2 min read
01 Sep
01Sep

Why condemn your damaged underground tank when fiberglass technology can bring it back to life or even make it better than a new tank? 

Since its introduction in the 1960s, fiberglass underground tanks have rapidly grown in popularity. It was becoming clear that  rusting  steel  tanks  were  leaking  and  creating  serious  environmental  damage.  Therefore,  the  initial  focus  of  fiberglass  manufacturers was to design storage vessels that weren’t vulnerable to the effects of external corrosion. Throughout the 1980s, major oil companies abroad and other large fuel marketers quickly began to realize the benefits of fiberglass over steel  underground  tanks.  

Today  the  preference  for  fiberglass  modified tanks  reaches  across  all  segments  of  the  market  and  includes those who install and own underground storage tanks. 

Further, the recognized benefits of fiberglass extend well beyond external corrosion protection. Today, with a greater industry-wide understanding of the increased regulatory burden and risks associated with storage tanks, tank buyers are much more educated and sophisticated in their product selection. 


Benefits of fiberglass underground storage tanks 

Corrosion Resistance – External corrosion protection will always be a concern, but, with the widespread use of ethanol-blended gasoline (E10, E15, E85), biodiesel fuels and ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD), the focus has shifted to internal corrosion protection. These new biofuels are creating increasing incidents of aggressive microbial-induced corrosion (MIC) of metal components in fueling systems. Fiberglass tanks are not vulnerable to internal corrosion caused by MIC. Neither do they tolerate rust externally due to corrosive soil environments. 

Fuel  Compatibility  –  In  addition  to  creating  corrosive  conditions  in  tanks,  new  ethanol-blended  fuels  today  also  raise  questions regarding compatibility of the stored fuel with tank materials. Kindoju's double-wall fiberglass coated tanks are not only warranted for the full range of ethanol-blended gasoline, they are also UL-tested and UL-listed as compatible with 0-100 percent ethanol storage. This is a very clear and distinct difference from steel storage tanks. 

Track Record – With over hundreds of leak-tanks repairs though out West Africa during the last two decades, fiberglass coated tanks have an outstanding record of both protecting the environment and minimizing tank owners’ risk. 

International Acceptance 

The great majority of new underground tanks installed today for North America's largest fuel retailers and commercial fleet facilities are fiberglass tanks.  After  exploring  their  options  and  evaluating  years  of  product  performance,  these  tank  owners  overwhelmingly  continue to choose fiberglass.

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