Metal Oil Tank Removal in Belfast (case study)

Removerr recently completed a metal oil tank removal in Belfast, involving the safe disposal of an older steel tank that had become a potential environmental risk.

Metal Oil Tank Removal in Belfast

The property had an existing cylindrical steel oil tank that was approximately 35 years old and was already in place when the customer purchased the house. The tank had been in regular use up until around a year ago, when the customer decided to install a new plastic oil tank in a more suitable location within the garden.

The decision to replace the original tank was due to visible signs of corrosion. Given the tank’s position close to the property, there was growing concern that a potential leak could result in oil seeping into the foundations of the house.

Access to the tank presented several challenges. The tank was located behind a number of fixed obstacles, including:

• A decorative concrete archway
• A retaining wall with a 5 ft drop
• A narrow passageway
• A steel gate narrower than the circumference of the tank

Due to these restrictions, it was not possible to remove the tank in one piece. This meant the only viable solution was to cut the oil tank on site.

Steel Oil Tank Removal Process

On arrival at the property, the first step was to ensure the oil supply was fully isolated by checking that the isolation valve at the base of the tank was securely turned off.

The tank was then dipped to determine how much oil remained inside. At this stage, particular attention was also given to the condition of the tank, especially the level of corrosion at the base. This is an important safety check, as even when using cold cutting methods (which avoid sparks), the vibration from cutting can potentially cause a weakened or corroded tank to begin leaking.

Once assessed, a fuel pump with an inline filter was used to remove as much of the remaining oil as possible from the tank.

After the bulk of the oil had been extracted, a large opening (porthole) was carefully cut into the side of the tank. This provided access to the interior, allowing any remaining oil, sludge, and water to be manually removed.

Oil absorbent pads were then placed inside the tank to soak up any residual contamination left at the bottom.

With the tank fully emptied and cleaned as far as practicable, it was then cut into smaller, manageable sections. This allowed the tank to be safely removed from the property despite the restricted access.

Oil Tank Removal Services Across Belfast and Northern Ireland

Removerr provides professional oil tank removal and disposal services across Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland. Whether you are dealing with an older metal oil tank, a single skin tank, or a bunded (double-skinned) tank that requires removal.

All work is carried out in line with Northern Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) regulations. As heating oil and oil tanks are classed as hazardous waste, their removal and disposal must be documented. Removerr ensures full compliance, with all necessary consignment notes and paperwork provided for every job.

If you require an oil tank removed or would like advice, you can contact Andrew on 07434 691 809 or email andrew@remover.co.uk.