Fuel Tank Cleaning
Contact UsAt Fuel Tank Cleaning, we provide expert fuel tank cleaning solutions tailored to your needs, using advanced techniques to remove contaminants safely and efficiently across the UK.
Over time, sludge, water, and microbial growth accumulate inside tanks, leading to fuel degradation, equipment damage, and costly repairs.
Regular cleaning removes these contaminants, reducing the risk of blockages, corrosion, and regulatory non-compliance.
Contact us today to schedule a fuel tank cleaning service and protect your fuel supply.
What is Fuel Tank Cleaning and Why is it Important?
Fuel tank cleaning is the process of removing sludge, water, microbial growth, and contaminants from a fuel storage tank.
Over time, fuel tanks accumulate sediment and impurities that can degrade fuel quality, damage equipment, and reduce efficiency.
Regular cleaning ensures that stored fuel remains in optimal condition, preventing costly repairs, operational downtime, and fuel contamination.
What is the Cost of Fuel Tank Cleaning?
The average cost of fuel tank cleaning is £500 - £5,000.
The price of fuel tank cleaning varies depending on factors such as tank size, level of contamination, accessibility, and the cleaning method required.
Larger tanks or those with heavy contamination may require more extensive cleaning, increasing costs. A detailed assessment is usually required to provide an accurate quote.
How does Fuel Tank Cleaning Work?
Fuel tank cleaning is essential for maintaining fuel quality, preventing contamination, and extending the lifespan of the fuel system. The process typically involves the following steps:
Tank Inspection: Before cleaning begins, the tank is inspected to assess its condition. This can involve visual checks, borescope cameras, or sensors to detect sludge, water contamination, microbial growth, or rust buildup.
Fuel Removal & Filtration: The fuel inside the tank is pumped out and passed through filtration systems to remove dirt, water, and contaminants. If the fuel is still usable, it is stored temporarily before being returned to the tank.
Sludge & Sediment Removal: Over time, sludge, rust, and other sediments accumulate at the bottom of the tank. These are removed using industrial vacuums, manual scraping, or chemical solvents to ensure a clean surface.
Tank Washing & Cleaning: The tank is then cleaned using high-pressure water, detergents, or specialised chemical agents. In some cases, circulating cleaning fluids through the system helps break down stubborn deposits.
Microbial & Corrosion Treatment: To prevent microbial contamination, biocides are applied, particularly in diesel tanks where bacteria and fungi thrive. Corrosion inhibitors may also be used to protect the tank’s interior from rust and degradation.
Final Rinse & Drying: After cleaning, the tank is rinsed with clean fuel or water to remove any remaining cleaning agents. It is then dried using air blowers or absorbents to prevent moisture buildup.
Fuel Return & System Reassembly: Once the tank is dry, the filtered fuel is reintroduced, or fresh fuel is added. The system is then reassembled, ensuring that all seals, gaskets, and filters are properly secured.
Post-Cleaning Inspection & Testing: A final inspection is conducted to check for leaks and ensure proper fuel flow. Fuel quality tests may also be performed to confirm that the tank is clean and free from contamination.
What Types of Fuel Tanks do we Clean?
At Fuel Tank Cleaning, we provide cleaning services for a wide range of fuel storage systems and these include:
Commercial Fuel Tanks
Commercial fuel tanks are commonly used by businesses such as petrol stations, transport companies, and fleet operators. These tanks store large volumes of petrol, diesel, or alternative fuels for daily operations.
Regular cleaning is essential to prevent fuel contamination, sludge buildup, and microbial growth, which can affect vehicle performance and increase maintenance costs.
Industrial Oil Tanks
Industrial oil tanks are used in manufacturing plants, power stations, and refineries to store large quantities of crude oil, lubricants, or processed fuels.
Over time, sludge, rust, and chemical residues accumulate inside these tanks, reducing efficiency and posing contamination risks.
Cleaning industrial oil tanks involves specialised equipment and techniques to remove heavy deposits and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Airport Fuel Tanks
Airport fuel tanks store aviation fuel, such as Jet A-1 or Avgas, for commercial and private aircraft. These tanks require strict maintenance to ensure fuel purity and prevent water contamination, which can be hazardous to aircraft engines.
Cleaning airport fuel tanks involves removing sediment, microbial growth, and ensuring the integrity of filters and separators to maintain fuel quality.
Diesel Tanks
Diesel tanks are used in various industries, including transport, construction, and agriculture, to store diesel fuel for generators, machinery, and vehicles.
Diesel is prone to microbial contamination, known as ‘diesel bug,’ which forms sludge and clogs filters. Regular tank cleaning prevents fuel degradation, extends equipment lifespan, and ensures efficient combustion in diesel engines.
How Often should Fuel Tanks be Cleaned?
The frequency of fuel tank cleaning depends on several factors, including the type of fuel stored, environmental conditions, and industry regulations. Here’s a general guideline:
Commercial fuel tanks should be cleaned every 3-5 years.
Industrial oil tanks should be cleaned every 5-10 years.
Airport fuel tanks should be cleaned every 3-5 years.
Diesel tanks should be cleaned every 1-3 years.
Regular fuel testing can help determine the optimal cleaning schedule for each tank.
Can Fuel Tank Cleaning Help Prevent Fuel Contamination?
Fuel tank cleaning helps prevent fuel contamination by removing water, sludge, and microbial growth that degrade fuel quality.
Contaminated fuel can cause clogged filters, injector failures, and inefficient combustion, leading to increased maintenance costs and equipment downtime.
By regularly cleaning fuel tanks, businesses can extend the life of their fuel systems, reduce waste, and ensure compliance with industry regulations.
What are the Consequences of Not Cleaning a Fuel Tank?
Neglecting fuel tank cleaning can lead to serious operational and financial issues.
Fuel degradation occurs as water and microbial growth cause stored fuel to break down, reducing efficiency and increasing the likelihood of engine problems.
Blocked filters and injectors caused by sludge buildup result in poor equipment performance and potential failures.
Increased maintenance costs arise due to frequent breakdowns and the need for expensive repairs.
Environmental hazards, such as leaks from corroded tanks, can lead to regulatory fines and safety risks.
Operational downtime is another consequence, as businesses relying on fuel storage may face costly disruptions due to poor fuel quality.