The same solution for all types of tanks*.
Cistern or tank? What do you say? Whatever their name, they have the same function: to store liquid. A tank can contain flammable liquids, chemicals, or oil. A water tank can be used for drinking water, process water or water for fire protection purposes, such as a sprinkler tank.
Cisterns can be made of concrete, galvanized sheet metal and stainless steel. Cisterns can also be made of glass fiber reinforced plastic or polyethylene. The size can vary from a few cubic meters to several hundred cubic meters.
Given the volumes and hazardous substances that a tank can contain, it is extremely important that it does not break or leak. If a tank containing oil or chemicals collapses, it can cause serious damage to both people and nature. What do you do if you suspect that a cistern is no longer in good condition? Does it need to be replaced or is there a way to save it in a safe, sustainable and economic way?
Cistern Solutions Sweden has developed a method where we repair tanks with an epoxy coating. This solution gives the cistern a new life and can in principle be used on all types of cisterns. In most cases, we can carry out the renovation without disrupting your daily activities.
*) Please note that all references to regulations, laws and authorities on the website apply to Sweden and Swedish conditions.
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We have solutions for:
- Oil tanks
- Chemical tanks
- Water reservoirs
- Sprinkler tanks
- Concrete cisterns
- Biogas tanks
What can affect the strength of a cistern?
The design, material and liquid contained in the tank affect its durability and lifespan. Here are some examples of what can happen:
Plastic tanks can be damaged by additives found in oil and flammable liquids. They can also be weakened by ground subsidence,
Steel tanks will eventually rust, even if the sheet metal is galvanized. If the zinc coating is subjected to mechanical damage, the sheet may be exposed to oxygen or chemicals in the liquid and begin to rust.
Once the walls start to rust, there is a high risk of flakes coming off and forming a thick sludge at the bottom. In a sprinkler tank this is a serious problem. In the event of an alarm, the sludge is forced into the sprinkler system and can easily clog pipes and sprinkler heads.
Rules around cisterns
Anyone who has a tank on their property or in their business is responsible for keeping it safe. The mere fact that the liquid exerts enormous pressure on the bottom and walls is a risk factor. A cistern is actually considered a pressurized device.
For some tanks, e.g. those containing oil and flammable liquids, inspections shall be carried out by accredited inspection bodies on a regular basis.
Even a water cistern needs to be inspected regularly. A sprinkler cistern shall comply with the conditions of ISO 6182-1:2021 and shall e.g. undergo a check every 10 years.
You must inspect your tank and associated piping regularly. Inspection of tanks should be carried out by an accredited company.
You have a responsibility throughout the life cycle of the tank
Before installing a cistern, it is important to find out what applies, what regulations are in force and whether you need to inform any authorities.
Once the tank is in use, it is important that maintenance and periodic checks are carried out properly.
If you are decommissioning a cistern, you must generally notify the municipality. The Environmental Protection Agency also has regulations that apply when a tank is decommissioned. This includes emptying and cleaning it. If possible, it should be removed. Another option is to fill the tank with sand or somehow prevent it from being refilled.
Prescribing authorities
MSB (Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency): Here you will find regulations and general advice on tanks with connected pipelines for flammable liquids.
The Swedish Work Environment Authority has regulations to prevent ill health and accidents.
The Environmental Protection Agency has directives that protect soil and water from pollution. The regulations concern, inter alia for tanks of 250 liters or more containing waste oil or flammable liquids.
Fixed cisterns may be subject to PBL (Planning and Building Act).