FAQs

A single skin oil tank consists of a single container in which fuel is stored. Single skin oil tanks are not suitable for the storage of fuel at commercial, industrial or institutional premises; or at domestic installations with an installed capacity of over 2,500 litres - unless installed within a suitably bunded area. For all other installations, an Oil Tank Risk Assessment must be undertaken by a competent person prior to installation and in accordance with the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3. In anticipation of future possible regulations, serious consideration should be given to fitting bunded tanks, even where a single skin tank may currently suffice.

A bunded tank simply consists of an ‘oil tank within an oil tank’. In the event of a spillage, surplus liquid will collect in the outer tank, thus averting a pollution incident. Bunded tanks are now required at commercial, industrial, institutional, commercial and most domestic premises.

If the oil tank has a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres, it should not be placed any closer than 760mm to a boundary. This assumes that there are no flue outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in Oftec Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30 minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank.

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 metres of a flu outlet. Where these distances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in Oftec Technical Instruction Book 3 and British Standard BS5410 must be provided by means of a 30 minute fire resistant wall which extends a minimum of 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank.

Oil tanks with a nominal capacity not exceeding 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to a non fire rated (30 minutes minimum fire resistance) wall or eaves. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the measures noted in British Standard BS5410 and OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 must be provided i.e. the provision of a 30 minutes (minimum) fire resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the oil tank. It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil tank to provide a minimum of 30 minutes fire resistance. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire from spreading to the roof. For oil tanks with a capacity of 3500 litre or greater, please contact your local Building Control Officer or Oftec.

Internal oil storage tanks should never be installed in a habitable area and if installed internally, should always be contained within an enclosed chamber. Detailed requirements exist for internal oil storage installations. For more information contact your local Building Control Officer or Oftec.

All oil tanks supplied by ALEMCO are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) - a material that displays excellent chemical and impact resistance properties, making it ideal for external fuel storage.

All oil tanks must be installed on a flat, level and fire resistant base capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. If concrete slabs are used they should be a minimum of 50mm thick. The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers are not suitable for this purpose and can cause irreparable damage to the tank.

Technically, sight gauges can still be fitted to a single skin oil tank - subject to prevailing statutory requirements. However, it should be noted that a sight gauge is a potential leak point and as an environmentally responsible supplier we do not supply them and do not recommend them. Preference should instead be demonstrated to fitting an electronic oil tank contents gauge which unlike a sight gauge, is positioned above the maximum level of fuel in the tank, thereby dramatically reducing the likelihood of an environmental pollution incident.

No. All bunded tanks should be fitted with an electronic type oil gauging system.

This permits an LRC enabled delivery driver to plug in his overfill prevention equipment and is not for consumer use.

Yes. Every tank supplied by Alemco is manufactured from a material which incorporated UV inhibitors. These prevent UV rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degradation.

No. Today, no openings (other than the tank outlet) are permitted below the maximum level of fuel in the tank. This reduces the risk of accidental spillage. In the event that contaminants (e.g. water) need to be removed from the tank, they should be removed by an appropriately licensed contractor via the inspection aperture fitted to each tank.

Please contact your local fuel distributor who will be able to provide advice on how best to remove it.

Yes they are.

This is perfectly normal and is simply the fuel venting through the weatherproof vent fitted to the oil tank.

The Tiger Loop is a de-aeration device which removes air from the fuel prior to combustion. The result is a cleaner, more-efficient burn, with reduced emissions and enhanced cold weather performance. Additionally, the Tiger Loop can permit the tank to be positioned lower than the burner and up to 30 metres away. Therefore when connected to a pressure jet burner, it is ideal for Top Outlet Bunded Tank installations and eliminates the need for an undesirable return line. Please note that Tiger Loops are unsuitable for use with installations incorporating a vaporising burner.

No, it doesn't require either.

The Tiger Loop is self priming.

Kerosene (C1/C2), Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2), Diesel (D) and Water (H20).