Installation Guide

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE
GUIDELINES FOR
STEEL TANKS FOR OIL-BURNER FUELS AND OTHER
COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS
Manufactured by:
GIL FAB Tanks International
1429 De la Gare
Mascouche, QC, Canada
J7K 3G6
Phone : [phone]
Website: www.ats-tank.com/en/products/11/ul-80-tanks/
1. SCOPE
These guidelines apply only to the installation and maintenance of
domestic, aboveground fuel oil tanks manufactured to UL80, Steel Tanks
for Oil-Burner Fuels and Other Combustible Liquids. These tanks have an
obround shape, are of a single-walled and available in capacities ranging
from 275 to 330 gallons.
These tanks must be installed in accordance with NFPA 31, Standard for
the Installation of Oil-Burning Equipment and in compliance with any
applicable local codes or regulations.
The instructions in this document are intended as recommended
guidelines only for tank installation. For more specific installation
instructions, please refer to your local code enforcement agency.
2. TANK INSPECTION
Inspect the tank immediately upon receipt. Minor dents and scratches may
be acceptable. Do not install the tank if damages are thought to affect the
integrity and performance of the tank. Contact your tank vendor. Make
sure you perform the same inspection AFTER the tank is installed.
3. TANK HANDLING
The tank must be lifted without dragging or dropping to prevent damage.
Obround tanks are to be lifted using the handles provided on the tank
heads.
Do not move a tank unless it is empty.
4. TANK INSTALLATION
Authorities having jurisdiction should be consulted before the installation of
the tank. The installer shall ensure that all applicable Codes are met prior
to installation.
In some jurisdictions, installation by a technician recognized by the
authority having jurisdiction might be mandated. Please check with the
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) in your area. Only labelled tanks
bearing the UL listing mark with a serial number are eligible for warranty
and installation. Under no circumstances shall a used tank of any design
be installed or re-installed.
This tank is intended for stationary use only.
4.1. Removal of temporary tank closures
All tank openings are shipped from the factory with temporary shipping
caps. These caps must be removed prior to tank installation.
4.2. Condensation
Condensation can form in the tank during the shipping and storing
processes. All water and ice should be removed from the tank prior to
installation.
4.3. General location of the tank
Fuel oil storage tanks can either be installed inside or outside of a building.
Indoor installation is preferable for heating oil applications, resulting in
improved service, increased efficiency, reduced risks and increased life
expectancy of the tank.
Tank location should be chosen in accordance with the following
requirements:
 The tank should be placed in an area where it is unlikely to be
adversely affected by normal household activities;
 The tank should be placed in an area where it can be visually
inspected from all sides;
 The tank label should be visible;
 Tanks should not be located directly under house eaves where they
may be subject to falling snow and ice or dripping water. Protection
should be provided if there are no other placement alternatives;
 Tanks should be installed in accordance with clearances specified in
NFPA 31 or by the AHJ;
 Tanks should not be placed in intimate contact with walls or
structures since leaves and other organic matter can accumulate and
cause external corrosion of the tank; and
 Tank location shall respect the local code for distance to property
lines, to other energy sources or to other storage systems.
4.4. Foundations
The tank should be properly supported by a level, rigid and non-
combustible base. The base should be designed to prevent uneven
settling and to minimize corrosion of any part of the tank resting on the
foundation. A poured concrete basement floor provides the best option
while other options are also available.
All tanks are at risk from base movement; especially new outside
installations placed on recently disturbed ground. A well-drained sub grade
should be provided for proper drainage. Six inches of crushed, clear,
mechanically compacted stone is recommended. The site should have all
organic materials such as sod or bark removed and the soil mechanically
compacted.
4.5. Tank legs
Our domestic obround tanks are provided with four threaded leg supports.
The tank legs that fit into these supports are Schedule 40
1¼" threaded
black iron pipes with a maximum length of 12”. The leg supports installed
on the tank should:
• provide enough clearance for the tank accessories; and
• provide for proper drainage slope. The tank MUST be pitched
longitudinally, towards the drain, at least 1/4 inch per foot of
tank length. This is applicable for all tanks even tanks that
use a top-draw fuel system (oil drawn from the top of the
tank).
The use of tank cradles is not allowed on any of our tanks.
4.6. Tank piping
Fill, vent and supply piping must respect all applicable codes. Piping shall
be designed so that the tank is not subjected to vacuum or pressure
exceeding 1 PSIG measured at the top of the tank. Vent pipe diameter
must be in accordance with the latest version of NFPA 31.
4.7. Overfill Protection
An overfill-protection device should be provided on every fuel oil supply
tank. When a vent whistle is installed as an overfill-protection device, no
person should deliver fuel oil to the supply tank when the vent whistle does
not function properly. The use of a 6 in. long whistle is recommended for
obround tank models.
Page 1of 2 Revision Feb 3 -2015