Guidance on conceptual design, selection and life cycle assurance of products intended to improve integrity of bases of above-ground storage tanks holding petroleum, petroleum products or other fuels

This publication is intended primarily for use by process safety specialists, designers, inspectors, regulators and operators and owners of facilities holding bulk stores of petroleum, petroleum products or other fuels in above-ground storage tanks (ASTs).

The information provided in this publication aims to explain the multi-layered aspects of below tank secondary containment design, and to categorise these aspects in such a way that proposed individual bund systems can be gauged against expected performance specifications. The aim is to provide a method for applying secondary containment and leak detection system (LDS) design criteria, the appraisal of options, planning and managing the installation, and the operation and decommissioning of the secondary containment and leak detection features. In particular, consideration has been given to permeability specifications and known technical and practical constraints. Methods for the evaluation of bund performance (during both installation and operation) are also provided.

Following the principles set out in this publication should enable operating companies to efficiently and effectively design, implement and maintain under-tank containment systems with a high degree of integrity, without the need to resort to over-design or over-engineering. In addition, these principles should serve to assist the value engineering process, helping to drive efficiency and ensure compliance with the COMAH CA's requirements.