Installation and Maintenance Guidelines for Aboveground

INSTALLATION AND MAINTENANCE

GUIDELINES FOR

ABOVEGROUND DOMESTIC FUEL OIL TANKS

MODELS •US OBROUND SHAPE - 120 GALLONS TO 330 GALLONS

Manufactured by :

1020 André-Liné Granby, Québec, Canada J2J 1J9 Telephone: 450-378-2334 Fax: 450-378-5202 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http//www.granbytanks.com X00001

Revised January 2004

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Table of Content

1.0 Scope 3 2.0 Introduction 3 3.0 Tank Receiving 3 4.0 Tank Handling 3 4.1 Condensation 4 5.0 Placement of the Tank 4

Facts Favoring Indoor Installation 4 Energy loss, operation and maintenance issues 5 Inside installation advantages 5

5.1 Indoor Installations 5 5.1.1 Foundations 6 5.1.2 Tanks legs 6 5.1.3 Distance from appliances 6 5.2 Outdoor Installations 6 5.2.1 General Location 6 5.2.2 Protection from Vehicle Traffic 7 5.2.3 Tank Base 7 5.2.4 Flood Plains and High Wind Areas 8 5.2.5 Protection of Oil Supply Lines 8 5.2.6 Outdoor tank basin 8 6.0 Fill and Vent Piping 9 6.1 Fill pipe 9 6.2 Tanks Venting 9 6.3 Piping 10 7.0 Burner Supply Connections 11 8.0 Cross-Connected Tanks 11 9.0 Oil Level Gauge 12 10.0 Transfer of Product 12 11.0 Testing 12 12.0 Oil Tank Management 13


1.0 SCOPE This guide applies only to the installation and maintenance of domestic, aboveground fuel oil tanks manufactured by Granby Steel Tanks to UL 80, Steel Tanks for Oil burner Fuel. Only tanks bearing UL listing marks labels with serial numbers are eligible to warranty and should be installed. IMPROPER INSTALLATION MAY RESULT IN SPILLEAGE OF PRODUCT. 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.

2.0 INTRODUCTION Steel tanks for fuel oil storage have been in use for more than fifty years and can offer decades of trouble free service. However, many tank installations and practices actually cause tanks early failure. This is why Do-it-yourself installation is NOT ACCEPTED and will render the warranty NULL AND VOID. In most jurisdictions, installation by a certified technician is mandated by regulations. THE INSTALLATION OF YOUR TANK MUST BE PERFORMED BY A CERTIFIED AND QUALIFIED TECHNICIAN RECOGNIZED BY THE AUTHORITIES HAVING JURISDICTION. 3.0 TANK RECEIVING Obround shape Tanks are stored and shipped palletized, lying on their side wall. Inspect the tank immediately upon reception. Minor dents and scratches may be acceptable. If damages affect the integrity and performance of the tank, please contact Granby Steel Tanks or your distributor for a RGA number (Returned Goods Authorization).

4.0 TANK HANDLING Tank must be handled without dragging or dropping to prevent damaging it. Do not move a tank unless it is empty. All openings are provided with metal caps or plugs. Caps are tightly inserted into the flange to protect threads and must be removed for tank installation. Puncture a hole into the cap with a tool (screwdriver) and pull it out using the tool as a lever.

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4.1 Condensation Condensation can form in the tank during the shipping and storing processes. If water from condensation is present in the tank, it should drain by itself if the tank is pitched properly toward the bottom outlet as described in section 5.1.2. To make sure condensation is drained, remove the bottom outlet metal cap as described in section 4.0 above and THEN install the tanks on its legs with the proper pitch. The outlet fittings should be installed after condensation has been drained from the tank.

If you install the tank during a day where the outside temperature is below the freezing point, it is a recommended practice to put the tank in a heated area for at least 24 hours to make sure that any condensation that might have turned to ice will be evacuated. If the tank is installed with ice at the bottom, it could block the outlet opening.

5.0 PLACEMENT OF THE TANK

CAUTION: If Total installed capacity exceeds 660 gallons refer to the NFPA 31 Installation Code for maximum quantities and permissible arrangements.

