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Above-Ground Fuel Storage Regulations

Many standards and regulations exist for above-ground fuel storage tanks. The design and installation of above-ground fuel storage vessels is complex. The American Petroleum Institute (API) Standard 650 outlines the regulations and requirements for welded steel tanks used for petroleum material storage. This standard establishes minimum requirements for material, design, fabrication, erection and testing for vertical, cylindrical, above-ground, closed- and open-top, welded carbon or stainless steel storage tanks in various sizes and capacities.

  1. Storage Tank Design

    • Fuel storage must be made with compatible materials.

      The materials used in the design and construction of an above-ground fuel storage tank must be compatible with the fuel and must be able to withstand any temperature and pressure effects. There must be a containment area surrounding the storage tank that is capable of holding the entire capacity of the vessel. Tanks used for fuel storage should be designed with high liquid level alarms and controls to avoid overfilling. A method (mechanical, electrical or human intervention) to disable or divert supply pumps before overfilling occurs is also a requirement.

    Operation and Management

    • Do not overfill a fuel storage tank.

      All low pressure or atmospheric pressure fuel storage tanks should have vents to relieve any built-up vapors. The tanks should only be operated (filled) to 80 to 90 percent capacity to avoid overfilling or liquid expansion. Materials that require internal heating elements (usually using steam to heat) should be closely monitored and checked to ensure that exhaust lines do not leak fuel into the steam and condensate lines which could end up in waste-water ponds.

    Periodic Testing and Inspection

    • Tanks must be inspected regularly.

      Above-ground fuel storage vessels must be regularly tested for structural integrity on a periodic basis. If any wear or damage is evident, repairs must be made. The frequency and type of structural integrity testing is based on the design and size of the tank. The use of hydrostatic, ultrasonic and radiographic testing is required for nondestructive determinations of structural integrity. Records must be kept and personnel should frequently examine the outer hull of the vessel for signs of leakage or damage.

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