
How The Change in Seasons Can Affect Storage Tanks
Autumn is getting closer, and so are the harsher weather conditions and shorter days. When it comes to the seasonal change into the colder months, businesses that use storage tanks can experience heightened operational challenges.
Here are the ways in which these issues can impact storage tanks and how your business can mitigate the risks.
Colder Temperatures
Colder temperatures can cause an increase in condensation inside of tanks. Due to this, your product can be damaged by microbial growth and your tank will be more susceptible to corrosion! Furthermore, the cold condensation may also freeze, leading to clogged filters or pipework, which is likely to damage the tank itself.
Not only this, but specific fuels such as diesel can also solidify in extremely cold temperatures. This occurs because when fuel drops below its cloud point, it loses its ability to maintain dissolved paraffin (wax) in solution. These wax particles then begin to bond together and sink to the bottom of the tank as they become heavier, plugging up the dispenser filters and preventing fuel from flowing naturally.
However, these issues can be resolved with the help of FuelGuard! Our tank gauging systems can help you monitor the temperature of your tanks remotely, meaning you can resolve the issue before any sort of failure.
Darker Nights
As the nights draw in sooner, so do fuel thieves… With the help of darker conditions, thieves gain more opportunities when striking storage tanks at businesses. In fact, statistics state that the businesses that are most at risk of fuel theft are construction firms, transportation companies and the agricultural industry.
To reduce the chances of fuel theft at your facility, consider:
- Fitting a locking cap.
- Checking your tank levels regularly.
- Installing sensor security lighting around your site.
- Installing a FuelGuard tank gauging system.
With a FuelGuard tank gauging system, you will receive notification of any unexpected tank volume loss and an alarm is raised, allowing you to act quickly!
Harsh Weather
Harsh weather such as wind, snow or even just cold air can affect the quality of your storage tanks in the following ways:
- Cold air can hold less moisture, which may lead to potential ice formation that can obstruct lines inside the tank.
- Snow can cause your fuel to freeze up and produce rust within tanks once the snow has melted! This then leads to leaks or contamination.
- Wind speeds can cause tank lids to fall off or fail, therefore releasing products and potentially damaging the environment.
Stay One Step Ahead with FuelGuard
Following over 20 years in the industry, we know exactly what to expect when it comes to the colder months and how they can affect storage tanks. This is why we have developed products which give you greater control over your storage and help prevent problems before they become costly incidents.
Find out more about our systems and get your site prepared for the seasons ahead by getting in touch today.