Concerned about liquid storage safety or compliance with environmental laws? A bunded tank could be your answer. In this guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know – from what bunded tanks are to their maintenance and repair.
At a Glance:
- What is A Bunded Water Tank?
- What Are The Key Components of Bund Tanks?
- What Are The Common Uses For A Bunded Tank?
- What Materials Are Used For Bund Tanks?
- What Are The Benefits of Bund Tanks?
- Stay Compliant
- How to Maintain a Bunded Water Tank?
- How to Identify if Your Bund Tank Needs Immediate Repair?
- What to Do If You Need Your Bunded Tank Repaired?
What is a Bunded Tank?
A bunded tank is a specialised storage container designed to safely hold liquids while preventing leaks and spills. Its standout feature is the “bund” – an outer protective layer that acts as a secondary containment. This added layer of protection is critical when storing hazardous substances or liquids that pose a risk to the environment, as it ensures any leaks from the inner tank are captured before they can cause damage.
Key Components of a Bunded Tank
Bunded tanks are engineered for security and environmental protection. Their key components include:
- Primary Tank: The inner tank where the liquid is stored, built from durable materials like steel or polyethylene, tailored to the liquid it holds.
- Secondary Containment: The outer tank, or bund, acts as a fail-safe, able to contain the inner tank’s capacity to prevent environmental contamination.
- Fill Point: A secure access point for adding liquid to the tank, equipped with safety features to avoid spills.
- Level Gauge: This ensures you can monitor the tank’s volume and avoid overfilling, reducing the risk of spills.
- Vent Pipe: Helps release any vapours that may build up inside the tank, maintaining safe pressure levels.
- Bund Alarm: Many tanks come with alarms that notify you of any leakage into the outer bund, enabling prompt repairs.
Common Uses for a Bunded Tank
Bunded tanks have a broad range of applications, making them a staple across multiple industries:
- Domestic Use: Homeowners commonly use bunded tanks to store fuel and heating oil. There are some instances where regulations often require a bunded tank to prevent oil from contaminating the local environment.
- Building and Construction: On construction sites, bunded tanks are vital for storing fuel for vehicles and heavy machinery. Their use ensures that spillages, which could pose health and safety risks, are contained, reducing the need for costly clean-ups.
- Agriculture: Bunded tanks are a must-have on farms, where fuel storage is crucial to keeping machinery running smoothly. They also protect crops and livestock from potential fuel spills and help safeguard remote farms against fuel theft.
Materials Used in Bunded Tanks
Most bunded tanks are made from high-density polyethylene (HDPE), chosen for its:
- Durability: Resistant to corrosion and chemical damage.
- Lightweight: Easier to transport and install.
- Strength: Withstands the weight and pressure of stored liquids.
- Flexibility: Simplifies installation and maintenance.
In certain applications, tanks may also be constructed from fibreglass or steel, depending on the liquid and environmental conditions.
Benefits of Bunded Tanks
There are several key advantages to using bunded tanks:
- Environmental Protection: They prevent leaks and spills from contaminating the surrounding area, which is particularly important near water sources.
- Safety: Bunded tanks minimise the risk of accidents involving hazardous substances.
- Regulatory Compliance: They help businesses meet stringent environmental regulations and avoid hefty fines.
- Cost-Efficiency: By preventing costly clean-ups and equipment damage, bunded tanks offer long-term financial benefits.
- Versatility: Suitable for a wide variety of liquids, from water to chemicals.
Stay Compliant with Environmental Regulations
The Environment Agency frequently investigates oil spills and improper storage practices. If your tank leaks into the environment, the agency will trace it back to you, leading to possible fines or legal action. To avoid this, it’s essential to adhere to regulations, particularly for domestic oil tanks over 2,500 litres, which must be bunded by law. Keeping detailed records of maintenance and inspections can also help demonstrate your compliance if questioned.
How to Maintain a Bunded Water Tank
Proper care of your bunded tank will extend its lifespan and ensure it remains effective. Key steps include:
- Regular Inspections: Check regularly for leaks, cracks, or signs of corrosion.
- Cleaning: Periodically clean the tank to remove sediment or debris that could affect performance. COVAC can assist with this.
- Ventilation: Ensure the tank is adequately ventilated to prevent condensation or mould.
- Professional Servicing: Have a professional inspection and service your tank regularly, especially if it stores hazardous liquids.
How to Identify if Your Bunded Tank Needs Immediate Repair
Early detection of issues can save you from costly repairs down the line. Check your tank for:
- Leaks or Spills: Any visible leakage should be addressed immediately.
- Cracks or Physical Damage: Check for structural damage that could compromise the tank’s integrity.
- Sediment Buildup: Excessive sediment can signal a need for cleaning or maintenance.
- Discolouration or Odour: Unusual changes in the liquid stored could indicate contamination or tank damage.
What to Do If You Need Your Bunded Tank Repaired?
If your bunded tank requires repair, it’s crucial to address the issue promptly to avoid further damage or environmental risks. Our professional team at COVAC specialise in bunded tank repair and lining services. We apply our ACOTHANE DW coating system, which offers long-term protection against chemical spills and extends the tank’s lifespan. All repairs come with a 10-year guarantee, ensuring peace of mind.
