Regarding fuel storage, among the most important decisions you can make is choosing a plastic tank or steel tank to store your fuel. But you could be asking, which tank is better for dispensing and storing diesel? Let’s narrow down the following details, and maybe we’ll know which is better.
Steel Tanks
These tanks consist of stainless steel welded and sealed together. Like a water container, a steel tank is designed to store fuel, like diesel. Compared to different types of tanks, steel tanks are corrosion-resistant, durable, and easy to maintain & clean. The main benefit of a steel tank is its durability. It makes it more suitable for storing products and liquids that can corrode other materials. What’s more, they are more visually attractive than plastic tanks.
Pros
- Better for security
- Available with 120,000 liters capacity
- Long-lasting and highly durable
- Priced competitively
- Resistance to internal and external corrosion
- There is more scope for flexibility in terms of design
Cons
- More susceptible at welded seams
- Corrodes over time
- Much heavier, making it difficult to maneuver with
Plastic Tank
This is a low-budget tank popular for storing diesel. Like a plastic water container, you can use a plastic tank for domestic purposes,. But you can also use it for commercial purposes.
It is versatile and lightweight. And unlike steel diesel tanks, it comes in different colors. Not to mention, its price is affordable, thanks to its wide availability in the market.
Pros
- Because it consists of plastic, there is no chance of rusting
- Easy to maneuver and install
- Since plastic is a good insulator, the heat transfer to diesel gets delayed
Cons
- It is less secure – meaning it is easy to drill it through
- They weaken when exposed to direct sunlight
What Are the Key Differences between the Two?
There are several key differences between steel diesel tanks and plastic diesel tanks. To see and understand the differences, here are key factors to look at:
1. Durability
Steel diesel tanks are stronger and are capable of withstanding extreme damage and unfavorable weather conditions. In addition, they are more resistant to explosions and fire, making them suitable for industrial settings.
On the other hand, plastic diesel tanks are more vulnerable to damage from unfavorable conditions, extreme temperatures, and UV exposure. But the best thing about them is that they are lightweight, making the tanks much easier to install and transport.
2. Maintenance
Both steel and plastic diesel tanks need regular maintenance to ascertain that they are in pristine condition. But maintenance requirements for both are different.
Steel diesel tanks need regular painting and cleaning to avoid rust and corrosion, whereas plastic tanks need cleaning to remove sediment and debris.
3. Cost
In general, plastic diesel tanks are cheaper than steel diesel tanks. This is simply because plastic is a more affordable material than steel. Plus, plastic tanks are less expensive and easier to manufacture.
However, steel diesel tanks have a longer lifespan and are more durable. In the long run, investing in a steel diesel tank will be more affordable.
So, plastic or steel? Well, the decision is yours to make. Both have pros and cons. This is why assessing your needs and considering factors like cost, maintenance, and durability is important to make the right decision.