The ABBI Mobile Refueler is mounted to a DOT-approved highway trailer with electric brakes for easy transportation to and around jobsites.
Some things change constantly. Take cars, for example: each year brings significant changes and advancements and someday, fully autonomous cars will likely rule the road. Fuel storage tanks, on the other hand, aren’t traditionally thought of as a rapidly changing product. However, more manufacturers are realizing the necessity of designing fuel storage solutions for the modern business, with features such as cloud-based remote fuel monitoring, storage for diesel exhaust fluid, and global transportation approvals.
Diesel—the source of roughly 98 percent of energy consumed at the average jobsite—is practically a universal expense for contractors. And, as the construction industry changes and companies become more competitive globally, profit margins will continue to shrink for businesses that don’t find new and efficient ways to manage assets, including fuel storage.
Today, on-site tanks can simplify fuel management like never before and serve as more of an asset than the large steel cylinders they once were. To make the most of a fuel tank purchase, there are a number of factors to consider, such as the benefits of fuel monitoring, cleaning and maintenance costs, tank transportation, theft prevention, and more.
CAPACITY AND MOBILITY
The larger the tank, the more stationary it tends to be. With options ranging from tanks that hold less than 150 gallons to ISO containers that hold upward of 25,000 gallons, determining the ideal solution starts with knowing how much fuel is being used and how mobile the fuel supply must be. After all, having an on-site fuel supply only saves time and money if it provides an adequate supply where and when it is needed.
Transportation options can range from certified lifting lugs for handling with a crane to DOT-approved trailers. The most easily transported options are smaller, DOT-approved trailer-mounted tanks. These tanks typically hold between 200 and 1,000 gallons and are ideal for delivering fuel to remote sites. Some of the more important items to look for when buying a trailer-mounted tank include a sturdy trailer engineered to withstand the dynamic forces of the moving liquid while navigating rough, unpaved roads at jobsites. Tanks designed to comply with worldwide approvals, including UL, ULC, UN DOT, and Transport Canada, are usually the most rugged and well-designed, as they are required to pass the rigorous testing and certification dictated by the various approval bodies.
Keep in mind, however, that just because a tank is approved, does not necessarily mean it’s the safest option. A lower center of gravity, for example, will make the tank less susceptible to tipping during transport. And for full-fuel transport, internal baffle plates prevent fuel surging to keep the vehicle stable. In most locations, tanks without baffles must be emptied, and often cleaned, prior to transport, which can require a third-party environmental company. If the tank is moved frequently, downtime and expenses add up quickly.
If the job requires a larger tank of 1,000 gallons or more, consider how it will be moved around a jobsite. Round tanks often require a crane or loader to move. Most cube tanks can also be moved this way, but for added versatility, many also incorporate forklift pockets. Having more options can come in handy when equipment operators are busy or if certain equipment isn’t on the jobsite.
SIMPLIFY COMPLIANCE
Environmental regulations must also be considered, and ground contamination is a major concern for on-site fuel tanks. While all tanks should meet basic environmental standards, round tanks—the traditional go-to storage option—come with the added expense of owning and cleaning secondary containment pans. The average bill for cleaning a containment pan is about $150, which can add up quickly in areas that require pans be cleaned on a regular basis or after it rains. An increasingly common feature on new tanks, particularly cube tanks, is double-walled 110-percent weatherproof containment. This eliminates the need for a secondary basin and can result in significant savings over the life of a tank.
Diesel exhaust restrictions are another growing environmental concern for today’s business owners. To ease the burden of Tier 4 compliance, many manufacturers offer tank options with onboard DEF storage. Incorporating both diesel and DEF storage into a single tank reduces downtime and simplifies Tier 4 compliance.
SITE-SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS
To meet the specific needs of different construction sites, it’s important to evaluate which features have the potential to increase value for a given operation. Tanks with multiple in- and out-ports, for example, allow the tank to serve as an auxiliary fuel supply while still being able to fuel trucks and other equipment.
For jobs at remote locations, the benefits of remote tracking technology can pay dividends. Remote fuel tracking helps contractors monitor and manage supplies from anywhere via the cloud. For contractors with multiple projects at different sites, this can make it easy to stay on top of fuel supplies and know when a delivery is necessary.
For improved tracking and added security, cardlock systems are an efficient way to monitor who is pumping fuel and how much is dispensed. Businesses without fuel security often expect 2 to 5 percent of their fuel supply will go unaccounted for each year.
Having tanks with secure access to fittings and dispensing equipment can also prevent unauthorized access and deter fuel theft. Investing in more secure cabinets that position locks to be inaccessible to bolt cutters will better keep thieves at bay.
For mobile tanks and tanks at remote sites, adding options such as battery power storage and solar panels can help ensure that the tank will always have the necessary power to run the pumps. And for locations with space limitations, tanks that can be stacked help to free up space.
CONCLUSION
As customers scramble to find new ways to decrease their operating expenses, fuel storage tanks—while not front of mind in terms of innovation and technology—should not be overlooked. And as regulations continue to change and the marketplace becomes more competitive, businesses should never ignore an opportunity to trim expenses and work more efficiently than the competition.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Tim Doling is the U.S. key accounts manager for construction and infrastructure for Western Global, an international designer and manufacturer of industry-leading tanks and equipment for fuel and fluid handling. He has 20 years of industry experience and has been working closely with Western Global customers for nearly 5 years. For more information, visit www.western-global.com.
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Modern Contractor Solutions, August 2018
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