Generator Day Tanks (DSTs): A Complete Buyer's Guide
When the power goes out, your generator is only as reliable as its fuel supply.
Clark Welding Tanks manufactures above ground generator day tanks (DSTs) that provide a dependable source of fuel for emergency generators. Designed for commercial, industrial, healthcare, telecommunications, and critical infrastructure applications, our day tanks help ensure backup power systems are ready when they are needed most.
Generator day tanks store a readily available supply of diesel fuel near the generator, allowing the engine to receive a consistent fuel supply during power outages. They are commonly installed indoors or outdoors as part of a complete emergency power system.
Benefits of Above Ground Generator Day Tanks
Clark Welding above ground generator day tanks offer several advantages:
- Easy access for fueling, maintenance, and inspections
- Simplified leak detection compared to underground storage tanks
- Flexible installation for new construction or existing facilities
- Durable welded steel construction
- Available in a variety of sizes and custom configurations
- Designed to integrate with automatic generator fuel systems
Complete Generator Fuel System Solutions
Every generator installation has unique requirements. Clark Welding Tanks can supply generator day tanks with optional components that create a complete fuel management system.
Available options include:
- Fuel transfer systems
- Fuel polishing systems
- Automatic controls
- Level monitoring
- Leak detection
- Custom piping packages
- Pumps
- Filtration equipment
These integrated systems help deliver clean fuel while reducing maintenance and extending generator life.
Fuel Transfer Systems
Reliable fuel transfer is essential for continuous generator operation.
Depending on the application, generator day tanks may utilize several different fuel transfer methods.
Gravity Feed
Gravity-fed systems allow fuel to flow naturally from the storage tank to the day tank or generator when elevation permits. This option is simple, reliable, and requires minimal mechanical components.
Pump Transfer Systems
For installations requiring longer distances or higher elevations, transfer pumps automatically move fuel from the main storage tank to the generator day tank.
Automatic Fuel Management Systems
Automated fuel systems monitor fuel levels and activate transfer pumps as needed. This reduces manual intervention while maintaining an adequate fuel supply during extended generator operation.
Fuel Polishing Systems
Diesel fuel naturally degrades over time. Moisture, sediment, and microbial growth can contaminate stored fuel, reducing generator reliability.
Fuel polishing systems continuously circulate and filter fuel to remove contaminants before they reach the generator.
Benefits of fuel polishing include:
- Cleaner fuel
- Improved generator reliability
- Reduced injector and fuel system wear
- Longer fuel storage life
- Lower maintenance costs
Benefits of Integrated Generator Fuel Systems
Combining a generator day tank with fuel transfer and polishing equipment provides several important advantages.
Increased Reliability
A continuous supply of clean fuel helps reduce unexpected generator shutdowns during emergencies.
Lower Maintenance Costs
Clean fuel minimizes wear on pumps, injectors, filters, and other engine components, helping reduce repair expenses.
Improved Fuel Quality
Filtration and polishing systems remove water, sediment, and contaminants that can damage diesel engines.
Greater Operational Efficiency
Automatic fuel transfer systems reduce manual monitoring and help keep backup generators operating with minimal operator involvement.
Common Applications
Generator day tanks are commonly used in:
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Data centers
- Manufacturing plants
- Commercial buildings
- Schools and universities
- Municipal facilities
- Emergency operations centers
- Telecommunications sites
- Water and wastewater treatment plants
- Construction sites
- Remote industrial locations
Codes and Standards
Generator day tank installations should always comply with applicable local, state, and federal requirements. Depending on the application, this may include NFPA 30 for flammable and combustible liquids and EPA 40 CFR Part 112 for Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) requirements.
Projects that require fire-protected fuel storage may be better served by a Fireguard® tank or Flameshield® tank instead of a standard UL 142 above ground storage tank. Choosing the right tank depends on your site's requirements, applicable codes, and the level of fire protection needed.
Why Choose Clark Welding Tanks?
For over 35 years, Clark Welding Tanks has manufactured high-quality steel fuel storage tanks for commercial and industrial applications. We build durable generator day tanks designed to integrate with modern backup power systems and can customize each tank to meet your project's specific requirements.
Whether you need a simple day tank or a complete fuel management system with transfer and polishing equipment, our team can help design the right solution for your application.
Need Help Choosing the Right Generator Day Tank?
Whether you're installing a new emergency generator or upgrading an existing fuel system, Contact Clark Welding Tanks to discuss your project. Our team can help you select the right above ground generator day tank and provide a customized solution built for dependable backup power.