Oil Tank Installation
Oil Tank Installation
Oil Tank Installation
AND
MANAGEMENT
OF
ABOVEGROUND DOMESTIC FUEL OIL TANKS
INSTALLATIONS MUST MEET ALL LOCAL AND FEDERAL CODES THAT MAY DIFFER
FROM THIS MANUAL
Please read this complete manual before beginning installation. These instructions must be
left with the homeowner for future reference.
Effective Date:
October 25, 2007
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.0
Scope
2.0
Introduction
3.0
Mechanism Of Failure
4.0
5.0
Documentation Procedure
6.0
7.0
8.0
10
9.0
11
10.0
Testing
11
11.0
12
12.0
Service Life
13
Oct-07
1.0
SCOPE
This section applies only to the installation and management of domestic, aboveground fuel oil
tanks constructed to CAN/ULC-S602, Standard for Aboveground Steel Tanks for the Storage
of Combustible Liquids Intended to be Used as Heating and/or Generator Fuels. These tanks
must be installed in accordance with CSA B139, Installation Code for Oil-Burning Equipment,
manufacturers instructions and the authority having jurisdiction. This document applies only to
tanks used to store fuel oil for space heating purposes. Tank installations must also comply
with any applicable local codes. The tanks covered by this document are designed for
stationary installation and are not meant to transport any product over roads and highways.
Maximum obround tank capacities are limited to one tank of 260 gal (1200 L) or multiple tanks
to a maximum total capacity of 520 gal (2400 L).
2.0
INTRODUCTION
Domestic fuel oil storage tanks have been in use for more than fifty years. Properly installed
and maintained they can offer decades of safe fuel oil storage. Improper tank installation
practices may cause tanks to fail before their potential life expectancy has been reached.
Following the practices recommended in this document will ensure that the oil storage system
will perform properly.
3.0
MECHANISM OF FAILURE
An understanding of the causes of oil tank failure can significantly reduce the occurrence of
such failures. There are three modes of failure applicable to domestic oil storage tanks. They
are: a) manufacturing defects, b) physical damage and c) corrosion.
3.1
MANUFACTURING DEFECTS
Manufacturing defects are possible for all tank designs and methods of construction.
Competent manufacturers strive to reduce manufacturing defects through the application of
quality assurance and quality control systems. Testing is required by all construction codes
and some manufacturers exceed the minimum requirements. It is the responsibility of the tank
manufacturer to reduce the number and seriousness of manufacturing defects.
3.2
PHYSICAL DAMAGE
All tank designs are susceptible to physical damage. Placement of the tank (see Section 6.0)
is one of the major factors in reducing exposure to mechanical damage. An adequate base
must be provided for any tank to provide stability. Vulnerable areas of the tank such as the
gauge, the valve and the oil line must be protected (see section 6.2.5 for more details).
Improper filling and emptying procedures can also cause physical damage to the tank.
Oct-07
3.3
CORROSION
Steel tanks are susceptible to corrosion. However, the likelihood of corrosion failure can be
greatly reduced if the corrosion process is understood.
Metals corrode because they are trying to release energy bound into them from the refining
process. Electrochemical corrosion requires an anode, a cathode and an electrolyte. The
anode has more stored energy and will therefore corrode to attain a lower energy level. The
cathode has lower stored energy and will not corrode. The electrolyte completes the circuit for
a galvanic cell. In a galvanic cell ions of steel travel through the electrolyte and are deposited
at the cathode. If the cathode is large relative to the anode, pitting corrosion at the anode will
occur.
Oil tank corrosion can be subdivided into long-term and short-term (pitting corrosion). Longterm corrosion will occur over thirty or more years. Short-term corrosion can cause failure in
as little as eight months. Long-term corrosion occurs when there are no vast differences
between the sizes of anodic to cathodic areas. Long-term corrosion is not a problem with oil
tanks since the rate of corrosion is low and tanks are generally replaced before this type of
corrosion causes tanks to fail.
Short-term corrosion is a very real problem but is easily prevented. The main contributor to
short term corrosion is early exposure of the tank to an electrolyte. Fuel oil is a very poor
electrolyte but sludge and water that accumulates in fuel oil tanks is a good electrolyte. There
are several ways that water can enter a fuel storage system.
The most common source of water is transfer of sludge and water from an old tank to a new
one. This practice shall be avoided. Condensation, especially in outside tanks, will cause a
build up of water. This is why it is important to keep the tank full during the summer. Water
can enter the tank through broken gauges or through openings with missing caps. Water may
also be delivered directly from the oil truck.
