OTS Launches TankCare Service
OTS TankCare is key to planned preventative maintenance for gas-oil storage facilities.
Fixed price service covers sampling, analysis and inspection of fuel-oil storage tanks.
The introduction of new fuel specifications with traditional red diesel being replaced by ultra-low sulphur gas oil presents a number of challenges to users in agriculture, transport and logistics sectors.* For the new fuel has an increased proportion of biodiesel content which makes it very needy in terms of tank hygiene. More care will also be required with layup procedures for plant and machinery not in regular use.
Responding to the needs of its customers, Oil Tank Supplies of Moreton in Marsh, Gloucestershire, has launched OTS Tankcare, a support service equipped to provide technical advice and carry out preventative maintenance for fuel-oil storage facilities.
“The basic service comprises a site visit and inspection of the client’s storage tank,” explains OTS support manager, Darrin Francis. “This covers fuel sampling, analysis and a tank status report for a fixed fee of £85 plus VAT.”
“Depending on the findings the OTS Tankcare report will recommend follow up actions and advice for immediate remedial action, together with a cost proposal for an on-going OTS Tankcare planned preventative maintenance (PPM) service agreement.
There is no obligation to use OTS and ‘clients’ can simply implement our recommendations by using their own resources or pass these over to their existing service support providers.” says Darrin Francis.
“We are recommending that existing storage tanks are inspected and if required, cleaned thoroughly in readiness for the new specification biofuels. This gas-oil is less tolerant of tank contamination and it has hydroscopic properties, which means it will absorb and release water as ambient environmental conditions change. Water will then encourage the growth of bio materials that can clog filters.”
“The consequences of this will show up as dispensing pumps become slower and in a worst case scenario contamination of the fuel which can lead to breakdowns and loss of productivity.
“Regular maintenance is essential. As well as checking that oil storage tanks are free of water, service engineers should also make sure that oil line ancillary equipment on gas oil installations such as filters and valves are biodiesel compatible. Flexible oil lines and fuel pumps should also be checked for biodiesel compatibility, and upgraded if necessary.
The OTS TankCare total PPM service covers inspection, tank scrub and de-contamination service. As well as expertise OTS is certified for the removal of waste and all operations are carried out on the client’s premises and without any disruption to normal site operations.
* Editors’ notes: Industry leaders such as OFTEC, ICOM and Federation of Petroleun Suppliers are advising installers and service engineers that by 1st January 2011 – or even sooner – Class D gas oil supplied in Great Britain could contain up to 7 percent of FAME – the most common type of biodiesel. (Fatty Acid Methyl Esters).
