EasyTanks - What Oil Tank is right for you?

EasyTanks are available in various sizes and styles, ranging from plastic, steel, bunded, single skin, underground, and several others.

If you are unsure, contact an OFTEC registered technician who can assist you in selecting the right tank for your needs. All commercial installations necessitate the use of a bunded tank.

Who is OFTEC?

OFTEC is an acronym for the Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry. It was established in April 1991 to build a system within which oil firing in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland could be carried out with greater technological competence and production.

What are the various Oil Tanks?

Plastic Oil Tanks

Due largely to the adverse effects of ultraviolet light on both the plastic and the contained fuel, oil can never be stored in a transparent plastic container.

EasyTank Plastic Oil Tanks are made from coloured Polyethylene and are rotationally moulded. The polymer used contains additives that make the oil tank UV resistant.

Benefits of Plastic Oil Tanks

Less prone to rust and condensation

Plastic oil tanks are a safe option because, unlike metal tanks, they do not rust.

Rust will develop in steel tanks if adequate maintenance is not undertaken, filling the tank's bottom and clogging filters.

Steel tank legs can rust and decay over time, causing the tank to become unbalanced and tip over, necessitating extensive clean-up and costly repairs to replace the oil and restore the damage.

Using a plastic tank reduces the possibility of this happening.

Insulator

Since plastic is an insulator, it delays the transfer of heat from the environment to the contents, protecting the liquid contained inside.

Lightweight

Plastic tanks are easier to transport and install, which also makes them a cheaper option.

Steel Oil Tanks

Most domestic steel oil storage tanks are rectangular with a tented roof. They are made of mild steel and have internal bracing. The thickness of the steel used depends on the size of the tank.

Benefits of Steel Oil Tanks

Better security

Steel tanks are far more difficult to drill and drain liquid from than plastic tanks. They are also much heavier to transport. This makes it more difficult for thieves to load your entire tank into a vehicle and drive away with your expensive oil.

Longer lifespan

Steel has a longer lifespan than plastic and naturally protects against extremes of weather and ultraviolet rays. They are also less susceptible to accidental damage than plastic tanks.

Available in larger capacities

Steel tanks are manufactured with larger capacities than plastic tanks; some niche tanks can hold up to 120,000 litres.

Resistant to corrosion

Steel is a very strong metal that helps withstand internal and external corrosion.

Single Skinned Oil Tanks

A single skin oil storage tank is constructed from one sheet of steel or plastic and should only be considered for installation where there is no risk of environmental contamination in the likelihood of an oil spill.

How long do Single Skin Oil Tanks last?

Single-Skin Oil Tanks typically last 2 years. However, EasyTank Oil Tanks are supplied with a 3-year manufacturer guarantee.

Bunded Oil Tanks

A bunded tank has a secondary containment (bund) either inside or outside the tank. This bund must carry at least 110 per cent of the tank's capacity, to comply with legislation.

Bunding a tank is necessary for many environments to reduce the chance of oil leaking into the surrounding environment.

What is a Bunded Oil Tank?

A bund is a shield that surrounds an area where hazardous liquids are handled, processed, or stored.

Bunds are typically manufactured of reinforced mass concrete, although other materials such as prefabricated steel or plastic bunds are often used.

Are Steel Oil Tanks better than Plastic Oil Tanks?

Bunded plastic oil tanks are the most common among domestic households, but the style and size of the tank you choose should reflect your unique requirements.

Steel Oil Tanks are typically more expensive but deliver greater durability and resistance to internal and external corrosion, higher capacity, improved security, and a potentially longer lifespan. 

Plastic Oil Tanks are lightweight, making them faster and less expensive to set up and transport. They are normally seamless, reducing the chance of leakage in vulnerable locations.

They are also low maintenance, which means you will not have to repaint them to keep them looking shiny and rust-free like steel tanks.

What are the Oil Tank Regulations?

Check out our Guides & Tips article that covers Oil Tank Regulations.

Want to find out more?

Take a look at our article that explores Oil-Fired Central Heating Systems.