Three diesel tanks And one molasses tank
Preparing four redundant farm tanks for removal, with different methods needed for residual red diesel and partially solidified molasses.
Two types of contents, one clearance project
Britteco was asked to deal with four tanks at a farm. Three contained red diesel and the fourth contained molasses. The tanks were positioned on a raised structure within the building.
The different contents required separate preparation. Removing residual diesel from fuel tanks and extracting partially solidified molasses could not be approached as the same task.
Emptying and cold cutting
Red diesel was extracted from the three fuel tanks. The vessels were then decommissioned and cut into sections using a cold-cutting method, leaving the sections ready for disposal.
This part of the job is an example of tank removal and cold cutting in a farm setting. The tank position and surrounding building were relevant to how the work could be carried out.
Extracting the thickened contents
The molasses had partially solidified. The team introduced approximately 4,000 litres of water to mix with the contents, then pumped out more than 8,000 litres of the resulting water and molasses mixture.
These quantities describe this specific job. The extraction approach for another vessel would depend on its contents, condition, access and the arrangements for handling the removed material.
Tanks prepared and the site left tidy
The project account records the diesel tanks cut down and ready for disposal, the molasses mixture extracted, and the site left clean and tidy.
For a different access challenge, see the large tank removal from a warehouse . For general planning and service information, use the main oil tank removal page .
Common questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How are old farm fuel tanks disposed of?
The contents are removed, the tanks are cleaned, and they are cold cut into sections that can be loaded and taken away for recycling or disposal.
Can you remove non-fuel tanks, such as molasses tanks?
Yes. This farm project included a molasses tank alongside three diesel tanks. Each tank is emptied and cleaned according to what it held.
Why are tanks cut into sections on site?
Sections are easier and safer to lift and transport than a whole tank, especially where access is limited or the tank is too large for one lorry.
What happens to diesel left in the farm tanks?
Usable diesel can be transferred to a new tank; contaminated fuel and sludge are removed as waste with the correct paperwork.
Do farms have to follow oil storage rules?
Yes. Farm fuel storage in England is covered by the SSAFO regulations, which set requirements for tanks and secondary containment. Old tanks that no longer meet them are often removed or replaced.
Planning similar work?
Tell Britteco about the tank, its contents and the available access. Photographs and site details help the team understand the scope before discussing the next steps.
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