Merridale above the rest for above ground storage tanks

Over the last ten years, Merridale Ltd has become a major supplier of above ground bunded storage tank systems in the UK. In a competitive market, they have managed to secure a reputation as a reliable and trustworthy provider by developing a set of stringent design and quality standards. 

With the main focus on ensuring that customers get exactly what they deserve, a package designed for long-life, compliance, and supportability, Merridale only work with fabricators they know work to the highest standards. 

Sales Director, Stephen Hannan, said “Too often our sales team are presented with a competitive quotation for slightly cheaper packages, which upon closer inspection fall far short of the standards we and our customers would expect. Obviously, cost is a key factor. However, there are other areas that buyers should consider when approaching the marketplace for comparable costings.”

Our tanks are designed for longevity, with domed or sloping roofs and under-tank channels aiding water drainage, and large anti-vandal cabinets to enable future servicing, repairs and upgrades can be carried out with ease.

Overall Capacity

A common misconception is that the tank will always hold the advertised volume. In truth, most cheaper tanks use an ‘overall capacity’ which does not reflect the true working capacity. Merridale sourced storage tanks are designed to have a working capacity of at least the volume required and will often exceed this. 

In order to be just that, lower-cost tanks are usually offered in standard dimensions to optimise steel usage and production efficiency. Merridale can assist you with designing a tank to fit your working area, with side or end mounted cabinets as needed. Unlike other tanks, these cabinets are designed with practicality in mind to ensure that any upgrades, servicing, and repair work can be carried out on equipment with ease. Generally, these bespoke features come at little extra cost.

Construction

Unfortunately, cheap tanks are also often constructed from lower gauge steel and utilise the bare minimum of bracing, leading to tank distortion, erosion, and early failure. 

“Merridale’s specification ensures that the tank is finished to the highest standards and meet industry standards, generally BS799. We even take pride in our strict standards of paint and use a full course of treatment to minimise the risk of early failure.”

Access

One of the most frustrating issues fleet operators may face is needing equipment to be serviced or replaced only to find it has been tightly fitted inside the cabinet. Merridale provides “walk-in” type cabinets with wider-than-standard doors to enable easy access to cover almost every future eventuality and will also ensure that cabinets are fitted with mounting plates, cable entry points, and accessible pipework.

“Our tanks are designed for longevity, with domed or sloping roofs and under-tank channels aiding water drainage, and large anti-vandal cabinets to enable future servicing, repairs and upgrades can be carried out with ease,” added Stephen.

Fuel Theft

Fuel theft is an on-going problem for the road transport and haulage sector, with large thefts being made more often directly from depot bulk-storage tanks. These thefts are sophisticated and involve long-term planning, resources, and a vehicle capable of transporting the large volumes being stolen. 

On fuel-theft, Stephen concluded “With the current prevalence of thieves assaulting static fuel storage tanks, they should be built in such a manner that all pipework joints are covered and resistant to attack. This should also cover all valves, which should be installed within the protective cabinet.”

“It is our experience that most bulk thefts are occasioned due to thieves attacking exposed pipework or unscrewing vents and gauge sockets.  As standard Merridale has these covered to make unwanted access as difficult as possible.”

To help combat fuel theft, Merridale’s tanks can also be fitted with Merridale tank management systems. These systems include sudden-drop detection, to alert you immediately, via SMS, of an unexpected drop in fuel level. This means that you will be alerted to any severe leak or theft from the tank that occurs, irrespective of where you are at the time. 

To find out how a Merridale fuel and tank management system could benefit your company, contact Merridale on 01902 350 700 or visit www.merridale.co.uk.