The transportation and storage of important economic staples such as fertilizer and oil need high-quality materials in order to stay fresh and safe. The United States is home to many different kinds of tanks, such as the standard API 650 and 653, that are designed to reduce the risks of transporting and storing your products. If you’re looking to start your own business or just help your current one flourish, staying up-to-date on the most effective methods of storing and transporting is essential.
Storage Facilities In America
One of the largest transportation hubs in the United States is in Cushing, Oklahoma, at a total of 87 million barrels of oil. Payne County is also in Oklahoma, hosting more than 100 disposal wells. Other states that maintain a high quantity of oil and fertilizer include Colorado, Wyoming and Utah. Formal inspections are normally carried out by The Fertilizer Institute, which regulate the age and corrosion rates of tank materials and whether or not they’re suitable for storage or transportation.
Common Hazards
Oil helps keep the economic engine of America running, yet holds many risks due to its harvesting and transportation process. The Oklahoma Geological Survey has recorded over 4,000 earthquakes as of 2014, which are considered more dangerous than usual due to the amount of oil in the state. The cause of this is considered fracking, as well as natural geological shifts. The September floods in Colorado saw over 48,000 gallons of oils as well as over 43,000 gallons of water spilled. However, there are multiple kinds of tanks designed to remain sturdy and long-lasting.
Types Of Tanks
While there are standards for the materials and sizes used for storage, there are variations depending on how much you need and for how long. Temporary tanks are tanks that store products for more than 30 days, but less than one year. ASTs (Aboveground Storage Tanks) are tanks that have a secondary containment area to reduce precipitation and increase protection. A steel storage tank is well-known for being long-lasting as well as more impervious to the elements, which is prime for transportation. There are also liquid fertilizer tanks, created to be more suitable to lock in moisture and temperature. Whether it’s an API 650 you need or just a little more room, there is a tank for any purpose or product.
