where needed.
Need to refuel a screening plant or a wheel loader in a remote location? Portable bunded fuel tanks are one solution.
McCloskey International recently launched a portable bunded fuel tank line called Fuel Hubs, which are capable of holding different fuels. Tanks are available in eight sizes ranging from 118 gallons to 2,642 gallons. Because the portable tanks can be lifted and moved when they are full, they can be placed beside equipment that needs more fuel.
PP&E recently caught up with Chris Carlson, a McCloskey dealer manager, to discuss the portable fuel tank concept further and how portable tanks can benefit those with portable processing plants.
PP&E: What drove the development of McCloskey’s portable tanks?
Carlson: The Fuel Hubs were developed in response to two market demands: to meet legislation and compliance requirements, and to meet customer demand. The introduction of new environmental protection laws for site fueling contributed to the design of the tanks to ensure spill containment. The Fuel Hubs are bunded, with 110 percent capacity to ensure leaks and spillage do not impact the environment where they are situated.
The second driver behind the development of the product line was identifying an ongoing need on customer sites for a reliable fuel source. While the tanks save time and money in any setting, they can be particularly well suited to remote projects to reduce reliance on scheduled visits by fuel trucks.
PP&E: Can you offer a sense of the time and money producers can save refueling this way?
Carlson: Safety features related to spill containment on bunded tanks can positively impact insurance rates in some cases. Portable tanks also allow equipment less interrupted time for refueling. The Fuel Hubs are certified to be transportable with fuel in sizes up to 3,000 liters, eliminating the need to take time emptying them prior to site relocation. This also reduces the issues associated with double handling.
PP&E: Where are bunded fuel tanks currently being used?
Carlson: Bunded fuel tanks are currently being used in the United States, as well as a number of other regions around the world. They are being used in mining operations, quarries, construction sites, demolition projects and landscaping operations. Any site where equipment is running is a good fit.
Any customers who have equipment running on-site can benefit from less interruption in their operations. Fuel Hubs work very well with other site equipment like diesel generators, site water pumps, site heaters and general site machinery.
PP&E: Do you expect this fueling concept to gain further market traction?
Carlson: Accessibility is always an issue in remote locations, and less reliance on schedules and deliveries is a benefit that [portable tanks] can deliver. Portable tanks allow companies to determine what their requirements are and store fuel accordingly. Less downtime also assures a place on-site for the tanks in the future, whether urban or rural.