Tank location should be chosen in accordance with the following requirements: a) The tank must be properly supported to prevent it from shifting, settling, or

falling over. The tank base shall be rigid and non-combustible. b) Tank shall be placed in an area where it is unlikely to be adversely

affected by normal household activities. There shall be no storage immediately above, under or in its proximity.

c) Tank shall be placed in an area where it can be visually inspected from all sides. Maintain a minimum clearance of 2 in from all walls and a clearance of 4 in beneath the tank, for visual inspection. The tank label shall be visible.

d) Tank shall be provided with adequate protection and shall be placed away from vehicular traffic.

e) The supply line and filter shall be protected from damage. The copper tubing can be placed inside a protective plastic sleeve.

f) Where high water is anticipated due to flooding or groundwater conditions, the tank shall be protected against uplift forces from hydrostatic pressures.

Fuel oil storage tanks can be placed inside or outside of a building. Indoor installation is by far preferable for heating oil applications, resulting in improved service life expectancy. This is why:

4• Fuel line breakage due to the weight of ice and snow or icicles snapping


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lines when falling from the roof. • Frost heaves causing lines to become stressed resulting in leaks or

breakage. • Water contamination (condensation) causing freezing and splitting of lines. • Ground settling causing line failure (over stressed) or tank tipping. • Accidental damage of lines from being stepped on, hit or something being

dropped. • Tanks corroding at an accelerated rate; condensation formed due to

heating and cooling cycle from the weather, pools in the tank bottom (heavier then oil) resulting in corrosion of the tank bottom.

• Vandalism (Line Cutting & breakage), Tank tipping, etc. • Unstable foundations rotting / sinking resulting in tank tipping and line

failure. Energy loss, operation and maintenance issues

• Boiler efficiency is reduced due to temperature swings causing fuel viscosity to change creating possible burner malfunctions.

• Fuel waxing in winter, plugging filters, especially on improperly installed bottom outlet tanks.

• Fuel oxidizing and deterioration due to summer heating of the fuel (more sludge and filter plugging).

• Bacteria growth in tank due to summer heat and condensation build up, causes filter plugging and accelerated corrosion.

• Ice crystals formation in winter causes filter plugging / line freezing. Inside installation advantages

• Reduces risk of spill/leaks by roughly 75% Vs outside tank installation. • A concrete basement floor provides a strong stable base for the tank. • Tank is operated in an environment under owner’s control. Constant

storage temperature enhances fuel stability, no waxing or freezing issues. • Burner can be tuned to maximum efficiency level, reduces soothing

resulting in higher heat transfer reducing maintenance. • Fuel oxidation is reduced considerably (very little sludge build-up in fuel). • Less bacteria, less condensation and less corrosion. • There should be no odors from a properly installed inside tank. If the tank

begins to weep from internal corrosion, early detection is more likely with an indoor tank than with one located outside. Early detection can save thousands of dollars in cleanup and environmental costs.

• Affordable leak and spill protection are available, combined with alarm device acting like a smoke detector but detecting leaking oil.

5.1 Indoor Installation We always recommended installing domestic fuel oil tanks indoors (refer to above section). Owner/user should be aware that this improves safety and efficiency of their oil storage system. Any fuel odor is abnormal and requires immediate attention to protect the environment.


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.

5.1.1 Foundations A poured concrete basement floor provides the best option for a strong, stable and solid base for the tank. If a solid, non-combustible floor is not present the recommendations for outdoor installations (Section 5.2) should be followed.

5.1.2 Tanks legs Our domestic tanks are provided with four threaded leg supports. Tanks legs shall be 1¼“ black iron pipes threaded on one end. Leg sizes shall be 11” at the outlet end and 12” at the opposite end. This gives a slope of ¼” per foot of tank length and provides enough room for the shutoff valve and filter installation.

