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oil tank

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chuck172
chuck172 Member Posts: 90
in Oil Heating
My primary heating source is wood. I have a tarm gasification hw boiler, a geospring hw heater. I rarely use my oil boiler. I'm going to replace the oil tank. It would be very easy and conveniant to place it outdoors. Limited space in the basement.
Since I'll only use the oil as a backup, is there any problem to the outside vs. basement installation. I live in N.E pa.

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  • ChrisJ
    ChrisJ Member Posts: 15,706
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    I know very little about this but seem to recall low temperature being an issue when it comes to flow. I suspect if you have below zero temperatures you may run into some problems especially if the tank isn't used much.

    Also suspect wide and rapid temperature fluctuations are going to be a serious issue with condensation in the tank.
    Single pipe quasi-vapor system. Typical operating pressure 0.14 - 0.43 oz. EcoSteam ES-20 Advanced Control for Residential Steam boilers. Rectorseal Steamaster water treatment
  • Brewbeer
    Brewbeer Member Posts: 616
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    Yes, condensation in the tank is a problem with outdoor oil tanks. The tank really belongs in the basement for a variety of reasons.

    If space is a concern, check out the Roth tanks, they have a smaller footprint than the traditional 275.
    Hydronics inspired homeowner with self-designed high efficiency low temperature baseboard system and professionally installed mod-con boiler with indirect DHW. My system design thread: http://forum.heatinghelp.com/discussion/154385
    System Photo: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021738/uploads/FileUpload/79/451e1f19a1e5b345e0951fbe1ff6ca.jpg
  • STEVEusaPA
    STEVEusaPA Member Posts: 6,505
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    If you go outside, put it close to the house, put the filter right where it enters the house. Ask you oil company for an additive that lowers the pour point and disperses water. You should also have an oil line heater (if possible) at the burner. I would also consider one of these to have the oil drawn from the top of the tank one floats and the other is a heated dip tube:

    http://www.spx.com/en/tigerholm/pd-mp-floating-suction-line/
    http://fuelminder.biz/Accessories/rollie heaters.html

    Some people have used heat tape around the fuel line, but not my cup of tea, so to speak

    There was an error rendering this rich post.

  • OuterCapeOilguy
    OuterCapeOilguy Member Posts: 46
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    The basement is the best location; the Roth double-wall tank takes up less room and-in more and more areas-is required by code for prevention of spills. I would use one whether it's in the basement or outside. Like Steve says, the line should come out of the top of the tank (on the Roth that's the only way they can be piped), and the filter-preferably a spin-on with a vacuum guage-installed right where the line comes into the basement. Without question, a deaerator (TigerLoop or Sid Harvey Smart-Flo) should be installed at the boiler or furnace. The indoor filter and especially the deaerator mounted on the unit will help warm the oil before it gets to the burner. (When I get a new customer, I insist on installing a deaerator; if they don't want it, I leave them be). A nozzle line heater is a great idea for installations using an outdoor tank. Note that the Carlin EZ-Pro line of burners comes with said heater. Either ask your delivery person to add cold-flow improver when filling the outdoor tank, or add it yourself (Power Service in the white/red bottle, sold for Diesel vehicles and boats, works well).
  • coachk1956
    coachk1956 Member Posts: 1
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    Granby has a new excellent oil storage tank "2 in 1" double wall. Suitable for outdoor or basement replacements. For the specs go to: www.granbyindustries.com

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