Fuel tank testing is the process of locating and measuring the level of substances within a fuel tank. It can also involve cleaning old tanks to prevent further deterioration or harmful chemicals into new products.
A full-service Fuel oil testing company will provide multiple tests for one price, making them a very competitive option in terms of price and convenience. Unlike other testing methods, fuel oil testing can be done quickly and effectively without sending samples out to a lab.
There are many different reasons you might need fuel or oil tank test services.
This article will look at some of the reasons and shed some light on why you may want to get your fuel tanks tested.
Why Fuel and Oil Tank Testing is Important
The following are just some reasons you may want to test your fuel tank.
- To find leaks
One of the main reasons people choose to have their fuel tank or oil tank tested is to find out if there are any leaks.
Leaks can cause several problems, not only environmental but also financial too.
If you have a large underground storage tank, it could cost your company thousands of dollars a day if it leaks.
Not only that, but leaks can cause environmental problems as well. So not only do you have to worry about the cost of replacing the tank and the damage it may be doing to the surrounding environment and the wildlife that live there.
- Prevents fuel tank failures
In many cases, fuel tank failures are caused by sediment build-up within the tank. This sediment can block fuel filters, which can lead to costly repairs.
If your fuel tanks are tested regularly, you will be able to find discolored or dirty-looking fuel before it becomes a problem.
This is why services like Comm Tank’s fuel tank testing services are so important.
As well as offering fuel tank testing, they can help you monitor your tanks and make sure you receive regular cleanings. This is recommended even if you don’t have any problems with your storage tank because it will prevent them from happening in the first place.
- Helps identify clogging issues
Clogging issues can happen in fuel tanks, leading to a fuel tank failure.
Regular testing will identify sediment build-up within the tank, which can help you choose the best course of action for maintaining your storage tanks.
In some cases, regular filtering may be all you need to solve any potential issues with your tanks. But if you have been having problems with clogging in your tank, then it may be time to clean the tanks.
It is important to note that fuel tank testing can also help you determine any harmful chemicals in your fuel and oil storage tanks. So not only will regular testing prevent problems from arising in the first place, but it will detect them too.
This is done with a simple chemical test performed in the field by your service provider.
- Environmental Protection
A leaking or broken fuel tank can significantly impact the environment.
Fuel oils and other chemicals from storage tanks leach into the ground, poison water sources, and land nearby.
This is why it is so important to test your fuel tanks regularly. Not only will this prevent leakage issues, but it will also help you identify them if they do happen.
- Compliance with the law
Besides protecting the environment, fuel tank testing is also a legal requirement.
You must have your tanks tested every year in many states and cities.
Oil tank inspections are necessary because they can identify any issues with your tanks early on. This way, you will care for them before there is a problem.
In many cases, problems with your tank may affect your insurance policy. For example, in the state of California, you must have your tanks regularly inspected to keep your policy active.
Fuel and oil tank testing is a quick and easy way to protect yourself from potential issues while protecting the environment.
Types of fuel that can be tested
The following are some of the fuels that can be tested:
- Diesel Fuel
The diesel fuel testing method involves checking for water, sludge, or sediment. This is done by taking a sample of the fuel and sending it to a lab to be tested.
If any of these are present in your tank, you will need to have it cleaned before adding more fuel, or else there could be further problems with your storage tanks.
- Biodiesel
Biodiesel is an ester, any chemical compound containing alcohol and carboxylic acid functional groups. Since it has fuel properties similar to diesel oil, you still need to check for water content in your biodiesel because it can cause problems with clogging too.
- Fuel Oil
Fuel oil is a type of petroleum product used to power various types of equipment. It can come in two different grades: number one and number two fuel oil.
Number one fuel oil is light fuel oil, while number two refers to medium-grade fuel oil.
Testing both types of fuel oil involves checking for water content and sludge or sediment.
Who requires fuel quality testing?
Different industries require different levels of fuel quality testing. Some industries require more frequent fuel and oil testing than others do.
Here is a few of them:
- Medical
The medical industry requires fuel quality testing regularly. And they have stringent requirements for their tests results.
Just one test failure can cause problems for your business. So it is essential to ensure the fuel you are providing is high-quality and free of impurities.
- Emergency / First Response
Another industry that requires fuel quality testing is the emergency and first response industry.
For example, the fire trucks they use are hooked to gasoline or diesel pumps in many cases. This means that when you provide them with fuel, it could be the only way they get their equipment running if there is an emergency.
So it is essential to make sure they are receiving fuel free of contaminants, water, and other impurities.
- Transportation
Another industry that requires fuel quality testing is the transportation industry.
As these types of vehicles operate on diesel engines, it is essential to have a reliable fuel supplier that can provide them with clean diesel at all times for their equipment needs.
- Airports
The Airports industry also requires fuel quality testing for their equipment.
This is because airports need to respond quickly in an emergency. So if there was ever a problem with the fuel you provide them, it could cause issues in transporting passengers.
- Energy
Energy companies also require fuel quality testing to ensure they get high-quality fuel for their generators.
This is because if the fuel isn’t clean, it can cause damage to the generators, which would affect their ability to produce energy for your needs.
Types of Fuel Tank Tests
Fuel tank testing involves determining if the fuel is of a quality that meets standards.
The most common test methodology is taking a sample and sending it to a lab for testing.
The following are tests that can be done:
- Fuel Sample Test
This test checks if there is water in the tank which can cause corrosion to the tank itself. Water affects the power of motors and can cause further problems if it is left unattended.
Water is heavier than fuel and will settle at the bottom of a tank causing further problems.
This test needs to be done regularly as it can affect your equipment if not routinely monitored.
- Integrity Fuel Tank Storage Test
The Integrity Fuel Tank Storage test measures the tank’s ability to withstand fuel pressure.
This test can be used to ensure that your fuel tanks are still in good condition and will not leak.
It is essential to check your tanks often as they can deteriorate over time depending on their age and use.
Fuel Tank Testing Conclusion
Fuel tank testing is essential to all industries. This should be done regularly to ensure your equipment stays in optimal working condition at all times.
The steps to test a fuel tank can be extensive but provide valuable information about your fuel quality.
Testing can help maintain equipment and provide them with safe, reliable fuel.
Fuel tank integrity is essential for safety reasons and protecting the environment.
In summary, every industry requires some level of fuel quality testing.
A wide range of test methodologies can be used depending on the condition and use of the tanks in question.