The way to eliminate corrosion of steel tanks is to eliminate the electrolyte or water. Bottom
outlet steel tanks, tilted toward the burner connection inch per foot of length to prevent the
accumulation of water, will help eliminate this problem.
4.0
All aboveground fuel oil tanks shall bear a label in accordance with Section 7 of CAN/ULCS602, Standard For Aboveground Steel Tanks For The Storage Of Combustible Liquids
Intended To Be Used As Heating And/Or Generator Fuels, as revised, amended or substituted.
5.0
DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURE
All oil-fired systems including the tank shall be approved by a Certified Oil Burner Technician
or a Certified Tank Installer before fuel is delivered. Some provinces require tank installers
and inspectors to be licensed. Installers have the equipment to properly install a tank and
ensure no sludge is transferred to the new tank. They also have the procedures to dispose of
sludge and the old tank in an environmentally acceptable manner.
Oct-07
Many provinces have tagging procedures that must be followed. If no tagging regulations
apply the installer should maintain records of installations including date, tank serial number,
address of installation, name of installer, type of tank, and type of installation. If practical,
photographs of the finished installation are also recommended.
6.0
Oil storage tanks can be placed inside or outside the structure. The tank must be handled
without dragging or dropping. Do not move a tank unless it is empty.
Tanks shall not impede the means of egress from a building.
6.1
Oct-07
Tanks shall be installed on the lowest floor of the building. An exception is allowed if
the tank is installed in an attached garage that is not the lowest floor. Tanks less than
50 gal (230 L) can be located above the lowest storey, cellar or basement. See Section
6.0.1.
ii)
Inside tanks shall be located not less than 2 feet (0.6 m) from any fuel-fired appliance.
This applies to the complete appliance not just the burner. Fuel oil temperature shall be
kept below 100 F (38 C).
iii)
iv)
Tanks shall be placed in an area where they can be visually inspected from all sides.
Maintain a minimum separation of 2 in (50 mm) from all walls and a clearance of 4 in
(100 mm) beneath the tank. The tank label shall be visible.
v)
Tanks shall be installed so that there is at least 18 in (460 mm) clearance along one
side and one end of the tank
vi)
Tanks located in garages should be provided with adequate protection from vehicular
traffic.
vii) The supply line, valve and filter should be protected from damage. The copper tubing
can be placed inside a protective plastic sleeve (see 6.2.5).
viii) It is recommended that a plastic tank tray be placed underneath the tank to contain any
potential small leaks of product.
Oct-07
6.2
OUTDOOR INSTALLATIONS
Please note the following outdoor tank installation instructions and recommendations.
(b)
(c)
(d)
Oct-07
Six
c) The tank must be properly supported to prevent it from shifting, settling, or falling over.
The tank base shall be rigid and non-combustible. It is recommended that the tank
support legs be installed on a reinforced concrete pad a minimum of four inches (100
mm) thick attached to the foundation. The concrete shall have a compressive strength of
3,000 lbf / in2 (21 MPa). If this is not feasible a separate concrete slab as described
above may be used. The pad should extend four inches (100 mm) beyond the tank in all
directions. See Section 6.0.1. Tank cradles are not recommended unless designed by
a professional engineer. Note: A full tank (900 L) of oil weighs about 2,000 pounds (9000
N) and the support must be designed for this weight.
d) The tank shall be installed on rigid non-combustible supports having a fire resistance of
not less than 2 h.
e) The tank shall be securely supported to prevent settling, sliding, toppling or lifting.
f) New outdoor tank installations should be inspected regularly (once per month for the first
year) after installation to ensure that the tank has not moved. Yearly checks are required
after the first year.
g) Cross-connected tanks must be placed on the same pad.
Oct-07
Oct-07
7.0
7.1
a) The fill pipe opening shall not be more than 13 ft (4 m) above the bottom of the tank.
b) Each fill opening and each entry to a fill pipe shall be provided with a vapour and liquidtight cover designed to discourage tampering.
c) The fill pipe material shall be 2 IPS minimum schedule 40 black steel or galvanized steel
pipe in Canada. In the USA, individual states or municipalities may permit fill pipe
diameters other than 2 IPS. Consult the local authority having jurisdiction for permissible
fill pipe diameters.
d) Threaded joints in the fill piping shall be made fuel oil-tight using joint compound
conforming to CAN/ULC-S642, Standard for Compounds and Tapes for Threaded Pipe
Joints, or equivalent, approved for this use.
e) The fill pipe shall terminate outside the building, close to the wall, at least 2 ft (600 mm)
from any building opening. Outside tanks can have the fill directly above the tank
opening.
f) The fill pipe shall be located to permit easy filling in a manner that will avoid spillage.
g) The fill pipe shall terminate at least 39 inches (1 m) above grade.
increased in areas of high snowfall.
