How to Size a UNI EN 12285-2 Diesel Tank

Correctly sizing a diesel tank is a crucial step to ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with current regulations. An oversized tank leads to unnecessary costs, wasted space, and potential logistical difficulties, while an undersized tank can cause frequent supply interruptions, increased operational risks, and management issues.

The UNI EN 12285-2 standard establishes the technical requirements for the design, construction, and installation of horizontal steel tanks designed for the storage of diesel and other fuels, placing particular emphasis on safety, mechanical strength, and the structural integrity of the systems.

Calculating Diesel Consumption

The first step to correctly sizing a diesel tank is to accurately analyze the actual fuel requirement. This calculation is based on the actual consumption of diesel-using systems, machinery, or vehicles, and takes into account operational and temporal variations.

Actual Demand Analysis

● Average Daily Consumption: Sum of diesel used daily by all powered devices. This can be derived from historical consumption data or estimates based on power and hours of use.

● Refueling Cycle Length: Consider how often the tank can be refueled (e.g., weekly, monthly).

● Minimum Required Capacity: Multiply the average daily consumption by the number of days between refuelings to obtain the amount of diesel to store.

Considerations for Seasonal Variations and Consumption Peaks

Diesel consumption can vary throughout the year due to seasonal factors or production peaks. It is advisable to include a safety margin to absorb these variations, avoiding unexpected fuel shortages.

Capacity Safety Margin

To ensure operational continuity and flexibility, it is recommended to size the tank 10-20% higher than the calculated requirement. This margin allows you to manage supply delays, sudden consumption changes, and emergency conditions.

Evaluating Available Space

After estimating the required capacity, it is essential to carefully analyze the space available for installing the diesel tank. This step is crucial to ensure that the system can be located safely, accessible, and compliant with current regulations.

It is important to accurately measure the area dedicated to the tank, evaluating not only the horizontal surface area but also the available height, especially if the tank is equipped with accessories such as valves or control systems. It is also important to consider the space required for refueling, maintenance, and inspection operations, ensuring that operators and refueling vehicles can easily access the tank.

Regulatory constraints require specific safety distances from residential or industrial buildings, public roads, power lines, and other sensitive infrastructure. These requirements serve to prevent risks of fire, explosion, or environmental contamination and must always be respected during the design phase.

Finally, proper accessibility is a key element in facilitating routine and extraordinary maintenance operations, reducing time and risks. In contexts with limited or difficult-to-access spaces, it may be necessary to opt for more compact tank models or modular solutions, in order to optimize the space without sacrificing the required capacity.

Choosing a Tank Model

The choice of diesel tank model must take into account not only capacity, but also construction features and specific operational requirements.

Tanks can be single-walled or double-walled with a safety cavity. Double-walled models are particularly suitable for those seeking an additional level of protection against leaks and environmental contamination, thanks to the ability to detect any leaks before significant damage occurs.

The UNI EN 12285-2 standard defines the technical criteria for the construction of horizontal steel tanks, ensuring high standards of mechanical resistance and safety. Tanks can be made in various standard sizes, but custom solutions can often be requested to better adapt to the customer’s specific space and needs.

Materials and coatings are another important aspect. The steel used must be of high quality, with effective anti-corrosion treatments to ensure long life and resistance to the atmospheric and chemical conditions to which the tank will be exposed.

Applicable Regulations and Certifications

The selection and installation of a diesel tank must always comply with a series of technical regulations and standards, which are essential to ensure safety, environmental protection, and legislative compliance.

The UNI EN 12285-2 standard is the primary reference for above-ground horizontal steel tanks intended for the storage of fuels such as diesel. This standard defines the criteria for design, materials, construction, testing, and marking, ensuring that tanks can withstand mechanical and chemical stresses, as well as prevent leaks and contamination.

In addition to UNI EN 12285-2, it is also important to consider other national and EU regulations, such as those relating to environmental protection (e.g., Legislative Decree 152/2006 in Italy) and fire prevention requirements, which may vary based on the location and use of the tank.

Quality certifications, such as ISO 9001, provide further assurance that the tank and manufacturer meet high quality management and process control standards.

Finally, it is essential to ensure that installation is performed by qualified operators and that all legally required tests and inspections are performed, both before commissioning and throughout the system’s lifespan.

Why choose Di-Camillo Tanks?

When it comes to sizing and installing a diesel tank compliant with UNI EN 12285-2, it’s essential to turn to a partner with proven experience and certified expertise. Di Camillo Serbatoi, established in 1959, is a leading name in the design and production of tanks for fuel, heating oils, and liquid edibles.

The company offers a wide range of solutions, including approved tanks, transport tanks, and specific accessories, all manufactured in compliance with current regulations and with high-quality materials. Tank capacities range from 490 to 9,000 liters, with both underground and above-ground models, single- or double-walled, to meet a variety of operational needs.

With over 1,000 satisfied customers and a distribution network spanning Italy and internationally, Di Camillo Serbatoi guarantees reliable products, qualified technical support, and customized solutions for every type of business. Contact us for a consultation.