Bulk fuel storage is the foundation of any industrial fuel infrastructure. Whether you are establishing a fuel depot for a remote mine, building a backup fuel reserve for a data center, or creating a logistics hub for a fleet operation, the design of your bulk storage determines the safety, reliability, and total cost of your fuel supply chain.
Neftgen designs and manufactures bulk fuel storage solutions — above-ground steel tanks in fixed and containerised formats — for industrial, critical power, aviation, mining, construction, and defence applications.
Above-Ground Tank (AST) Types
| Tank Type | Description | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Single-wall AST | Standard above-ground steel tank; civil bund required | Open external sites with adequate bund space |
| Double-wall (self-bunded) AST | Integral secondary containment; no civil bund needed | Indoor, restricted sites, environmental regulation |
| Containerised (mobile) tank | Tank inside ISO container; portable and relocatable | Temporary sites, remote locations, project work |
| Bunded pallet tank | Small-volume IBC with integral bund | Workshop, small fleet, AdBlue dispensing |
Design Considerations
Capacity Sizing
Bulk storage capacity is driven by three factors: daily consumption rate, supply frequency (tanker delivery interval), and required strategic reserve. The standard formula:
Minimum storage = (Daily consumption × delivery interval days) + strategic reserve
Example: 5,000 L/day consumption, 7-day delivery cycle, 3-day strategic reserve = (5,000 × 7) + (5,000 × 3) = 50,000 L minimum.
Secondary Containment
All bulk fuel storage must incorporate secondary containment to prevent environmental contamination in the event of a tank failure or overfill. Requirements:
- Bund capacity: 110% of the largest single tank within the bund
- Impermeable bund lining: concrete with chemical-resistant coating, or HDPE membrane
- No drain valves in bund floor (unless to a sump with a manual operated valve)
- Alternative: double-wall (self-bunded) tanks provide equivalent protection without civil bund construction
Venting and Pressure Relief
- Normal vent: sized for maximum fill rate plus thermal breathing
- Emergency vent (pressure relief): sized for full fire engulfment scenario per API 2000
- Vent outlet: minimum 3 m from any ignition source; directed away from buildings
Instrumentation
- Level gauge (sight glass or magnetic gauge) for local reading
- Level transmitter (ultrasonic or servo) for remote monitoring
- High-level alarm and overfill prevention valve on fill line
- Temperature sensor for large-volume outdoor tanks in extreme climates
- Water detection probe at tank bottom (diesel storage)
Standards and Certifications
| Standard | Scope |
|---|---|
| EN 12285-1 | Underground steel tanks |
| EN 12285-2 | Above-ground steel tanks — Neftgen’s primary design standard |
| API 650 | Large-diameter welded steel tanks (oil industry) |
| NFPA 30 | Flammable and combustible liquids code (US/Middle East reference) |
| ATEX 2014/34/EU | Equipment for use in Zone 1/2 hazardous areas |
| ISO 9001:2015 | Quality management system — Neftgen manufacturing |
Modular Bulk Storage Configurations
For applications requiring more than 60 m³, Neftgen designs modular bulk storage systems using multiple containerised or skid-mounted tanks connected in parallel. Benefits include:
- Individual tank isolation for maintenance without total system shutdown
- Staged capacity expansion as demand grows
- Transport and installation in restricted-access locations
- Single PLC system monitoring all tanks with individual level and alarm display
Related Resources
- Mobile Fuel Stations — Main Product Page
- Diesel Fuel Transfer Systems
- Fuel Filtration Systems
- Mobile Fuel Station for Mining
- How Long Can You Store Diesel?
- ATEX Zone Classification Guide
Request a Bulk Fuel Storage Design
Tell us your daily consumption, delivery frequency, site constraints and fuel type — we will design the right storage solution and send a full proposal.
✅ Self-Bunded Options
✅ Modular Expansion
✅ ISO 9001:2015