Threaded legs can allow for some height adjustment (useful in models under 240 gals) but tank base or floor must essentially be leveled. Tank legs shall be vertically straightened to level to support evenly the weight of the tank filled with fuel (2200 lb. ±). The installer must verify that a minimum slope of ¼’’ by foot toward the fuel outlet is respected. This is a critical point of the installation and failure to comply with it will render the tank warranty NULL and VOID.

5.1.3 Distance from appliances

• Inside tanks shall be located not less than 5 feet from any direct heat source. Refer to NFPA 31 clauses 7.5.13 and 7.5.14 when it is impractical to respect that clearance.

• Keep in mind that the tank must have all necessary satisfying clearances for maintenance and operation.

5.2 OWherlocate

5.

CAUTION: DO NOT STORE ANY GOODS ABOVE, UNDER OR INTHE PROXIMITY OF THE TANK.

utdoor Installation e indoor installation is not possible, aboveground outside tanks shall be d in conformance with the following sections.

2.1 General Location • Tanks must not block building entrances or windows including

basement windows. 6


• If possible, tanks should not be located directly under house eaves where they may be subject to falling snow and ice or increased external pitting from dripping water. Protection shall be provided if there are no other placement alternatives.

• 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.

• Tanks location shall respect the local code for distance to property lines and to other energy sources connection lines or storage systems.

5.2.2 Protection from Vehicle Traffic Tanks located in areas exposed to vehicular traffic (e.g. driveways, garage) shall be provided with adequate protection such as posts or guard-rails. These protections shall be located to respect local authorities’ guidelines.

5.2.3 Tank Base All outside tanks are at risk from base movement, especially new installations placed on recently disturbed ground. The site must have all organic materials such as sod or bark removed and the soil must be mechanically compacted. THIS PRECAUTION IS THE MOST OVERLOOKED ITEM IN OUTSIDE INSTALLATION OF OIL STORAGE TANK.

A well-drained sub grade shall also be utilized to provide appropriate drainage. Six inches of crushed clear mechanically compacted stone is recommended. The tank base shall be rigid and non-combustible. It is recommended that the tank support legs be installed on a reinforced concrete pad six inches thick attached to the foundation. The concrete shall have a compressive strength of 3,000 PSI. If this is not feasible a separate concrete slab as described above may be used. Tanks cradles are not recommended. Cross connected tanks must be placed on the same pad. Patio blocks cannot be used for cross-connected tanks.

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5.2.4 Flood Plains and High Wind Areas Additional stability shall be considered in flood plain areas or areas of high wind. This will require some form of shelter or anchoring that does not adversely affect the operation of the tank (e.g. if using a strap attached to a structure, ensure the strap does not cause chafing or increased corrosion). The hold downs must be designed for a total upward thrust of 2,200 pounds.

5.2.5 Protection of Oil Supply Lines

• The weight of snow, ice or other objects could cause the oil line(s) to pinch or break and release product. Installation of a line made of schedule 40 rigid threaded conduits may provide sufficient mechanical protection. Copper tubing is available with a protective plastic covering or can be placed inside a protective plastic sleeve to provide additional protection. A supply line cover can deter vandalism. Additionally, protective covers for the valve, tank gauge and filter, if it is installed outdoor, should be used.

• The oil supply lines of bottom outlet tanks shall be installed on a decline (downward slope) from the tank to the building to prevent the accumulation of water and possible freezing of the oil line.

• To allow for frost heaving and movement, the supply line shall have a horizontal loop before entering the building. Rigid conduit line shall have two 90° elbows before entering the building.

• Tubing 1/2 in or greater in diameter is highly recommended to reduce the potential for freezing. All tank fittings shall be of the flare type.

5.2.6 Outdoor tank basin It is recommended to install a GRANBY STEEL TANKS secondary containment device (TC-1 or TC-2) to retain any quantities of product that could leak from the tank. This should protect your property in case of spill due to tank overflow, weeping, shut-off valve or tank failure. Secondary containment should contain 105-110% of the total volume of the tank and be weather protected. Tank cover, mounted on hinges, should prevent accumulation of water ice or snow into the basin and be easy to open for fuel delivery or regular inspection. It should also have provision for padlocking.

