The Essential Guide to Fuel & Oil Tank Cleaning

Fuel and oil tank cleaning is a critical task for any industry that uses them to store oil, diesel or other substances. The necessity for this regular type of maintenance comes from the specific problems associated with these types of tanks. These include contamination, build-up of sludge and microbial growth, which can significantly affect the quality of the product stored in the tank, and therefore the efficiency of your operations. In this edition of our blog, we’ll look at why cleaning is essential, and how Tanks R Us can help.

1. Oil Tank Cleaning

Oil tanks are most commonly used in residential, commercial and industrial settings. They’re prone to several things that make regular cleaning necessary, including the accumulation of sludge and sediment, which block filters and pipelines and also lead to a decrease in capacity. In addition, water can enter oil tanks through condensation, which leads to microbial growth and corrosion – in other words contamination of the oil and compromised structural integrity of the tank itself.

Regular cleaning of oil tanks is essential to remove contaminants. This process involves draining the tank, removing any sludge and sediment, and treating the tank interior to prevent future corrosion. With regular cleaning a business can avoid repairs that are costly and ensure the integrity and efficiency of the tank (plus extending its lifespan) and, ultimately, the quality of the stored oil.

2. Diesel Tank Cleaning

Diesel tanks are commonly used in industries including transportation, haulage and agriculture – and they face similar challenges to those encountered by oil tanks.

Diesel fuel is susceptible to contamination. Water can enter diesel tanks through leaks and condensation, meaning the interior of the storage tank is a breeding ground for bacteria. Microorganisms feed on the diesel, which creates a biomass that clogs up filters and fuel injectors. This leads to system failures and increased maintenance costs. The presence of sludge and other particulates in diesel tanks is also a problem. As diesel degrades it forms sediments that settle at the bottom of the tank. This sludge, which gets stirred up during refuelling, leads to contaminated fuel entering engines and causing operational issues.

Regular cleaning of diesel tanks involves draining the fuel, removing sludge, and treating the tank to eliminate microbial growth and prevent future contamination.

3. Commercial Tank Cleaning

Commercial tanks are used to store a wide range of liquids, from water to chemicals. They also require regular cleaning to maintain functionality and safety as they can also suffer contamination, scaling and corrosion, depending on the type of substance that is stored in them. Water tanks, for instance, can develop biofilms and scaling – which reduce the tank's capacity and also pose health risks. Chemical tanks, however, may experience corrosion due to the reactive nature of the stored substances.

Cleaning commercial tanks involves draining the tank, removing any deposits and using the appropriate cleaning agents to make sure all contaminants are removed. Regular cleaning of commercial tanks preserves the quality of what is being stored, and also ensures compliance with health and safety regulations.

4. The Importance of Regular Tank Cleaning

Regular tank cleaning is absolutely crucial, for several reasons. Firstly, it ensures the quality (i.e. the purity) of the stored product, whether that’s oil, diesel, water or a chemical of some kind. Secondly, it helps maintain the structural integrity of the tank. By inspecting and cleaning on a methodical basis, businesses can prevent any serious issues and avoid costly repairs or replacements. Many industries are subject to stringent regulations regarding the storage and handling of liquids, so cleaning also means businesses can comply with whatever industry standards may be applicable and avoid any fines or other punishments.

Regular tank cleaning is an essential maintenance task for any industry that relies on storage tanks in any way. It addresses specific problems so that businesses can ensure consistency with the quality of their stored products, maintain the integrity of their tanks and comply with industry regulations. Contact us at Tanks R Us to find out more about our professional tank cleaning service, and how it could be right for you.