OIL TANK STANDARDS - Above Ground [Heating Oil] Storage Tanks
UL Oil Tank Standards & Oil Tank Listing Requirements
- OIL TANK STANDARDS - separate article, UL standards & tank listing requirements
- Scope of UL standards coverage: fuel piping, venting, etc.
- UL labeling requirements for oil storage tanks as well as for other fuels & liquids
- OIL TANK STANDARD DETAILS - separate article, Annotated EPA list of oil tank codes & standards
- Questions & Answers about oil storage tank standards for construction & testing
- References
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A New Underwriters Laboratory (UL) Listing Service covers entire aboveground storage tank systems.
Readers of this page should also see our main oil storage tank leak and tank testing website.
Also see the complete list of OIL TANK STANDARDS - Detailed List produced by the U.S. EPA., and see OIL TANK REGULATIONS.
Green links show where you are. © Copyright 2013 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Author Daniel Friedman.
Oil Storage Tank Standards for Tank Construction & Tank Testing
Subject 2244, Aboveground Flammable Liquid Tank Systems
For years, factory-fabricated aboveground liquid storage tanks such as those used to store home heating oil
were shipped to job sites where dispensers, flame arrestors, vents and other accessories were added. Installers verified that the proper components were selected for compliance with fire and environmental codes.
Unfortunately, code authorities still might find that requirements were not met. Sketch of an above ground outdoor oil storage tank is courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates.
During the past five years, manufacturers have introduced complete aboveground storage tank (AST) systems with related
accessories, such as dispensers, siphon valves, overfill protection systems and emergency venting devices, installed
on the tank at the factory.
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs) and manufacturers have requested that UL investigate entire factory-fabricated AST systems, to streamline the field-approval process and minimize problems associated with incompatible tank accessories.
UL has established a new product category and continues outlining requirements for Subject 2244, Aboveground Flammable Liquid Tank Systems. UL has already completed its first product Listings to Subject 2244, and work on a proposed Standard was expected to begin in 1998.
Subject 2244 identifies four AST installations: aviation-fuel storage, motor-vehicle fuel dispensing, motor-oil storage, and generator-base tank systems. AST systems include a primary tank with integral secondary containment, provided by a double-wall tank or an integral tank and dike. Required and optional components are assembled prior to shipping. However, some components may require limited field assembly detailed in the installation instructions provided with each AST system.Sketch of an indoor above ground oil storage tank is courtesy of Carson Dunlop Associates.
To assist code authorities in facilitating the field evaluation process, UL has developed a Code Compliance
Verification List (CCVL) for UL Listed AST systems.
The CCVL documents how the tank complies with U.S. model codes,
including National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 30, Flammable and Combustible Liquids, and NFPA 30A, Automotive and Marine Service Stations, and the Uniform Fire Code (UFC). The CCVI, is included with UL Listed AST systems, and will be provided in the guide card information for Aboveground Flammable Liquid Tanks (ECRU) in the 1998 edition of ULs Gas and Oil Directory (gray book).
The CCVL identifies the model code requirements for AST installations, including: supports, venting, piping and fittings, tank construction and openings, electrical installations, spill-control dispensers, and other accessories. The CCVL also documents installed components, including manufacturers' names, model numbers, ratings and UL Listing information.
For example, motor-vehicle fuel-dispensing tank systems have requirements for sizing emergency vents in accordance with the exposed side walls and top of tank. The CCVL documents the required emergency venting for the tank, and identifies that the appropriately sized UL Listed emergency vent was installed.
The UL Listing markings on a tank system will identify the primary tank construction, For example, UL 142 and Subject 2244 indicate a steel tank; UL 2085 and Subject 2244 indicate a protected-tank system. UL markings affixed to ASTs that have been evaluated to Subject 2244 will also include the AST system type, such as motor-vehicle fuel dispensing, generator-base, aviation-fuel storage and motor-oil storage.
For more information regarding UL requirements for aboveground flammable liquid tank systems, contact UL engineer Shari Duzac in Santa Clara, Calif., by telephone at (408) 985-2400, ext. 32550; by fax at (408) 556-6036; or by e-mail at duzacs@ul.com.
