03.01 What are the main types of aboveground tanks?

Aboveground tanks for fuel in the US are of steel construction. While fiberglass and polyethylene tanks are often used for non-fuel liquids, they are typically not approved because of the relatively low temperature failure mode versus steel.

Aboveground steel tanks may be classified as stationary or portable. Facilities installations are nearly always stationary tanks.

United Laboratories (UL) has standards and certifications for fuel tanks and all US building codes recognize these standards. The basic standard is UL 142 Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The standard includes single wall, double wall, and diked tanks. The standard covers horizontal tanks and also vertical tanks. The standard covers cylindrical and rectangular tanks. So a proper description of a tank would include descriptors such as: UL 142 Steel Aboveground Tank, Double Wall Horizontal Rectangular Construction.

UL 2085 is a standard for UL 142 Aboveground Tanks that also have Fire Rated properties. The fire rating is typically achieved by installing a lightweight porous cement based material between the inner and outer steel shells of the tank. These tanks are commonly required by State and Local fire marshalls to address their concerns about fire safety.