If you install a TC-1 or TC-2 secondary containment tank, please refer to its installation manual.

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6.0 FILL AND VENT PIPING

6.1 Fill pipe Fill opening and fill pipe shall each be sized and located to permit ready filling of the tank in a manner that will avoid spillage.

• Each fill opening shall be provided with a vapor-and liquid-tight cover designed to discourage tampering.

• Fill pipe shall not be less than 1 1/4 in IPS diameter. • Entry to the fill pipe shall be located outside the building at an elevation

lower than the termination of the vent pipe from the tank served by the fill pipe.

• A fill pipe with an entry adjacent to a building shall be installed so that fill opening is

o close to the wall; o not less than 2 ft from

any operable window or any other building openings, or the vertical projection of any window or building opening that

is at a lower elevation than the entry to the fill pipe o not less than 3.0 ft above the ground level.

• An overfill-protection device shall be provided on every fuel oil supply tank.

• On outdoor tanks, when the fill opening is not remote from the tank, an overfill-protection or a method to prevent overfilling of the tank and spilling of fuel shall be provided.

• When a vent whistle is installed as an overfill protection device, no person shall deliver fuel oil to the supply tank when the vent whistle does not whistle properly.

• Use a 6 in long whistle in the Obround tank models. • Tanks installed with long fill lines shall have a sign on the fill pipe

indicating the need for a tight-fill device (Tight-fill or Kam-lock).

6.2 Tanks Venting

• A tank installed inside a building shall be equipped so that all vents are suitably piped to open air outside the building.

• Vent pipes shall not be cross-connected with fill pipes or with fuel

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return lines from burners. • The minimum diameter for vent pipes for tank systems having a

capacity less than or equal to 660 gallons shall be never less than 1¼”. • The lower end of the vent pipe shall

o be connected at the top of the tank o not extend into the tank more than 1 in.

• A vent pipe shall terminate at an elevation at least 6 in. above the entry to the fill pipe. The outlet shall be provided with a weatherproof hood or vent cap having a minimum free open area at least equal to the cross-sectional open area of the vent pipe. The vent hood or cap shall prevent ingress of foreign objects and blockage by ice build-up.

• A vent pipe that terminates adjacent to a building shall be installed so that the termination point is

o close to the wall; o sufficiently high to clear typical local ground snow accumulation

as determined from local building codes. o not less than 2 ft from

any opening window any other building openings the vertical projection of any window or building opening

that is at a lower elevation than the termination of the vent pipe

o At least 5 ft from any air inlet or any flue gas outlet of any appliance

o close enough to the fill pipe to allow the vent whistle to be clearly audible to the person filling the fuel storage tank.

6.3 Piping Fill or vent pipes shall be of wrought-iron, Schedule 40 Steel or Schedule 40 Brass Pipe.

• Piping and tubing shall be substantially supported and protected against physical damage. Note: This should include protection against ice damage if necessary.

• Piping and tubing shall be run as directly as practicable, and provisions shall be made for expansion, contraction, jarring, vibration, and settling.

• In the installation of oil piping, no structural member of a building shall be cut in such a manner as to reduce the strength of the member of the building below that required for the purpose for which it was intended.

• Threaded joints in the piping shall be made fuel oil-tight using Compounds and Tapes for Threaded Pipe Joint approved for this purpose.


7.0 BURNER SUPPLY CONNECTION Oil supply and return lines between oil burner and storage tank shall be continuous, that is, shall be installed without splices.

• Outside tanks should use 1/2 in outside diameter tubing. Inside tanks can use 3/8 in outside diameter tubing.

• All connections in copper piping and tubing should be visible, accessible and made fuel oil-tight using a flared joint.

• A fusible valve should be installed in the burner supply line if the burner pump does not have an automatic shut off in the event of a fire.

• Oil filters should: o be installed inside the building, o have sufficient clearance to allow for replacement or repair.

• Burying oil 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 should be placed in a continuous run of corrosion-resistant 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 above the concrete floor.

• On supply lines from outside tanks, two shutoff valves are required, one outside at the tank and one inside at the burner.