Source: The Code Authority, Underwriters Laboratories -- December 1997
UL-142 Standard as Amended in July 1998
UL-142 oil storage tank standard Amendment 1 1998 - Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 7th Ed, was released on 22 July 1998 and replaced or
amended older versions of UL Standard 142. UL's comments about the new standard included these remarks:
These requirements cover steel atmospheric tanks intended for aboveground storage of noncorrosive, stable flammable, and combustible liquids that have a specific gravity not exceeding that of water.
These tanks are intended for installation and use in accordance with the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code, NFPA 30; the Standard for Installation of Oil Burning Equipment, NFPA 31; and the Automotive and Marine Service Station Code, NFPA 30A.
Tanks covered by these requirements are fabricated, inspected and tested for leakage before shipment from the factory as completely assembled vessels.
These requirements do not cover seismic loading.
Geometries or special constructions not specifically covered in these requirements shall be investigated on an individual basis.
A product that contains features, characteristics, components, materials, or systems new or different from those in use when the Standard was developed, and that involves a risk of fire, electric shock, or injury to persons, shall be evaluated using the appropriate additional component and end-product requirements as determined necessary to mai ntain the level of safety for the user of the product as originally anticipated by the intent of this Standard.
Pressure Testing Guidelines for Oil Storage Tanks
UL-142 oil storage tank standard calls for pressure testing oil storage tanks (that fall under this standard) at 3-5 psi for cylindrical oil storage tanks.
UL-142 calls for pressure testing oil storage tanks (that fall under this standard) at 1.5-2 psi for rectangular welded-construction storage tanks.
Bench top above ground storage tanks for flammable and combustible liquids (Standard UL 142) also must meet NFPA setions 30, 30A, 31 and
the Uniform Fire Code UFC Article 79. These benchtop atmospheric tanks are typically tested to 1 psi but may have to have passed a design hydrostatic pressure tes of 25 psi.
Other types of tanks such as double wall generator base tanks might be tested to 25 psi and at four times load pressure test.
These complete text of these oil storage tank codes and standards are available from UL, NFPA, and ASTM directly.
Oil Tank Construction and Testing Standards
UL-142 Standard for Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
This standard whose roots date to 1922, covers steel atmospheric pressure tanks used above ground to store non-corrosive, stable flammable,
and combustible liquids which are no more dense than water. For example this would include No2. heating oil used at residential properties.
These tanks are required to be installed in accordance with:
- NFPA 30 - the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Code
- NFPA-31 - the Standard for Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment
- NFPA 30A - the Motor Fuel Dispensing Facilities and Repair garages code
- The Uniform Fire Code - published by IFCI the International Fire Code Institute
These complete text of these oil storage tank codes and standards are available from UL, NFPA, and ASTM directly.
Other tank codes that do not pertain to oil tanks built to UL-142 include:
- Seismic loading effects on oil storage tanks are not considered by UL-142
- Specially-constructed oil storage tanks are not considered by UL-142
- API-650 - standard for Welded Steel Tanks for Oil Storage
- API-12D - Specification for Field-Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids
- API-12F - Specification for Shop-Welded Tanks for Storage of Production Liquids
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency EPA Underground Oil Storage Tank Regulations include - Complete 40 CFR part 280 Technical Standards and Corrective Action Requirements for Owners and Operators of Underground Storage Tanks (UST) (454K byte PDF). This document defines dielectric material (coatings) used to protect underground oil storage tanks from corrosion: More about the galvanic scale and corrosion between dissimilar metals is at GALVANIC SCALE & METAL CORROSION.
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Technical Reviewers & References
Related Topics, found near the top of this page suggest articles closely related to this one.
