Fire Rated Above Ground Storage Tanks
Flameshield® is a registered trademark of the Steel Tank Institute (STI).
One of the questions we hear most often is whether every fuel storage project needs a Flameshield® tank. The answer is no. Many projects work perfectly well with a standard UL 142 tank. Others may call for a Flameshield® tank or even a UL 2085 Fireguard® tank. The best choice depends on where the tank will be installed, how it will be used, and any local code requirements.
If your tank will be located near buildings, equipment, fueling areas, or other important parts of your property, a Flameshield® tank may be worth considering.
Many owners choose Flameshield® tanks when a standard UL 142 tank does not provide the level of fire protection requested by the project engineer, fire marshal, insurance company, or Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). These tanks offer added fire protection while keeping all the advantages of an above ground storage tank.
When choosing a storage tank, capacity is only one part of the decision. You should also think about where the tank will be installed, what product it will store and local regulations. How the tank will be used over the coming years is also important.
What Is a Flameshield® Tank?
A Flameshield® tank is a UL 142 tank that carries the Steel Tank Institute (STI) Flameshield® label.
These tanks have a tight-wrap double-wall steel design that provides built-in secondary containment. The space between the inner and outer tank can also be monitored, allowing owners to check for leaks if leak detection equipment is installed.
Although they are sometimes confused, Flameshield® tanks and UL 2085 Fireguard® tanks are not the same.
A Flameshield® tank is a UL 142 listed tank that carries the STI Flameshield® label. A Fireguard® tank is built and listed to the UL 2085 protected tank standard, which provides a higher level of fire protection.
The STI Flameshield® label means the tank design has successfully passed a 2-hour, 2,000°F fire test. That makes it a great choice for many projects that need added fire protection while still using a UL 142 storage tank.
Why Choose a Flameshield® Tank?
Many buyers choose a Flameshield® tank because it fills the gap between a standard UL 142 tank and a protected UL 2085 Fireguard® tank.
For many projects, it provides the extra fire protection requested by engineers, insurance companies, or property owners without requiring the higher level of protection offered by a UL 2085 tank.
Because of that, Flameshield® tanks are commonly used at fleet fueling facilities, industrial plants, municipalities, utility companies, emergency generator sites, construction projects, and many other commercial applications.
Even so, a Flameshield® tank is not automatically the best choice for every installation. The right tank always depends on your project, where the tank will be installed, and what your local codes require.
Flameshield® Tanks vs. Standard UL 142 Tanks
A standard UL 142 tank is one of the most common above ground storage tanks used today. It is an excellent choice for many fuel storage applications because it offers dependable performance at an economical cost.
A Flameshield® tank offers many of the same advantages while adding increased fire protection. For projects where engineers, insurance companies, or local officials want additional fire-resistant performance, a Flameshield® tank may be the better option.
The best choice depends on your project requirements, site layout, insurance requirements, and local regulations.
Flameshield® Tanks vs. Fireguard® Tanks
One of the biggest misunderstandings we hear is that Flameshield® tanks and Fireguard® tanks are identical.
They are not.
- Flameshield® is a UL 142 double-wall above ground storage tank carrying the STI Flameshield® label.
- Fireguard® is a UL 2085 protected above ground storage tank carrying the STI Fireguard® label.
Both are excellent storage systems, but they are built to different standards and are designed for different applications.
When Should You Consider a Flameshield® Tank?
A Flameshield® tank may be the right choice when your project needs added fire protection while still using a UL 142 listed above ground storage tank.
Some of the things that can affect your tank selection include:
- Where the tank will be installed
- Distance from buildings
- Distance from property lines
- Distance from fuel dispensers
- The type of fuel being stored
- Tank capacity
- Local fire codes
- Insurance requirements
- Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) requirements
Because every installation is different, it’s always a good idea to check local requirements before purchasing a storage tank.