This should be
h) The fill shall drain towards the tank (minimum slope of 1%) without traps where liquid can
collect.
7.2
a) The vent pipe material shall be schedule 40 black steel or galvanized steel pipe.
b) Threaded joints in the vent piping shall be made fuel oil-tight using joint compound
conforming to CAN/ULC-S642, Standard for Compounds and Tapes for Threaded Pipe
Joint, or equivalent, approved for this use.
c) Vent pipe shall not be less than 1 IPS. The vent shall be large enough to prevent
abnormal pressure or vacuum within the tank caused by filling or emptying. Consult B
139 for the required vent size.
d) All tanks shall be connected to a vent alarm or whistle as a means of preventing
overfilling. The whistle or alarm shall be clearly audible above normal ambient noise.
Use of single whistle or alarm is recommended for cross-connected tanks.
e) The vent shall drain towards the tank (minimum slope of 1%) without traps where liquid
can collect.
Oct-07
f) The lower end of the vent shall enter the tank through the top and shall extend into the
tank not more than 1 in (25 mm).
g) Vent pipe that terminates adjacent to a building shall be installed so that the termination
point is:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
8.0
The vent shall be provided with a weatherproof vent cap. The vent cap should have a
screen that does not reduce the vent area.
a) Copper tubing 3/8 (10 mm) shall have 0.027 in (0.67 mm) minimum wall thickness; 7/16
9/16 (11 14 mm) shall have 0.032 in (0.80 mm) minimum wall thickness; and 5/8 (15
18 mm) shall have 0.037 in (0.93 mm) minimum wall thickness.
b) Outside tanks should use 1/2 in (13 mm) outside diameter tubing. Inside tanks can use
3/8 in (10 mm) tubing.
c) All connections in copper piping and tubing should be visible, accessible and made fuel
oil-tight using a flared joint.
d) An automatic shut off device shall be installed in the burner supply line if the burner pump
does not have an automatic shut off in the event of a fire.
e) Product piping connections at any level below the highest level to which the liquid in the
tank will rise shall be provided with a shut-off valve (ideally a steel ball valve or gate
valve) located as close as practicable to the tank shell. This will allow the fuel supply to
the heating appliance to be shut off.
f) Product filters should:
i)
be installed inside the building, and;
ii) have sufficient clearance to allow for replacement or repair.
10
Oct-07
g) Burying product piping is not permitted since concrete can corrode copper lines, allowing
fuel to leak unnoticed. When burying is necessary for line safety from traffic, copper
tubing or poly-coated copper tubing shall be placed in a continuous run of corrosionresistant tubing when buried under or otherwise placed in direct contact with a concrete
floor or wall. The ends of the flexible corrosion-resistant tubing should protrude at least 2
in (50 mm) above the concrete floor.
h) Product piping placed in direct contact with a concrete floor or wall should be placed in a
continuous run of corrosion-resistant tubing.
i) On supply lines from outside tanks two shutoff valves should be installed, one outside at
the tank and one inside on the tank side of the filter.
j) The burner supply lines should be run as directly as practicable.
9.0
CROSS-CONNECTED TANKS
Two obround oil tanks may be cross-connected if their total capacity does not exceed 520 gal
(2400 L).
The cross-connected tank installation shall be as follows:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
10.0 TESTING
Oil tank manufacturers pressure tests all tanks before shipping. Oil storage systems must be
tested for leaks before oil is put into the tank. At the very minimum the installer or oil company
representative must be in attendance for the first fill up to ensure that there are no leaks in the
system.
11
Oct-07
12
Oct-07
11.3 INSPECTION
Tanks should be visually inspected at least once a year. Running your hand along the
underside of the tank will detect weeping. Inside tanks must be kept free of clutter and
protected from damage. Outside tanks must be kept free of ice and snow.
