Wednesday, February 19, 2014

Using An Above Ground Storage Tank

By Krystal Branch


An above ground storage tank are those tanks that are constructed above grounds. For the case of water tanks they are mostly situated on top of buildings if they are small but the large ones are constructed on separate grounds. The regulatory body requires such tanks to hold up to a maximum of 10,000 liters when it comes to contents other than water. There are numerous reasons for and against these tanks.

Unlike the underground designs which involves digging the ground to create the reservoir, these tanks are relatively easy to put up and maintain. They do not involve long procedures therefore less costs. This makes them more acceptable individuals who seek to minimize installation costs and maintenance expenses. This has also enhanced development of storage facilities in remote areas especially water storage.

They are also very easy to repair in case they are corroded or if they start leaking. All designs are susceptible to risks of corrosion and leaks but these tanks have a better advantage over the underground because their strategic location making them easy to repair. The fact that they are placed above and there are no excavation activities to confirm the results of exposure to risks is not a requirement gives it an added advantage.

They are also quick and cheap to repair in case there is a problem such as rust in case it is a metallic tank or cracks in case it is a plastic tank. Their location makes them more accessible and thus easy to mend them. To repair, all that one needs to do is to get the required materials and take the necessary cause of action. This will take both less energy and manpower.

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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