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- NFPA - the National Fire Protection Association can be found online at www.nfpa.org
- Oil Tank Abandonment Regulations and Procedures for the abandonment of oil storage tanks, from which
some of the above text was paraphrased, are discussed in detail at TANK ABANDONMENT -
"Abandoning Commercial vs. Residential Underground Oil Storage Tanks (UST) - Procedures & Regulations
- Thanks to Denise Adjutant, DOIT Web Support Division 271-8173, for New Hampshire oil tank regulations link update 6/22/09 Denise.Adjutant@doit.nh.gov
- Canadian oil tank regulations sources include the individual provincial government websites and the Canadian Technical Standards and Safety Authority,
14th Floor, Centre Tower,
3300 Bloor Street West,
Toronto, Ontario
M8X 2X4 - http://www.tssa.org/ Contact the Canadian TSSA toll free at 1-877-682-TSSA (8772) or 416-734-3300 for the Toronto area. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization responsible for the delivery of a range of safety services. This includes the administration of Ontario’s Technical Standards & Safety Act, 2000 within various industry sectors and the delivery of safety programs to the public.
- The distance requirements for oil tanks to be set back from wells, property lines, etc. can be read at WELL CLEARANCES
Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair
 The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 25th Ed., 2012, is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume. Special Offer: For a 10% discount on any number of copies of the Home Reference Book purchased as a single order. Enter INSPECTAHRB in the order payment page "Promo/Redemption" space. InspectAPedia.com editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author.
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- Carson Dunlop, Associates, Toronto, have provided us with (and we recommend) Carson Dunlop Weldon & Associates' Technical Reference Guide to manufacturer's model and serial number information for heating and cooling equipment
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- Oil Tanks - The Oil Storage Tank Information Website: Buried or Above Ground Oil Tank Inspection, Testing, Cleanup, Abandonment of Oil Tanks
- Abandon a Buried Oil Tank, How To - Abandoning Commercial Underground Tanks, Russ Brauksieck, ASHI Tech. Journal, Vol.3 No.1 Spring 1993, P. 40-41 [Reprint]
- Above Ground Oil Tanks: Visual Inspection of Oil Storage Tanks for evidence of leaks, damage, improper piping - photos and text
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- Buried Oil Tanks - Finding How to Find Buried Oil Tanks and "Nearly Hidden" and Leaky Oil Tanks - photos and text.
- Buried Fuel tank - Advice - Buried FUEL Tank - GAS or OIL advice for home buyers, inspection report language
- Environmental Issues & Regulations for Oil Tanks, Registration, Abandonment, Leak Reporting
Home Inspection Report Language Library: Buried Oil Tanks, Basic home buyer advice - home inspection report language suggestions- Home Inspection Report Language Library: Visible Defects in Oil Tank Installations, Tanks, and Heating Oil Piping
- Home Inspection Report Language Library: Gas Fuel Piping or Tank Faults Basic advice - home inspection report language suggestions
- Home Inspection Report Language Library: Oil Tanks text file list © Oil and Other Storage Tank Leaks, Testing, Abandonment, Inspection - UST home inspection report language files - Reference List
- Indoor Environment Website Indoor Building Environmental Hazard Detection, Testing, Repair, & Prevention - Main Web Page
- Leaky Heating Oil Tanks - Advice for Home Owners or Buyers: caused of leaks in oil tanks, oil tank testing alternatives, what to do about leaky tanks: D.J. Friedman, ASHI Tech. Journal, Vol.2 No.1, Winter, 1992 p. 42-43 Illus
- Leak or Failure Rates for Home Heating Oil Tanks
- Legal Issues Regarding Buried Oil Storage Tanks K.S. Rea, Attorney, summary from ASHI Chapter Seminar.
- Primer on Petroleum Bulk Storage Tanks & Petroleum Contamination of Property Paul H. Ciminello, ASHI Tech. Journal, Vol.3 No.1 Spring 1993, p 35-39
- Petroleum Bulk Storage J. Sibblies, NY State DEC, Advice to Home Owners and Home Inspectors about Oil Storage Tanks - summary from ASHI Chapter Seminar.
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- OIL TANK TESTING - - How Oil Tanks are Tested for Evidence Leaks, of Current or Previous Oil Spills
- Web Link Exchange: Contact Us to list your website or contact information for oil tank testing, tank corrosion research, oil industry experts
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