DP Fuel Tank Services - tank removal, tank excavation, tank disposal, de-gassing, recycling, tank decommissioning, UK

Underground storage tank excavation is not just about digging a lump of metal from the ground; to do it safely requires many special skills. The whole process begins in the office with a thorough study of all available plans, so we can get the best idea possible of what is below ground. As well as the most recently used tanks and pipe work, there may be old disused tanks that need excavating and services that need to be avoided and/or cut off.

We then carry out on-site surveys with a CAT scanner, to add to the information from site plans. Many sites have been in use for decades, so information is often incomplete. We also carry out surface and borehole soil tests before and during excavation, to identify any contamination due to leaks. Contaminated soil is taken to a licensed site for safe disposal, to be replaced by clean material.

If the tank has not already been made safe with water or inert material, it will need de-gassing - usually with Nitro-foam - to expel the potentially explosive fuel/air mix and make it safe to work on.

We then expose the top of the tank and cold cut a large hole in the top, so our operative can safely access the tank to remove sludge and scrub the interior thoroughly. All contamination is again sent to a licensed site, while the cleaned tank goes for recycling. Personnel who enter the tank are fully trained in confined space working, are attached to a harness and safety-line and wear breathing apparatus with protective clothing at all times while decontaminating tanks.

Our cold cutting techniques also mean we can cut up a tank in-situ and remove it piece by piece. Following underground fuel tank removal, all materials are recycled and all safety and environmental regulations are rigidly observed.