In the United States alone, there are more than 145,000 fueling stations. Most of which use an underground tank.
The only areas of North America where underground tanks aren’t used is in the extreme north. A lot of people don’t know how underground tanks work, but we all rely on gas tanks to keep our cars fueled. Let’s take a deeper look at how the underground tanks we use everyday function.
How Deep are Underground Tanks?
Modern steel tanks that are built to house combustible liquids can be buried between 5 feet and 40 feet in the ground. Five feet used to be the maximum, but throughout the 20th century gas stations kept getting larger. In response, underground tanks got larger and deeper.
How are Underground Tanks Built?
To begin with, underground gas tanks for fuel storage are fabricated above ground and then installed into place. They are often built out of steel, aluminum, fiberglass, or a combination of materials. Many modern tanks feature a double wall to prevent leakage or damage, but some tanks only have a single wall.
Operating an Underground Tank
There are different types of tanks that have different operations, but let’s take a look at the average tank. The tank fills from above, the ports used for this have metal covers most often. A truck or other transportation tank will pump the gas or liquid into the tank from above.
When you get the handle and hose off the gas station and use it, it activates a pump. This pump creates a vacuum that sucks gas into the hose. The gas then travels from the underground pump, up the hose, and into your vehicle.
Industrial tanks often use more powerful pumps and larger hoses. They still operate much the same as a typical gas station tank. The difference is that the oil industry uses above ground and underground tanks.
Need a Tank or Component?
Tanks will last up to 20 years or more if taken care of. In the end, they will need to be replaced, or some of the components may need replaced. If you are in need of a tank or component for your business, you can try these listings.
Are Underground Tanks Safe?
As long as they are maintained and monitored, underground tanks are among the safest ways to store combustible liquids like gas. The chances that they will be exposed to a fire hazard are much lower. Old, or unkept tanks can become a danger to people who live nearby as they can allow seepage into groundwater supplies.
Underground Gas Tanks
There’s no denying that underground gas tanks have become a permanent fixture of our society. As more people began to drive vehicles they became more common. While the pumps and systems around them have modernized, the basic concept remains the same.
We hope you found this article explaining about how gas tanks work informative. Before you go, be sure to browse our site for other great reads!