Copyright 2008 M2 BioFuels
Above Ground Tanks versus Underground Tanks
Conventional Underground Storage Tank Technology and Designs have recently encountered a variety of scrutiny primarily related to the product's inability to absolutely guarantee the prevention of soil and ground water contamination in the event of a tank "leak" or product failure. With an anticipated product service life of 20-30 years, many end-users, insurance companies, banks and regulators have questioned the ability of conventional underground tank products and systems to preclude, with absolute assurance, product migration into the ground or ground water supply. The ecological damage from a leaky underground tank is basically beyond
cleanup. The damage can be so severe to
the real estate that it may prevent it from
ever being economically sold.
Aboveground Storage Tanks provide a
practical and economical solution for
M Squared. They not only provide a safe and
reliable means of storing and dispensing our
products, they also allow us to interchange
tanks with any new renewable fuel that
enters the market place.
Like underground tanks, aboveground tanks
can be electronically monitored to detect
leaks and product migration through the
primary shell of a double wall tank. What is
unique to aboveground tanks, however, is
the ability to visually inspect the tank
system to verify the absence or presence of
liquid product which has migrated out of the
primary containment structure. Visual inspection with the "eyes" is the only reliable means of accessing the structural integrity and condition of the tank or containment system. The containment area and spillway are lined with fuel absorbing mats in case of accidental spillage unlike underground tanks where the fuel leaks into the surrounding fill dirt. Prudent end-users are not willing to risk their real-estate, their business mortgage, their insurance coverage and their environment on the ability of an electronic sensor (which may not always have power) to detect a leak after it has occurred. Aboveground tanks allow for a reliable and pro-active means of long-term inspection, and if necessary, tank repair or replacement. They also allow for easy removal from non productive sites. The land can then be sold off while the tanks can be re used at another station.
UL 2085 Tanks
Constructed of steel and housed in a concrete enclosure, the secondarily contained system is state-of-the-art yet costly way to store fuel. It is an over engineered tank that most Fire Marshalls insist on before approving any permits. A key for M Squared is to find the most cost effective UL 2085 tank.
UL 142 Tanks
Cylindrical Double Wall Tanks consist of a primary steel tank wrapped by an exterior steel shell in direct contact with the primary tank. The primary and secondary tanks are separated by an air-space (from 3"-6" depending on size) created by internal steel stiffening members. The air-space or "interstice" serves as a measurable secondary containment structure in the event the primary tank leaks or is ruptured. These tanks have been in use for decades with very few problems. They are more cost effective than the UL 2085 tank but may not be approved for permits in all counties.
Conventional Underground Storage Tank Technology and Designs have recently encountered a variety of scrutiny primarily related to the product's inability to absolutely guarantee the prevention of soil and ground water contamination in the event of a tank "leak" or product failure. With an anticipated product service life of 20-30 years, many end-users, insurance companies, banks and regulators have questioned the ability of conventional underground tank products and systems to preclude, with absolute assurance, product migration into the ground or ground water supply. The ecological damage from a leaky underground tank is basically beyond
cleanup. The damage can be so severe to
the real estate that it may prevent it from
ever being economically sold.
Aboveground Storage Tanks provide a
practical and economical solution for
M Squared. They not only provide a safe and
reliable means of storing and dispensing our
products, they also allow us to interchange
tanks with any new renewable fuel that
enters the market place.
Like underground tanks, aboveground tanks
can be electronically monitored to detect
leaks and product migration through the
primary shell of a double wall tank. What is
unique to aboveground tanks, however, is
the ability to visually inspect the tank
system to verify the absence or presence of
liquid product which has migrated out of the
primary containment structure. Visual inspection with the "eyes" is the only reliable means of accessing the structural integrity and condition of the tank or containment system. The containment area and spillway are lined with fuel absorbing mats in case of accidental spillage unlike underground tanks where the fuel leaks into the surrounding fill dirt. Prudent end-users are not willing to risk their real-estate, their business mortgage, their insurance coverage and their environment on the ability of an electronic sensor (which may not always have power) to detect a leak after it has occurred. Aboveground tanks allow for a reliable and pro-active means of long-term inspection, and if necessary, tank repair or replacement. They also allow for easy removal from non productive sites. The land can then be sold off while the tanks can be re used at another station.
UL 2085 Tanks
Constructed of steel and housed in a concrete enclosure, the secondarily contained system is state-of-the-art yet costly way to store fuel. It is an over engineered tank that most Fire Marshalls insist on before approving any permits. A key for M Squared is to find the most cost effective UL 2085 tank.
UL 142 Tanks
Cylindrical Double Wall Tanks consist of a primary steel tank wrapped by an exterior steel shell in direct contact with the primary tank. The primary and secondary tanks are separated by an air-space (from 3"-6" depending on size) created by internal steel stiffening members. The air-space or "interstice" serves as a measurable secondary containment structure in the event the primary tank leaks or is ruptured. These tanks have been in use for decades with very few problems. They are more cost effective than the UL 2085 tank but may not be approved for permits in all counties.
