchased correctly. As one of the UK’s leading oil and fuel storage companies, RPM Fuels & Tanks is here to assist you. 

RPM Fuels & Tanks takes pride in the fact our range of tank types is so extensive and varied. The team of storage tank experts at RPM Fuels & Tanks are always available to discuss all things relating to liquid storage. If you’re ever unsure about what types of tanks you need, we’re always delighted to help! Reach out to us today.