What is the safety distance standard between diesel storage tanks?
3 Answers
The distance between oil depots and oil reserve depots shall comply with the relevant provisions of the current national standard 'Code for Design of Oil Reserve Depots' GB50737. The safety distance between two adjacent diesel storage tanks shall meet the following requirements: 1. When the diameter of the larger tank among the adjacent tanks of two oil depots is greater than 53m: The safety distance between the adjacent tanks of the two oil depots shall not be less than the diameter of the larger tank among the adjacent tanks, and shall not be less than 80m. 2. When the diameter of the adjacent tanks of two oil depots is less than or equal to 53m: The safety distance between any two tanks of the two oil depots shall not be less than 1.5 times the diameter of the larger tank, and shall not be less than 60m for buried tanks, and not less than 30m for tanks storing other flammable and combustible liquids.
I've noticed this when I usually drive to the gas station to refuel. Diesel storage tanks are typically spaced apart to prevent fire hazards. The general standard depends on the size of the tanks and the environment. For example, small storage tanks require a minimum spacing of at least 5 meters, while larger ones may require 10 to 15 meters, depending on local safety regulations. I remember seeing an accident case at an auto repair shop where tanks were too close, leading to a chain reaction in case of a leak, putting the entire vehicle at risk. The standards aren't arbitrary—they mainly consider flame spread and emergency evacuation. So in our daily lives, we shouldn't just focus on parking convenience and overlook this detail. When driving into a gas station, it's advisable to pay extra attention to the layout of the surrounding fuel tanks. Safe driving starts with the environment.
When it comes to the safe distance between diesel storage tanks, it largely depends on capacity and usage. For instance, small tanks in repair shops might only need 3 to 5 meters of separation, while larger industrial tanks require a safer distance of 10 to 20 meters. Standards aren't globally uniform—China has GB specifications mandating fire separation distances, and the U.S. NFPA has similar regulations, all aimed at minimizing fire risks and explosion threats. In practical auto maintenance, don't underestimate this distance—it safeguards both vehicles and personnel. I've seen repair shops penalized heavily for placing tanks too close in violation of rules. For safer driving, it's wise to familiarize yourself with local regulations—this affects not just you but the entire community.