• The burner supply lines should be run as directly as practicable. Flexible metal hose may be permitted when rigid connections are impracticable, or when required to reduce the effect of jarring or vibration

• shall be of a type certified for the application

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• shall be installed strictly in accordance with the approval.

8.0 CROSS-CONNECTED TANKS

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1 2

Details of 2’’ Cross Connection Pipe

Connected Bottom Outlets


Two oil tanks may be cross-connected if their total capacity does not exceed 660 gallons and they have a single fill pipe and a single vent pipe. The cross-connected tank installation shall be as follows:

1. the fill pipe shall be connected to the first tank 2. the cross connection pipe shall be not less than 2 in IPS 3. the vent pipe shall be connected to second tank 4. the top of the two tanks shall be at the same elevation 5. Both tanks shall be on a common slab.

9.0 OIL LEVEL GAUGE An approved Oil Level Gauge must be installed in one of the top openings of the Tank. All remaining openings in the tanks must be sealed with proper fittings. THE TANK IS SHIPPED FROM THE FACTORY WITH OPENING PLUGS TO PROTECT THE THREADS. THESE PLUGS ARE NOT TIGHT. THE TANK SHOULD NOT BE FILLED UNLESS ALL OPENINGS ARE EITHER IN USE OR PROPERLY CAPPED. THIS IS ALSO TRUE FOR THE BOTTOM OUTLET IF FUEL SUPPLY IS TAKEN FROM THE TOP. 10.0 TRANSFER OF PRODUCT Most premature failures of steel oil tanks are caused by water and sludge that may accumulate at the bottom of the tank. If you choose to transfer the product from the old tank to the new one, you must insure that the transferred product is free of contaminants, sludge and water. If fuel must be transferred, a filtering pump that separates the fuel from any potential contaminants must be used. As a last resort a standard pump with a clear plastic suction line and stop to prevent the suction hose from going below the level of the tank outlet may be used. This operation can only be performed on oil that has been allowed to settle for about 2 hours. Filling the tank mixes the water and sludge with the oil. The remaining sludge and water must be disposed of at an approved facility.

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11.0 TESTING Oil systems storage HAVE to be tested for leaks before the oil is put into the tank. This is done at the factory where all tanks that leave the factory are tested for leaks. The installer MUST also make sure, at the first filling of the tank that no unforeseen damage has occurred during handling, transportation, installation and connection. Such damage could ultimately results in a leak. THE ONLY WAY TO


MAKE SURE THAT THE INSTALLATION IS TIGHT IS TO BE IN ATTENDANCE THE FIRST TIME THE TANK IS FILLED COMPLETELY WITH OIL. The installer or a person delegated by him can perform that function. The installer or oil company representative shall visually inspect all seams and fittings for leakage after the first complete filling. Tanks that are not filled immediately after installation shall have all lines blocked and the fill pipe shall be marked to prevent inadvertent filling. 12.0 OIL TANK MANAGEMENT It is important for the homeowner to understand that the oil tank is their property and hence their responsibility. Tank owner should take action to assure it is properly maintained:

• Subscribe to a maintenance program performed by an oil heat system licensed service technician.

• Periodically inspect the tank yourself at least once a year. Do this preferably at the end of the heating season when tank liquid level is at the lowest possible.

• Ask your service technician to check presence of water inside the tank, and to remove it.

• If foundation is not stable or tank is likely to topple; take action to correct the situation immediately.

• If there is work to do on the tank or foundation; protect yourself by using licensed installers services.

If the tank is installed outside, keep your tank liquid level as high as possible to limit water condensation in summer time. Outside tanks installations for new construction or on unstable ground should be inspected regularly during the first year. Any movement of the soil will require repositioning of the tank. Tanks must be installed with the appropriate slope (¼ in per foot of length) toward the outlet. The tank must never be moved without completely emptying the tank.

Tanks should be visually inspected at least once a year. Visual inspection with a lamp will show traces of oil on tank surface.

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Documents

Installation and Maintenance Guidelines for Aboveground