Indoor tank installation 
CLICK HERE FOR INFO ON AVAILABLE TANK SYSTEMS
There are literally dozens of configurations of indoor tanks available to fit the needs of different types of building structures however the common ones consist of either 275 tanks or 330 gallon tanks. These are rather thin, oval shaped tanks that provide safe and economical indoor storage. Double-walled tanks, such as the Schutz Tank system are also available and provide the added security of a double-wall containment system. click here for more info).  Most towns allow for tandem installations doubling capacity to either 550 or 660 gallons. Tanks are installed by licensed heating installers in accordance to current BOCA mechanical code guidelines. Tanks are inspected and pressure tested to insure leak-free installations. All indoor tanks provided by Sippin Energy Products are UL listed in a minimum thickness of 12 gauge steel. They are also painted with a corrosion resistant coating for extended life.

Above Ground Outdoor Tanks
THE INSTALLATION OF HEATING OIL TANKS OUTDOORS, OR IN UNCONDITIONED SPACES IS NOT RECOMMENDED.  THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED IF A HOMEOWNER DOES NOT HAVE CONDITIONED SPACE AVAILABLE TO INSTALL AN OIL TANK. 
Heating Fuel begins to cloud (the fuel becomes opaque from the formation of small wax crystals) at about 20° above zero.  In addition, high viscosity fuel caused by cold temperature has an adverse affect on burner performance causing the burner to run inefficiently and unreliably.  We recommend piping with large diameter steel insulated fuel line (as opposed to small OD copper tubing), the use of a large capacity oil filter, and the installation of a fuel de-aeration device such as a Tiger Loop® SEE ILLUSTRATION.  Outdoor tanks should also be enclosed and insulated whenever possible.  Bottom feed valves should never be used on outdoor oil tanks, or tanks in unconditioned spaces.  Additionally, Sippin Energy also adds a Pour-Point Depressant to any fuel delivered to an unconditioned space.  This fuel additive aids in cold weather performance by keeping wax crystals from blocking the systems fuel filter.  To run reliably in cold weather, all or several of the above mentioned modifications may need to be implemented. 

VENT ALARM INFORMATION:
Every above ground oil tank should be equipped with a vent alarm system.  This is a simple device installed inside your oil tank where air is vented.  The vent alarm emits a audible whistle while the tank is being filled.  When the oil level reaches (and covers) the bottom of the vent alarm, it stops whistling, there by alerting the delivery man that the tank is full, and to shut down.

Why do vent alarms malfunction?
On occasion, vent alarms may become obstructed with debris or bacteria.  When this happens, the oil delivery driver will not be able to safely fill your oil tank.  When this happens, we will notify you immediately so the vent alarm can be repaired. Vent alarms can often be cleaned, but on occasion need to be replaced.  Insects that build nests in vent pipes cause debris to fall into the vent alarm, however a more common failure is caused by bacterial build-up in the vent alarm.  If an oil tank is old (20 + years) it may contain significant amounts of bacterial sediment.  In this case, a new tank system may be recommended.
 

Tank Removal
To address the needs of homeowners requiring tank installation, replacement and soil testing, Sippin Energy Products provides comprehensive service and installation of all types of residential and commercial storage systems. In addition, we provide comprehensive removal, disposal and soil testing.

The steps for tank removal are the following:

• Site assessment and proposal. A Field Representative will visit your home, assess work required to excavate and remove the tank and prepare a no-cost proposal outlining the steps and costs of such a procedure.
• Prior to excavation, the site will be inspected for any potential underground obstruction such as underground electrical service, septic service, telephone lines, etc.
• Contents of the tank will be removed. Sippin Energy Products will provide drainage and vacuuming of any remaining product in the tank. Any sludge will be properly disposed of.
• A back hoe will excavate the area over the tank and remove the tank from the ground.
• Oil lines will be sealed and capped.
• Soil samples from the site will be extracted, returned to the office for TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon) testing.
• Any site inspections needed at this time will be made and any approvals required for this process will be expedited.
• Old tank will be transported back to Sippin Energy facilities, cleaned and cut into small pieces for proper disposal.
• The tank site will be back-filled with clean gravel and top soil will be graded, raked and seeded.

Abandonment
In circumstances where the tank is completely inaccessible from the surface, foam filling may be an option. Although this is a more costly option it provides an opportunity to fill the tank without completely excavating the top of the tank itself.

Tank Installation
Two basic types of tanks can be installed to facilitate modern, safe heating fuel storage:

Underground Tanks
Contrary to popular belief, underground tanks can be installed provided certain guidelines are followed.  The only tanks most towns generally allow are cathodic protected steel tanks, which are also referred to as STIP 3 Tanks. These tanks are treated with an epoxy resin coating and also provide cathodic protection via a zinc anode attached to the tank. Electrical leads attached to the zinc anode give the homeowner the facility to test the anode periodically to make sure that it is functioning.  Fiber glass tanks are also allowed, although they are more costly and more difficult to install.

Underground tank testing
There are several types of underground tank testing available. The type of testing provided by Sippin Energy Products is referred to as TPH (Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons). Sippin Energy Products provides this type of test because it is in fact a soil test which will accurately indicate if any discharge, past or present, has occurred on the site. This test is done by boring or extracting soil samples and lab analyzing the soil samples. Results are indicated in PPM or parts per million.