Fuel Tank Inspection & Testing Service
Inspection
Thickness Testing
Reporting
Testing
Industrial Sites
Commercial Fuel Tank Inspection, Testing & Integrity Assessment Services Across the UK
Britteco provides professional commercial fuel tank inspection, tank integrity testing and pressure testing services for diesel, gas oil and heating oil storage systems across the UK — including OFTEC inspections, ultrasonic thickness testing, fuel line and vent line pressure testing, bund integrity testing and full compliance reporting.
From routine annual inspections and OFTEC compliance checks through to more detailed structural condition assessments, ultrasonic wall thickness measurement, internal visual inspections and pressure testing of fuel and vent lines — every inspection is tailored to the tank, site and operational requirements.
Commercial fuel tank inspection helps identify developing issues before they lead to leaks, environmental incidents or operational failure. Corrosion, wall thinning, pipework deterioration and bund defects can develop gradually and may not always be apparent during routine operation.
Britteco provides commercial fuel tank inspection, integrity assessment and testing across the UK — covering:
- OFTEC inspections and condition assessments
- Tank integrity and pressure testing
- Fuel line and vent line testing
- Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT)
- Internal visual inspections
- Bund condition and integrity assessment
- Written inspection reports and recommendations
The inspection scope is selected according to tank type, age, condition, access and operational requirements. Where visual inspection alone cannot provide enough information about steel condition, ultrasonic thickness measurements can be incorporated into the assessment.
Early identification is key. Corrosion, localised thinning, pipework deterioration or bund defects are generally easier and less expensive to address before they develop into leaks or structural failure.
Where Commercial Fuel Tank Inspection Is Required
- Data centres — generator fuel tank and critical fuel system inspections
- Hospitals & healthcare — emergency generator fuel system inspection and testing
- Airports & aviation — fuel storage condition and integrity assessments
- MOD & defence sites — specialist fuel storage inspections subject to site requirements
- Logistics depots & transport fleets — diesel storage tank and associated pipework inspection
- Manufacturing & industrial sites — fuel storage inspection and ultrasonic thickness assessment
- Farms & agricultural operations — red diesel and heating oil storage inspection
- Facilities management estates — planned multi-site inspection programmes
- Hotels & hospitality — heating oil storage condition assessments
- Schools, universities & local authorities — public-sector fuel storage inspection
- Emergency services & utilities — critical infrastructure fuel system inspections
- Marine & harbour installations — shore-based fuel storage and associated system inspection
Our Fuel Tank Inspection & Testing Services
From routine visual and OFTEC-based inspection through to pressure testing and ultrasonic wall thickness measurement — the inspection scope is tailored to each tank and site.
OFTEC Inspections
Structured inspection of the oil storage installation, including where applicable:
- Tank surfaces, supports and condition
- Pipework, fittings and valves
- Gauges, alarms and overfill devices
- Bund condition
- Filling and venting arrangements
Tank Pressure Testing
Controlled testing can be used where appropriate to assess tank leak-tightness. The test method and pressure are selected according to the tank design, system configuration and inspection requirements.
Fuel Line Pressure Testing
Testing of fuel pipework to assess leak-tightness — particularly useful for older, concealed or buried lines where visual inspection alone may not provide sufficient information.
Vent Line Testing
Assessment of associated vent pipework and accessible components to identify leaks, deterioration or other issues affecting the safe operation of the fuel storage system.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT)
Non-destructive ultrasonic thickness measurement to check remaining steel wall thickness, corrosion and pitting — using ATEX-certified equipment, without cutting or drilling.
Internal Visual Inspections
Where safe access and the inspection scope permit, internal assessment can include the tank shell, floor, accessible weld areas, internal fittings, coating condition, sludge and visible corrosion.
Bund Integrity Assessment
Inspection of secondary containment including walls, floor, penetrations, drainage arrangements and visible defects. Compliance requirements are assessed according to the specific installation and applicable regulations.
Pipework & Component Inspection
Inspection can include:
- Valves, gauges and sight glasses
- Fill points and vent pipes
- High and low-level alarms
- Overfill prevention devices
Inspection Reports
Depending on scope, reports may include:
- Condition assessment
- Testing and measurement results
- Identified defects
- Recommended remedial actions
Our Fuel Tank Inspection Process
A structured inspection process from initial assessment through to testing and reporting. Not every tank requires every stage — the scope is selected according to the installation and inspection requirements.
Site Assessment & Scope Agreement
Tank type, size, age, fuel type, access and operational requirements are reviewed to determine an appropriate inspection scope.
External Visual Inspection
Accessible tank surfaces, supports, bund, pipework, valves, gauges, fill points, vents and associated components are visually assessed for deterioration and defects.
Pressure Testing
Where required and appropriate, controlled testing of tanks, fuel lines or vent lines can be carried out to assess leak-tightness.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing
Where a more detailed structural condition assessment is required, ultrasonic thickness measurements can be taken across selected areas of the tank or associated steelwork to assess remaining material thickness and identify corrosion, pitting or localised wall thinning.
Internal Inspection
Where safe access is available, internal surfaces, tank floor, accessible welds, fittings, coatings and contamination can be assessed visually.
Bund & Installation Assessment
Secondary containment and the wider installation are reviewed, including accessible bund structure, drainage arrangements and other relevant components.
Inspection Report & Recommendations
Inspection findings and test results are documented, with defects and recommended remedial actions identified according to the agreed scope.
Common Problems Found During Inspection
Many tank defects develop progressively. Inspection and targeted testing can help identify deterioration before it develops into a more serious leak or structural issue.
⚠External Corrosion & Paint Failure
Surface corrosion and coating deterioration can expose steel to further environmental attack. Early identification can allow remedial work before significant material loss occurs.
