SAFEBULK®

Self-bunding storage tanks are a type of container used to safely store liquids that have the potential to cause environmental contamination. Also known as bunded tanks or chemical bunds, they are available in various bund capacity types. However, they all have an outer wall or ‘bund’ that surrounds the main storage tank. This creates a protective layer capable of containing leaks and spills which makes them perfect for storing hazardous substances.

The bunding effectively forms a built-in secondary containment system around the inner tank. It is typically constructed from durable, liquid-tight materials like plastic. The bund’s walls extend high enough to enclose the entire capacity of the inner tank. Most bunded tanks include leak detection systems as an added precaution especially because you cannot be too careful when trying to store or transport hazardous materials.

Self-bunding tanks provide security and peace of mind when storing large quantities of oils, chemicals, process waters or other hazardous fluids. The outer bund prevents leaks from spreading into the surrounding environment, avoiding pollution and flooding incidents. They adhere to stringent regulations for facilities managing dangerous substances. The in-built spill containment and monitoring, make self-bunding tanks an essential component for safe, responsible storage and handling of high-risk liquids.

How Are Chemical Storage Tanks Different From Bunding Storage Tanks?

While both are designed to safely contain liquids, traditional chemical storage tanks differ from bunding storage tanks in some key ways.

Chemical tanks are simple containers made from materials compatible with the stored substance or hazardous chemicals. They may be constructed from plastic, fiberglass, or other chemical-resistant materials. These tanks provide a sealed repository for fluids but have no secondary containment system or bund wall like a chemical bund tank. Any leaks or spills from the tank would spread and so the issue of contains lost product would need to be addressed in another way.

Bunding tanks feature an inner storage tank surrounded by an outer spill containment wall or ‘bund.’ This catchment area safely captures any leaks from the inner tank before they can reach the environment. Bunding essentially creates an integrated secondary containment system around single-walled chemical tanks.

What Are Bund Walls in the Storage Tanks Made From?

The bund walls surrounding storage tanks serve the critical purpose of containing any leaked liquid to prevent environmental contamination. As such, they must be constructed from strong, impermeable materials resistant to the stored substances.

Common materials for bund walls include:

– Plastic: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or other chemical-resistant plastics are lightweight, non-permeable bunding options. Plastic bunds are easy to install around existing tanks. Plus, they are comparatively affordable while offering a high level of protection.

– Composites: Fibreglass, carbon fibre, and other non-metallic composites offer high strength with chemical resistance. Epoxy coatings improve impermeability.

– Reinforced Concrete: Durable and non-permeable concrete is commonly used for tank bunding. The concrete can also be lined or coated.

Proper construction and sealing of bund walls are critical to contain spills. Thus, by choosing suitable robust, impenetrable materials, bunds safely and reliably prevent leaks from migrating beyond the tank’s confines into the surrounding environment.

Going beyond the standard

With over 40 years of brand heritage, Niplast are experts in manufacturing plastic bulk storage tanks to strict CEN standard BS EN 12573 and its forerunner DVS 2205.

Our long history of applying these standards innovatively to solve chemical storage problems our clients meet, is what sets us apart. Sometimes you need to think outside of the tank