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• November 20, 2018

Top 6 Differences between the Above Ground Storage Tank and Under Ground Storage Tank

Storage tanks are large containers to store gases, petrol, diesel, chemical, and other flammable items for different business purposes.

It depends upon the unique business needs which type of tank material ( like steel, fiberglass, and metal) you are in need of.

While working with these on a daily basis you need to be safe and careful as these can lead to accidents.

Above Ground storage tanks, as the very name suggest that these types of storage tanks are placed on the ground. These tanks can be made of different materials like plastic, metal, fiberglass to store liquids.

Generally, these tanks are defined as “any container used to store oil. These containers are used for purposes including, but not limited to, the storage of oil prior to use, while being used, or prior to further distribution in commerce. Oil-filled electrical, operating, or manufacturing equipment is not a bulk storage container.”

On the other hand, underground storage tanks are buried under the ground to store petroleum and hazardous substances which can be used for your business.

You may either choose Above Ground tank or underground storage tank to fulfill your specific requirements.

Let’s have a look at the basic 6 differences between the Above ground and underground storage tanks:

● Maintenance: Above ground storage tanks are easier to maintain as you need not to dig the ground every time. You can call one of the reputed professionals in your locality to investigate whether there are leakages in any pipes or not.
As the underground tanks are buried under the ground you need to be careful enough whenever to go for maintenance.

● Durability: Longevity is another advantageous factor of above ground tanks as you can detect leakages easily. You can use these tanks for a longer period of time if you maintain regularly and systematically.
A common life expectancy of these buried tanks is 10 to 15 years on an average. There can be leakage problems if the tanks are damaged at the time of installation or were not properly piped.

● Space availability: Before installing the storage tanks, make it sure how much space it will take. It is obvious that above ground storage tanks are going to take much bigger space rather than underground tanks.
On the other hand, underground tanks are buried under the ground, give you the opportunity to use the land for other purposes. If you install these tanks to fulfill your business requirements, you can use the land as the way you want.

● Depth: Above ground storage tanks have primary and emergency vents. The primary vent pipe is as wide as the fuel fill pipe and extended above the snow level or 12 feet above ground for flammable materials.
Underground storage tanks are buried 5 or 6 feet under the ground.

● Storing capacity: Sometimes it becomes a problem when it comes to storing gases or other flammable products in a tank. Above ground storage tanks are appropriate in this unwanted condition. You can store the bulk number of elements according to your needs.
Underground tanks are not suitable enough to store petroleum in a large amount. As these tanks are single skin and after that buried in concrete, that means the tanks are then bunded and compliant with building regulations.

● Affordability: Generally, most of the business owners prefer to purchase these above ground storage tanks, as these are cost-effective but provide quality service for several years.
Underground tanks are expensive as compare to above ground tanks because these are buried under the ground and only trained professionals can install efficiently these as per your requirements.

Now, after reading all these points one can realize the differences between the two types of storage tanks.

• Above Ground Storage tanks
• Difference between above and underground tanks
• Under Ground Storage Tanks