What’s That: AST Fuel Tank Styles

In any industry that relies on heavy machinery, equipment, or fleets of vehicles, dependable fuel tank storage is necessary for keeping operations running and projects on schedule. With tight deadlines and on-demand operations, minimizing downtime is critical to keep things moving.

Fuel storage systems play a major role in ensuring consistent operations and fuel quality across every job site. But not all storage systems are built the same. From compact, portable fuel cubes to large, stationary bulk tanks, each option offers distinct advantages depending on your space, capacity, and mobility needs. Understanding these differences helps businesses choose the right solution to keep productivity high and operations moving forward.

What are the different aboveground fuel tanks?

Within the diesel and gasoline tank space, there are three primary styles of fuel tank: horizontal tanks, vertical tanks, and cube tanks. Of course, tanks come in all shapes and sizes - but these three options represent the lion's share of tanks in the field. Picking the right tank configuration for your location can save time, cost, and space - so it's important to make the right decision up front.

What Are Horizontal Fuel Tanks?

Horizontal fuel tanks are cylindrical fuel tanks that are stored horizontally, meaning they take up more length than height. They come in many sizes, ranging from 250 gallons on the lower end up to 20,000 gallons. Horizontal tanks are typically cylindrical, a shape that minimizes pressure points for the fuel pressing on the walls of the tank.

They may be either single-walled or double-walled depending on the application. With the exception of farm tanks, most commercial, industrial, and government tank applications require two layers of containment. This requirement can be met either by a double-walled tank or a single-walled tank stored in a containment area that can hold 110% of the tank's capacity.

Horizontal tanks can be used for mobile or permanent storage, depending on configuration. A horizontal tank on saddles (ie, having two points of contact with the ground) will typically remain in place for its lifetime. Horizontal tanks can also come on a skid, allowing them to be dragged or moved with a fork lift.

What Are Vertical Fuel Tanks?

Vertical Fuel Tanks are cylindrical fuel tanks set up vertically, so they extend into the air rather than taking up a large footprint. Like horizontal tanks, vertical tanks will typically have secondary containment.

Vertical tanks are used primarily in applications where real estate is key concern, since the disadvantages of height make this style more cumbersome and expensive than horizontal configurations. When installing a vertical tank, most of the tank's equipment (pump, gauges, etc) will still need to run from the top of the tank, making it difficult to access without a lift. Installation is also more costly, requiring detailed attention to safely anchor the tank.

What Are Fuel Cubes?

Fuel cubes are compact, modular fuel tanks designed for mobility and containment. Unlike cylindrical tanks, a cube tank is typically stackable and easily moved via forklift or (for larger cube tanks) crane. Depending on the style of tank, many offer a lockable cabinet to access equipment while also directly monitoring the interstitial area between the two walls of containment.

Cube tanks range in size from 250 gallons to 12,000 gallons and more, providing a wide variety. Because cube tanks are quite popular in mobile, temporary applications such as construction, smaller sizes tend to be more common, with 250-gallon and 500-gallon tanks dominating the category.

The cube shape helps maximize space efficiency, making these tanks easy to transport between locations. Most models arrive turnkey, ready for immediate use with minimal setup, ideal for dynamic or remote job sites.

Key Differences Between Horizontal, Vertical, and Cube Tanks

Knowing the key differences between fuel cubes and traditional tanks empowers you to choose the right fuel storage solution for your operation. By comparing fuel storage options based on your industry, workflow, and site conditions, you can make an informed decision that best fits your needs.

Fuel Cubes:

• Space Efficiency: Square design prevents rolling and suits compact or congested sites.
• Portability: Easily moved with forklifts or cranes; ideal for multi-site or temporary projects.

Safety: For larger tanks, a cube makes walking along the tank top easier and safer since it's a flat surface

Horizontal Fuel Tanks:

• Higher Capacity: Built for long-term, high-volume storage at a single location.
• Lower Cost: Typically a lower price due to reduced need for steel
• Durability: Designed for permanent, reliable fuel supply in fixed applications.

Vertical Fuel Tanks:

• Small Footprint: Typically used for storing large quantities of fuel in a small footprint, such as a tank farm with multiple tanks in the same area.
• Higher Cost: Vertical tanks tend to have the highest upkeep cost since even basic repairs may require a lift

Which Fuel Tank Best Fits Your Industry?

Selecting the right fuel storage solution depends on your specific operational demands and site conditions, meaning there's no universal answer for every business. When choosing between fuel cubes and traditional fuel tanks, consider the following factors:

• Vertical Tanks: If space is limited, a vertical tank may be your only option to maximize storage. If space is readily available, you'll like want one of the other options.
• Horizontal Tanks: Most common low-cost option for permanent installations where space is readily available.
• Fuel cubes: Common in temporary, mobile applications such as construction. Also preferred where a flat tank top is preferred for safety.

Before deciding which option is best for your operations, be sure to weigh your daily fuel usage, mobility needs, available space, installation requirements, security preferences, and compliance mandates. If your work involves mobile, temporary fueling, fuel cubes bring versatility. For fixed, high-volume applications, horizontal or vertical tanks offer the best long-term value.

Bottom Line

Ultimately, the right storage solution is the one that matches your fuel strategy to the pace, scale, and demands of your operation. Fleets may prefer one solution over others for a variety of reasons, so make sure to consult with your fuel supplier or equipment partner to determine which tank will be the best and lowest cost for your unique needs.

Not sure which fuel storage solution is right for your business? Mansfield can help you assess your operational needs and design a custom fuel storage strategy that delivers safety, efficiency, and compliance. Contact Mansfield today for expert fuel storage guidance and optimized solutions.