Understanding Diesel Fuel Tanks from TransTank International for Safe Storage
Storing diesel fuel incorrectly creates serious safety and legal problems. Leaking tanks contaminate soil and groundwater. Corroded tanks cause fires. Using the wrong tank material ruins your diesel through chemical reactions. Diesel fuel tanks from TransTank International solve these problems with purpose-built polyethylene construction. These aren’t repurposed water tanks or cheap plastic containers. They’re engineered specifically for diesel storage with materials that won’t break down or contaminate the fuel. Australian farmers and transport companies store over 850 million liters of diesel in on-site tanks. TransTank supplies roughly 22% of that market because their tanks meet strict Australian standards and last 20+ years in harsh conditions.
Why Can’t You Store Diesel in Regular Plastic Tanks?
Diesel fuel contains hydrocarbons that dissolve certain plastics over time. Regular polyethylene water tanks might hold diesel for a few months, but the fuel slowly degrades the plastic. Small cracks develop that leak fuel. The diesel also picks up plastic particles that clog fuel filters and damage engines. TransTank uses cross-linked polyethylene specifically formulated to resist diesel. This material maintains its chemical structure even after decades of exposure. The tanks also resist UV degradation from sunlight. Regular plastic tanks become brittle and crack after a few years outdoors. TransTank diesel tanks include UV stabilizers that protect the material for the tank’s entire service life.
What Size Diesel Tank Do Farms and Businesses Actually Need?
Calculate your monthly diesel usage first. A typical grain farm might use 5,000 to 10,000 liters during harvest season. Having a 10,000-liter tank means you can buy diesel in bulk when prices drop and avoid running out during critical work periods. Transport companies with multiple trucks might burn through 20,000 liters monthly. A 15,000 or 20,000-liter tank with regular refills keeps operations running smoothly. Bigger tanks cost more upfront but reduce your per-liter fuel cost. Buying 10,000 liters at once typically saves 5 to 10 cents per liter compared to station prices. Over a year, that’s $5,000 to $10,000 in savings for a farm using 100,000 liters annually. Tank dimensions matter for installation. A 10,000-liter tank measures roughly 3 meters long and 2 meters in diameter. Make sure you have space and equipment to position it before ordering.
How Do Bunded Diesel Tanks Prevent Environmental Disasters?
Bunded tanks have two layers. The inner tank holds the diesel. The outer layer creates a containment area that catches leaks before fuel reaches the ground. Australian regulations require bunded tanks for diesel storage over 1,000 liters in most states. Single-wall tanks are legal nightmares waiting to happen. A small leak can contaminate groundwater and cost $50,000 to $200,000 in cleanup expenses. Insurance might not cover environmental damage from non-compliant storage. Bunded tanks from TransTank meet AS1940 standards for flammable liquid storage. The bund holds 110% of the inner tank’s capacity. If the inner tank splits completely, the bund contains every drop until you can pump it out safely.
What Causes Diesel Fuel Tanks to Fail Prematurely?
Poor installation kills tanks faster than anything else. Tanks need level, compacted ground or a proper concrete pad. Settling ground creates stress points that crack even quality tanks over time. A 10,000-liter tank weighs 10 tonnes when full. That weight pressing on uneven ground concentrates stress in small areas. Corrosion doesn’t affect polyethylene tanks like it does steel tanks, but connection fittings can corrode. TransTank uses brass or stainless steel fittings that resist corrosion. Cheap tanks use mild steel fittings that rust within a few years in coastal areas. Water contamination is another common failure point. Condensation forms inside partially full tanks as temperature changes throughout the day. Water sinks to the tank bottom and creates perfect conditions for bacterial growth. Diesel bug is a bacterial colony that clogs filters and corrodes fuel systems.
How Do You Legally Install a Diesel Storage Tank in Australia?
Contact your local council first. Installation permits are required for fuel tanks over 1,000 liters in most areas. The process takes two to six weeks depending on your council’s workload. Some councils require site inspections before and after installation. Tanks must sit at least 3 meters from property boundaries and 10 meters from waterways or drains. Distance from buildings varies by tank size, usually 1 to 5 meters. You need secondary containment, either through bunded tanks or a concrete bund around single-wall tanks. Fire safety equipment is mandatory. Most councils require at least one fire extinguisher rated for fuel fires within 10 meters of the tank. Signage must clearly identify diesel storage and provide emergency contact numbers.
What Maintenance Do Diesel Fuel Tanks Actually Need?
Inspect tanks monthly for cracks, leaks, or damage. Look at all fittings and valves for signs of corrosion or seepage. Check the ground around the tank for diesel staining. Small leaks often show up as dark patches in the soil before you can smell them. Drain water from the tank bottom every three to six months. Most diesel tanks include a bottom drain valve for this purpose. Let a cup of fuel run into a clear container. Water appears as a separate layer below the diesel. If you’re getting more than a tablespoon of water per 1,000 liters, you have a condensation problem. Add a fuel stabilizer biocide annually to prevent bacterial growth. Diesel bug can ruin thousands of liters of fuel and costs far more to fix than preventing. Clean or replace filters according to your equipment manufacturer’s schedule. Clogged filters indicate contamination problems in your tank.
