Commercial Installations
At COTS we pride ourselves on our ability to carry out all types of commercial oil tank work. All commercial work can be carried out on either a sub-contract basis for the works packages which require our specialist skills or as a turn-key project where we manage all the works as the main or appointed contractor.
All of our commercial projects are overseen and managed by our Contracts Director who is qualified in construction management and has gained substantial experience in all aspects of tank work. Previous projects include work for Maylarch, Thames Water and the MOD.
OFTEC covers oil storage and oil fired heating equipment. This ensures we remain up to date with current regulations.
All work is carried out by our OFTEC trained technicians to ensure we maintain complete ownership of our work packages and that we are able to achieve agreed deadlines. Our engineers are also on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so should you need assistance we can help.
Oil Tank Decommissioning
Many years ago it was the norm for larger properties, schools, commercial buildings to have a steel heating oil tank installed within the basement of the building. The tank would have been filled via a 2″ fill point on the outside of building. Now 40-50 years later with many forms of energy available the tank and associated pipe work in the basement is made redundant and needs to be safely removed from the building.
COTS can safely and efficiently decommission (remove) any oil tank that has reached the end of it’s life. We use our own fully trained and OFTEC accredited engineers to carry out this work for you.
Our service is available to both domestic and commercial customers, so whether you have a huge industrial tank or a small tank serving your home, we have the resources and skills to carry out a safe and efficient removal. All materials will be disposed of safely in accordance with current legislation and industry best practice.
We will be pleased to arrange for a visit and provide you with a formal quotation to carry out the work required.
A Typical Oil Tank Changeover
Many people moving to areas on oil, especially those relocating to the country from towns and cities, have never seen an oil tank before. Here is an overview of a commonly used oil tank and a summary of a typical oil tank changeover
Once you have decided that you need to have your oil tank changed we will arrange to come and complete a site visit. During this we will assess the tank, location and your needs, and will carry out a comprehensive risk assessment CD10 form to determine the type of tank you need. We will discuss all of the options available to you and aim to have your quote with you within 24 hours of our visit.
Now the job has been booked in, at a time convenient for you, and we are on our way to complete your oil tank changeover.
When we first arrive on site we carry out a quick assessment, to ensure that the conditions, etc, are still suitable, and then check the pipework currently in place. We prefer you to have fuel in your old tank (at least 500 litres) as this ensures we can bleed through the pipework to the boiler and it allows us to check the connections. If you run the oil tank right down, sludge might be drawn into the pipework and pump on the boiler, and may result in costly repair bills.
If the pipework is clear we can then get started. We start by switching off the oil supply, and then pumping out the oil from your tank. Dirt naturally builds up in oil tanks over time so we separate the clean oil, putting this into an IBC (an Intermediate Bulk Container) and then put the dirty oil into another container to be taken away and disposed of through the correct channels.
Once the tank is empty we disconnect the pipework and remove the tank using our specialist equipment, which usually includes one of our cranes, Ensuring that the base is still intact and complies with current standards, we then move/lift your new tank into place. Once this is secure we reconnect the pipework, pump the clean oil into your new tank. We then will bleed the new pipework through to the existing connection and fire up your boiler/AGA etc, eave the site tidy. For a 1365 ltr tank, in ideal weather conditions, this will take approximately 3-4 hours. Upon Completion of the works a T1/133D form will be sent along with an OFTEC installation certificate.
All of work is guaranteed and our bunded tanks come with various long Guarantees.
Services Offered
Oil Tank Disposals
We can dispose of any oil tanks large or small as we are licensed waste carriers. We have a large range or cranes that can access tanks OR we have the equipment to cut up tanks to remove them.
Oil Tank Relocation
Some tanks need to be relocated due to building extensions or to meet regulations. We can help advise on where the tank should be located.
Oil Tank Replacement
We can replace tanks of all sizes, steel or plastic, bunded or single skin.
Pipe Work Replacement
Some pipe we come across are in need of replacement due to wear or a shovel has been accidentally put through a pipe. We can replace pipe and repair them where possible.
Disposal of redundant or waste oils
We can dispose of your waste oil through the correct channels as we are well connected with licensed waste carriers.
Disposal of water from inside tanks
Water can cause serious problems to you boiler/AGA. We have various ways to remove the water from your tank and where possible clean your tank.
Spares & Parts
We offer ALL spare for oil tanks, large or small.
Supply of oil tanks
We have a wide range of tanks from 600 litre to 30,000 litres that can suit ALL needs.
Tank and pipe work testing
Some tanks need pressure testing to see if there are any leaks etc. We have equipment that can test tanks of all sizes.
Tank cleaning
We can clean tanks of all sizes to remove contamination etc.
Tank maintenance contracts
We offer a tank service contract that includes the following:
- Exterior Inspection of the tank
- Repainting of the tank
- Internal inspection inspection where possible
- Remove contamination for the tank
- Renew gauges
- Check pipework
- Change filters
- Test oil for any contamination
- A full written report
Fuel Transfers
We have pumps of all sizes to remove fuel from tanks or pump from one tank to another.
Fuel Stations
We have various sizes of fuel depots from 600 litre truck mounted to large 30,000 litre fuel management depots.
Plastic Recycling
Plastic Recycling – All your plastic Tanks are recycled and used for things like = Coal Bunkers, Waste Pipes, Salt Sheds – Nothing goes to Landfill.
Jet Washing
NEW for 2018 – Pressure Washer Services, we now have a pressure washer service. We can clean pathways, furniture make your garden ready for the Spring/Summer.
We cover ALL areas of oil tanks from small to large, we have a solution to all oil related problems.
Top Tips
TOP TIP #1
Make sure you know how to isolate the tank’s oil supply in order to quickly shut off the oil flow in the event of a problem. You will usually spot the isolation valve near the tank’s outlet.
TOP TIP #2
Check your tank and its surrounding area for dead grass or plants, sodden ground and other signs of a leak. If there are signs of this, you may have a leak which needs to be dealt with immediately. Call COTS for action.
TOP TIP #3
Restrict access to getting anywhere near the tank by locking all gates and having bushes around the boundary of your land, and have some form of additional gate around your oil tank making sure make sure you are leaving the recommended distance of 600mm.
TOP TIP #4
If you aren’t present when your fuel is delivered make sure that you disable all security devices and leave access points unlocked so that the supplier can refill your tank.
Enable them and lock them back up after the delivery has taken place!
TOP TIP #5
If you have an AGA or Rayburn check with your AGA supplier if you need an additive to help the oil burn!
TOP TIP #6
It is a good idea to order about ¾ of your tank’s capacity to allow for any remaining stock of oil in your tank. Alternatively, Ackerman & Niece offer a “top up service” which means they will fill you tank at appropriate times to prevent you running out.
TOP TIP #7
It is important that you don’t ever ignore any advice from your fuel supplier on the condition of the tank or the access; as if the issue isn’t resolved they may refuse to deliver. Call COTS for a tank inspection ASAP, we will do all we can to help.
TOP TIP #8
Oil spill kits including sorbent granules, spill pads, drains blockers and leak sealing putty are readily available from most industrial supply companies and online. Your local fuel distributor may also sell them.
TOP TIP #9
Do not put your heating on for any periods longer than necessary by using the timer system on your boiler/burner. Also, make sure you keep building doors closed where possible to prevent heat escaping.
Final Top Tip!
If you have any queries regarding oil tanks in general please call COTS on 07799 643 455, we will be able to help.