AST Oil Tank Installation

Aboveground storage tank (ASTs) are used to store various materials and fluids, including hazardous materials and oil.

Design

• All ASTs used for oil storage must be kept at the temperatures and pressures appropriate for such material. Also, for each AST, there must be alternative storage devices in the vicinity in the event an AST fails. Each AST must also have a safety device, such as an alarm or emergency shut-off device.

Testing

• According to Federal Regulation 40 CFR 112, every AST must be inspected and tested at regular intervals and whenever a repair has been made. They must be inspected visually as well as using one of the following methods: hydrostatic testing, radiographic testing, ultrasonic testing, acoustic emissions testing or some other kind of non-destructive shell testing.

Mobile ASTs

• Mobile ASTs must be located positioned so as to avoid oil discharge. They must also have a secondary means of containment.