⚠Internal Corrosion & Wall Thinning
Internal corrosion can cause material loss that may not be visible externally. Ultrasonic thickness testing can provide actual wall thickness measurements at selected locations and help identify localised thinning or pitting.
⚠Pipework & Fitting Deterioration
Valves, connections and pipework can deteriorate with age or environmental exposure. Pressure testing can provide additional information where visual inspection alone is insufficient.
⚠Bund Defects
Cracking, damaged joints, unsealed penetrations, drainage issues and other deterioration can compromise secondary containment and should be identified and assessed.
⚠Missing or Failed Components
Gauges, alarms, overfill devices, valves and other components can become damaged, seized or non-functional and should be included in a complete installation inspection.
⊘Structural Failure & Active Leakage
Where structural failure or active leakage is identified, appropriate action may include isolation, fuel removal, repair, refurbishment, relining or full fuel tank replacement and installation .
Health, Safety & Compliance
Fuel tank inspection and testing is planned according to the hazards and access requirements of each site, with appropriate risk assessment, method statements and site controls applied.
OFTEC Registered Engineers
Britteco can provide inspection by appropriately registered engineers for applicable oil storage installations.
RAMS & Site Controls
Site-specific risk assessment and method statements can cover hazardous-area working, gas testing, access, ventilation, confined spaces and other relevant site risks.
Intrinsically Safe Ultrasonic Equipment
Britteco uses ATEX, IECEx and UKEx certified intrinsically safe ultrasonic thickness measurement equipment for appropriate hazardous-area inspections, including fuel storage and industrial environments.
Written Inspection Reports
Inspection findings and test results can be documented in a written report with identified defects and recommended actions according to the agreed scope.
Environmental Protection
Inspection helps identify deterioration and potential leakage risks before they develop into more serious operational or environmental incidents.
Accreditations & Certifications
CHAS Accredited
OFTEC Registered
SPA Passport Certified
APEA Member
APHC Member
ISO 9001
Quality Management
System · Certified
Why Choose Britteco for Fuel Tank Inspection
Commercial fuel tank inspection requires suitable inspection methods, appropriate equipment and an understanding of fuel storage installations. Britteco can combine inspection, testing and remedial services through one contractor.
Multiple Testing Methods
Inspection can combine visual assessment, pressure testing, ultrasonic thickness measurement, pipework inspection and bund assessment depending on the asset and site requirements.
Hazardous-Area UTT Capability
Intrinsically safe ATEX, IECEx and UKEx certified ultrasonic thickness equipment allows appropriate ultrasonic measurements to be undertaken in hazardous fuel-storage environments.
Identify Hidden Wall Loss
Ultrasonic thickness measurement can provide actual remaining wall thickness data at selected locations and help identify corrosion, pitting and localised material loss not obvious from an external visual inspection.
Written Reports
Inspection findings, measurements and recommendations can be documented to provide a clear record of asset condition and identified remedial requirements.
Remedial Works Available
Where inspection identifies deterioration, Britteco can also provide services including tank cleaning, fuel polishing, refurbishment, lining, component replacement, decommissioning and replacement.
Site-Specific Inspection Scope
Not every tank requires every test. Inspection scope is selected according to tank condition, age, construction, access, site risk and the reason for inspection.
Where inspection identifies fuel contamination, fuel polishing and filtration may be required. Where tank deterioration requires remediation, Britteco also provides fuel tank refurbishment, tank lining and bund lining services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about fuel tank inspection, pressure testing, ultrasonic thickness testing and fuel storage condition assessment.
Fuel tank inspection assesses the condition of the tank and associated installation, including accessible tank surfaces, supports, bund, pipework, valves, gauges, vents and other relevant components. The exact inspection scope depends on the installation and reason for inspection.
Tank integrity testing is a broader assessment of tank condition that may combine visual inspection, pressure testing, ultrasonic thickness measurement and other appropriate methods depending on the tank and inspection requirements.
Ultrasonic Thickness Testing (UTT) is a non-destructive method used to measure the remaining thickness of steel without cutting or drilling into the tank. It can help identify corrosion, pitting and localised wall thinning that may not be apparent during a visual inspection. Britteco can use intrinsically safe ATEX, IECEx and UKEx certified ultrasonic equipment where testing is required in appropriate hazardous environments.
Ultrasonic thickness measurements can identify areas where the remaining steel thickness has been reduced by corrosion or localised material loss. Measurements are normally taken at selected points or across defined survey areas depending on the inspection scope.
Where appropriate to the hazardous-area classification and inspection conditions, Britteco can use intrinsically safe ultrasonic thickness measurement equipment certified to ATEX, IECEx and UKEx requirements.
Fuel line pressure testing assesses the leak-tightness of fuel pipework. It can be particularly useful for older, concealed or buried pipework where visual inspection is limited.
Bund assessment examines the secondary containment surrounding a tank, including visible condition of walls, floors, penetrations and drainage arrangements. Applicable containment and compliance requirements depend on the specific installation.
Britteco can document the findings and recommend an appropriate remedial approach. Depending on condition, this may involve further inspection, repair, cleaning, refurbishment, relining, component replacement, decommissioning or tank replacement.
Cost depends on tank size, construction, location, access and required testing. A simple visual inspection is different in scope from an inspection requiring pressure testing or ultrasonic thickness measurement. Britteco provides site-specific quotations.
Send Britteco the site location, tank type, approximate capacity or dimensions and the reason for inspection. Any photographs, previous inspection reports or known defects can also help determine the appropriate scope.
Need a Commercial Fuel Tank Inspection?
Send the site location, tank details, photographs and the reason for inspection. Britteco will review the information and recommend an appropriate inspection and testing scope.
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