A high percentage of farm tanks in New Zealand have been in service for a number of years with no problem. However, in my role as CRT Fuel territory manager and through the experiences of our tanker drivers, we have come across issues that relate to poor tank maintenance or in some cases, no maintenance at all.
When problems occur, this can cause extra expense for the owner and down time with limited or no access to a fuel supply. Most of the time, problems could have been avoided with a few basic tasks that increase safety and reduce the chance of on farm fuel contamination.
Check your tank stand
The general condition of the tank and its stand is important. A full overhead 500 gallon tank (2250ltrs) weighs about two and a half tonnes and diesel in a full tank has a dollar value of a little over $3000. You don’t want it to fall over! The stand that is provided with the tank was up to the job when constructed, but for its structural integrity, the stand depends on the legs and braces. A nicked or dented leg, missing braces or “floating” braces can cause a stand to collapse so any damage to your tank stand should be repaired. Don’t wait until a tanker driver cannot climb the tank and fill it, or one day it just falls over.
Check your hoses
Leaking hoses and nozzles dripping at a rate of one drip per ten seconds will lose about 270 litres per year. A number of tanks are still using the hoses and parts they were supplied with 30 years ago. Repair or replace before it falls apart in your hands. All farm tanks should be fitted with a tap at the outlet, a suitable filter and approved hoses and nozzles that are designed for use in a fuel system. Tanks that we offer come with all of this supplied. ”Don’t just grab a bit of the poly pipe over there.”
With a hose that is four metres long, it is recommended that elbows are fitted to the tank outlet to avoid kinks and wear on the hose. A hose that is too long and drags on the ground can affect fuel delivery from an overhead tank once fuel gets low in the tank. And remember Murphy’s Law - a hose will only fall apart during the weekend.
Label your tanks
Make sure your tanks have the correct label on them. Our drivers are always actively relabeling tanks as they fill them. If a label falls off, you paint over it or you require product labels give us a ring we will send some out.
Think through tank placement
The quality and reliability of your fuel depends almost entirely on the location and set up of your tanks. As a tank is filled and emptied and temperatures rise and fall as these processes continue, condensation takes place which creates a build up of water in the tank. All tanks are fitted with a drain plug which should be the lowest part of the tank. A minimum of once a year this plug should be removed and two to three litres of fuel needs to be drawn off to collect any water and sediment that may have built up in the tank.
If this process is not done there is a risk that microbes (diesel bug) will develop in a diesel tank and any sediment that makes its way into a modern engine is not good for it. This process can be performed on a full tank that has a tap bund (if it is fitted) while a bolt bund maybe easier to do when empty. Bowl filters will also reduce the chance of sediment reaching a vehicle’s fuel system.
All tanks require a breather to regulate pressure. Make sure it is the correct size for the tank, because a faulty breather at best sends fuel out of the fill point when filling the tank. At worst, the pressure could split an old tank.
Anchor tripod tanks
Because of their design, tripod tanks need to be well anchored to the ground. Once a tripod is shifted or repairs are attempted ERMA requirements are that they are at the end of their working life. We recommend not purchasing them at clearing sales.
Fuel tanker access
Make sure the laneway is well maintained and fit for the job. Unlike stock trucks, fuel tankers don’t respond well to repairs made with an old welder and big sledge hammer in the yard on a Friday afternoon! Trim any overhanging tree branches from driveways and keep fuel tanks away from trees.
Tank Security
This is a major concern. Locate your tanks at the rear of your yard, away from buildings where possible - maybe visible from the house. Keep the area around the tank clear of equipment and other obstructions so would be thieves don’t have anywhere to hide. Lighting the area may help and this makes early morning and evening filling easier. Close and lock all taps and fill points, turn power off to electric pumps, purchase a dipstick and keep an eye on fuel levels. You could even consider fencing off the area that your fuel tanks are in.
CRT Fuel
CRT Fuel can provide all new or replacement parts required for farm tanks, and has a range of products to assist with security for farm fuel storage. If you are considering upgrading your tank contact your local territory manager as we have plenty of options and can custom build a tank to meet any requirements.
Article supplied by Cameron Miller, CRT Fuel Territory Manager Otago/South Canterbury.