Agribusinesses in both the Western Cape began to prepare the soil for the 2024/25 winter crop production season at the end of April into May, while other major winter crop-producing provinces, such as Limpopo, the Free State and the Northern Cape started around the end of May. Although harvest season is still a significant time away, every farmer knows the importance of planning ahead. In the article below, our Regional Sales Manager for the Overberg region, Jean-Pierre Potgieter, outlines the value of self-bunded fuel tanks for the agricultural sector.

What are the advantages of self-bunded fuel tanks for agribusinesses?

“A self-bunded tank, also known as a double-walled tank, is a fuel storage system that features an inner tank enclosed within an outer tank, creating a secondary containment barrier,” says Potgieter.

“This design prevents leaks and spills from escaping into the environment, ensuring safe and efficient fuel storage. While they are commonly used in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and mining, they are an absolute essential on the modern farm! They offer several advantages, including reduced risk of fuel leaks and environmental contamination, easy installation, and versatility in terms of fuel storage capacity and placement. Perhaps most importantly, as these self-bunded tanks enable farmers to store large quantities of fuel on-site, they can also lead to significant cost savings as they allow farmers to purchase fuel in bulk,” says Potgieter.

What safety features should I look for in self-bunded fuel tanks?

“Our team always ensures that every product we provide is compliant with the latest industry regulations. Important safety features to consider include overfill protection systems, leak detection alarms, emergency venting, grounding connections to prevent static electricity buildup, and compliance with fire safety regulations. The double-walled design ensures that any leaks from the inner tank are contained within the outer tank, preventing soil and water contamination,” continues Potgieter.

What maintenance is required for self-bunded fuel tanks?

“Although the robust construction of these tanks requires less frequent maintenance compared to traditional single-walled tanks, regular maintenance is essential to ensure the proper functioning and longevity of self-bunded fuel tanks, which our team are equipped to provide. This includes inspections for leaks, testing of tank integrity, monitoring fuel levels, and following manufacturer-recommended maintenance schedules,” says Potgieter.

What sizes are available for self-bunded fuel tanks?

“Self-bunded fuel tanks come in a range of sizes to suit different fuel storage needs ranging from 200 to 100,000 litres. They also come with integrated fuel management systems that allow farmers to monitor fuel levels, track usage, and detect leaks or anomalies in real-time. In addition, Automatic tank level management systems can trigger reordering of fuel, ensuring that supply never runs out during critical farming operations,” says Potgieter.

How can I get one?

“Connect with me on LinkedIn and I’d be more than happy to arrange a quote!” concludes Potgieter.