1. Pre‑Installation Inspection & Certification
- Must be fully emptied, cleaned, degassed, and inspected before installation.
- Check tank shell, welds, fittings, coating, and foundation supports for corrosion, deformation, and leakage.
- If previously stored fuel or chemicals, test for residual vapors and sludge.
- Only tanks that pass thickness measurement, leak testing, and structural inspection should be placed in service.
2. Foundation & Placement Requirements
- Aboveground: level, reinforced concrete pad or noncombustible supports capable of carrying full weight.
- Underground: sand or approved backfill bed, proper burial depth, anchoring against flotation.
- Protection from vehicle loads is essential for buried installations.
- Position with safe clearance from buildings, property lines, ignition sources, and drainage systems.
3. Corrosion Protection & Secondary Containment
- External anti‑corrosion treatment required, especially for underground or coastal service.
- Typical measures: sandblasting, epoxy or bituminous coating, fiberglass wrapping, and cathodic protection.
- Secondary containment: bunds, double‑wall construction, impermeable liners, or leak detection systems.
- Captures spills and meets environmental requirements.
4. Piping, Venting, Grounding & Commissioning
- Install fill pipes, suction lines, vents with flame arresters, level gauges, overfill alarms, and emergency shutoff valves.
- Bond and ground all metal parts, pipes, and flanges to prevent static ignition.
- Before filling with diesel, perform pressure or leak tests.
- Verify venting, check grounding resistance, and confirm compliance with local fire, environmental, and tank installation codes.