13
Oct-07
Coverage Period
(Years)
10
6
8
4
10
6
6
TABLE 2
END Outlet Fuel Oil Storage Tank Limited Warranty Coverage Period
Style
Gauge
Installation
Location
ULC S602 Vertical/Flat CANADA
12
Indoor
ULC S602 Vertical/Flat CANADA
12
Outdoor
ULC S602 Vertical/Flat CANADA
14
Indoor
ULC S602 Vertical/Flat CANADA
14
Outdoor
ULC S602 Upright CANADA
12
Indoor
Coverage Period
(Years)
3
2
3
2
2
HOMEOWNER PORTION
MODEL NUMBER:__________________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER:__________________________________________
DATE INSTALLED:__________________________________________
NAME OF INSTALLER:_______________________________________
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------MAIL-IN PORTION
MODEL NUMBER:__________________________________________
SERIAL NUMBER:__________________________________________
DATE INSTALLED:__________________________________________
NAME OF INSTALLER:_______________________________________
This Limited Warranty applies to the original purchaser, but only while the fuel oil storage tank remains at the site of
the original installation and only if the fuel oil storage tank is installed inside the continental United States, Alaska or
Canada. The Limited Warranty applies only if the fuel oil storage tank is installed by an installer whose competence
is recognized by the local authority having jurisdiction. This Limited Warranty only applies if the fuel oil storage tank
has been installed in accordance with PMFs installation instructions available online at www.kerrheating.com and in
accordance with all applicable federal, provincial, state and municipal codes and regulations. As used in this Limited
Warranty, installation means the original installation. PMF reserves the right to inspect the installation conditions of
all fuel oil storage tanks claimed under warranty prior to removal of the fuel oil storage tank.
If the fuel oil storage tank fails within the Limited Warranty Coverage Period and is approved for Limited Warranty by
PMF, then PMF will provide a replacement tank of similar size and configuration. All replacement fuel oil storage
tanks will be warranted for the remaining portion of the warranty coverage period on the original fuel oil storage tank.
The installer must return the original defective fuel oil storage tank to a Distributor that sells PMF fuel oil storage
tanks, and exchange it for a replacement fuel oil storage tank.
In lieu of providing a replacement fuel oil storage tank, PMF may, at its sole option, refund to you an amount equal to
the Distributors purchase price from us, or provide to you a credit equal to that amount to be applied toward the
purchase of any new fuel oil storage tank that PMF manufactures.
Any labor, material, freight and/or handling charges associated with any repair or replacement pursuant to this Limited
Warranty is not covered by this Limited Warranty and will be your responsibility.
In establishing the Date of Installation for any purposes, including determination of the starting date for the
Coverage Period of this Limited Warranty, proof of the original installation date must be presented (you must retain
records that can establish the installation date of your fuel oil storage tank), otherwise the effective date will be based
on the date of manufacture of the fuel oil storage tank, plus thirty (30) days.
PMF will not be responsible for and you, the user, will pay for: (a) damages caused by accident, abuse,
vandalism, negligence, misuse, riot, fire, flood, Acts of War or Acts of God (b) DAMAGES CAUSED BY
OPERATING THE FUEL OIL STORAGE TANK WHERE CORROSIVE ELEMENTS OTHER THAN MATERIALS
PRESCRIBED IN THE STANDARDS ULC S602 AND UL 80 HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED AND ALLOWED TO
RESIDE INSIDE THE FUEL OIL STORAGE TANK SUCH AS, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, WATER, CHLORINE,
FLUORINE, BACTERIA OR ANY OTHER CORROSIVE ELEMENTS (c) damages caused by an unauthorized
alteration or repair of the fuel oil storage tank affecting its stability or performance (d) damages caused by
improper matching or application of the fuel oil storage tanks components (e) damages caused by failing to
provide proper maintenance to the fuel oil storage tank (f) any expenses incurred in erecting, disconnecting,
or dismantling the fuel oil storage tank (g) parts or supplies used in connection with service or maintenance
(h) damage, repairs, inoperation, or inefficiency resulting from faulty installation or application.
IN NO EVENT SHALL PMF BE LIABLE FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL OR SPECIAL DAMAGES OR
EXPENSES IN CONNECTION WITH ANY USE OR FAILURE OF THIS FUEL OIL STORAGE TANK. We make no
other condition or warranty, express or implied and specifically disclaim all statutory implied warranties or
conditions, including merchantability and fitness for a purpose, to the greatest extent allowed by law. Some
states or provinces do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages or do not
allow limitations on how long an implied warranty or condition lasts, so the above limitations or exclusions
may not apply to you. The provisions of this Limited Warranty are in addition to and not a modification of or
subtraction from any statutory warranties and other rights provided by law.
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