Underground Fuel Tanks at Gas Stations

Underground fuel tanks at gas stations are the core equipment for storing fuel. Their steel structure design and construction must meet safety, corrosion resistance, and environmental protection requirements. The following is information and key points regarding the steel structure of underground tanks:

Steel Structure Composition of Underground Tanks

Underground tanks mainly use steel structures. Common types and characteristics are as follows:

1. Single-Walled Steel Tanks
   • Structure: Welded from steel plates (usually Q235B or Q345B), with a wall thickness of generally 6-10mm, depending on capacity and specification requirements.
   • Use: Suitable for small gas stations or low-risk areas.
   • Features:
     • Simple structure and low cost.
     • Requires additional leakage prevention measures (such as impermeable pools or liners).
   • Disadvantages: Weak corrosion resistance, susceptible to soil and groundwater corrosion.
2. Double-Walled Steel Tanks
   • Structure: Two layers of steel plates with an interlayer filled (such as fiberglass or cavity), with a wall thickness of usually 6mm for the outer layer and 4-6mm for the inner layer.
   • Use: Widely used in modern gas stations, meeting environmental protection and safety requirements.
   • Features:
     • The interlayer can monitor leakage, improving safety.
     • The outer wall is often coated with epoxy resin or fiberglass layer to enhance corrosion resistance.
   • Advantages: Excellent leakage prevention performance, compliant with the "Technical Standard for Automobile Fueling, Gas Filling and Hydrogen Refueling Stations" (GB50156-2021).
   • Application: Commonly used in large gas stations such as PetroChina and Sinopec.
3. Steel Tank Support Structure
   • Type: Includes fixed supports, saddles, or foundation brackets, used to support the tank and prevent settlement or deformation.
   • Material: H-beams, steel plates, or channel steel, requiring anti-corrosion treatment.
   • Features:
     • The support is combined with a concrete foundation to ensure the tank is horizontally stable.
     • The design needs to consider soil bearing capacity and tank weight.
   • Use: Suitable for large or multiple tanks in parallel underground systems.