Corrosion in tank sumps is one of the leading causes to to increased maintenance bills due to accelerated corrosion that ultimately will take place. When technicians can’t access equipment in the tank sump environment due to corrosion, service calls take much longer to complete, this increasing labor costs ..unless you do something about it!
Many marketers are now becoming more proactive and taking corrosion inside their tanks sumps much more seriously these days and one of the most cost effective solutions they can reach for Franklin Fueling Systems Desiccant Packs. This simple in-sump solution absorbs humidity in the sump environment before it can begin corrosive damage to components.
Be sure to check out Franklin Fueling Systems Complete Line-up Of Products in Our Web Store!
And if you can’t find it, call us at 1.800.238.1225 or email us and we will be happy to help!!
Don’t hesitate to contact us If you have any questions about Franklin Fueling Systems products or would like to receive a quote. Contact us at 1.800.238.1225 or Email Us with any further questions or inquiries.
The John W. Kennedy Company appreciates your business and continued support!
About the Author:Ed Kammerer is the Director of Global Product Management for OPW, based in Cincinnati, OH, USA. He can be reached at ed.kammerer@opwglobal.com. OPW is leading the way in fueling solutions and innovations worldwide. OPW delivers product excellence and the most comprehensive line of fueling equipment and services to retail and commercial fueling operations around the globe. For more information on OPW, please visit OPWGlobal.com.
OPW’s Watertight Wonder, the ElectroTite Tank Sump
Tank sumps are critical components in the fueling systems at retail and commercial fueling sites in their role as isolation chambers that provide secondary containment for tank fittings, valves and submersible pumps, along with easy access to the storage tank itself for service and maintenance. Since the creation of underground fuel-storage systems, however, fuel-site operators have waged a constant battle against water intrusion into their tank sumps.
This is a major concern as water that enters a tank sump can trip alarms, cause microbial growth, induce rusting of metal parts and, in the worst-case scenario, invade the fuel that is contained in the underground storage tank (UST), which will compromise its quality. Preventing water intrusion is so difficult because there are a number of ways it can enter the tank sump and fuel-storage system: through leaking tank-sump lids; cracks in sump walls; damaged entry fittings; and, most commonly, through conduit runs.
When water intrusion does occur and an alarm is tripped, the sound that accompanies it may as well be the ringing of a cash register, since the site operator will soon be reaching for his or her checkbook in order to pay not only for the service call, but for a pump out of the tank sump. The cost for the following hypothetical pump out example is based on conversations with the service manager of a United States UST service and installation company based on the East Coast:
Sump Pump Out Cost Calculator
Activity
Input
Cost
Labor Hours
4 hours
$358.00
Travel Miles ($0.85/mi)
65 miles
$55.25
Vacuum Trailer Rental Fee
1
$75.00
Gal/Petroleum-Containing Waste (PCW); $1.80/gal
350 gallons
$630.00
TOTAL COST
$1,118.25
The costs, miles and hours for a pump out will obviously vary from site to site, but the price for this average example – multiplied by the 15-20 pump outs per UST, on average, that can occur annually at a fueling site – will result in an exorbitantly high cost to remediate water-intrusion events, with many fuel-site operators unable to reconcile this expense.
To The Rescue
The year 2017 will be looked back on as a landmark one for fuel-site operators in their constant battle against tank-sump water intrusion. It was then that OPW Retail Fueling, Smithfield, NC, introduced the revolutionary ElectroTite No-Drill Tank Sump to the market. What made ElecroTite a true game-changer was its status as the industry’s first and only tank sump that featured factory-installed conduit ports with an integrated electrical wiring junction box. This allows the sump to be installed as-is at the fueling site, with no intrusive drilling required. This feature eliminates the risk that unintended leak points will result due to the drilling of entry points, while also optimizing installation time.
Other beneficial features of the ElectroTite tank sumps include:
Water Tightness
Sealed conduits are located above the water table
Elimination of all conduit entry fittings
Reduced entry points lower number of potential leak points
Accessibility
Conduit lines can be installed, inspected and repaired through the top of the sump
Can access wiring box for inspection without entering confined sump area
Versatility
Explosion-proof junction box allows space to reroute or daisy-chain communication wires to spill containers and tank monitors, eliminating additional conduit runs to the tank field
Electrical shield allows positioning of high- and low-voltage sensor wires in same box
Conduit can be potted entering box, exiting box, or both
Consolidation
Will replace up to six:
Conduit entry fittings
Conduit sealoffs
Explosion-proof junction boxes
The bottom line is that the design and operation of ElectroTite tank sumps make it the most watertight system available, resulting in a fueling system that optimizes efficiency, reliability, cost-effectiveness, environmental protection and the safety of both the site and the customers who patronize it.
Seeing Is Believing
Of course, it’s easy to say that something is the best thing since sliced bread, but proving it is a different matter entirely. Well, after nearly four years of observation of in-the-field installations, the ElectroTite has more than lived up to its advance billing. The chart below compares tank-alarm remediation costs for two United States sites that have had ElectroTite tank sumps in operation for nearly four years to an average non-ElectroTite site:
SITE 1
SITE 2
NON-ELECTROTITE SITE
# of Months Installed*
40
42
40
Total Tank Sump Alarms
0
1
48
Avg. Pump Outs/Month
0
0.024
1.2
Gals/PCW Removed
0
250
12,000
Cost to Remove PCW ($/gal)
$1.80/gal
$1.80
$1.80
Overall Tank-Sump Maintenance Cost
$0.00
$450.00
$21,600.00
*-as of January 2021
Let’s take a closer look at the individual installations and the conditions the sumps have encountered:
Site 1: Three ElectroTite tank sumps were installed at this Midwestern U.S. site in November 2017, one each for unleaded gasoline, premium gasoline and diesel USTs. As you can see, this is turning out to be the poster child for the effectiveness of the ElectroTite tank sumps. In that time, not one single tank-sump alarm event has been recorded, resulting in zero cost for the overall maintenance of the sumps.
Site 2: Two ElectroTite tank sumps were installed at this Southeastern U.S. location that is situated near an extremely high water table in September 2018, one each on the unleaded and premium gasoline USTs. Since then, two alarm events have been recorded at the site (both on the unleaded sump in July 2018 and September 2020), but only one required a pump out.
Conclusion
Fuel-site operators have always had to keep water from intruding into their below-ground fuel-storage systems, but that has proven to be easier said than done. Until 2017, that is. With the introduction of no-drill tank-sump/conduit-less technology to the market, epitomized by OPW’s ElectroTite system, the battle against water intrusion is being won more often by site operators. The result is a fueling operation that can more reliably deliver uncompromised fuel to its customers while helping to make expensive, time-consuming and frustrating sump pump outs a welcome thing of the past.
You can also find many other great OPW products in our webstore as well.
And if you don’t find the ElectroTite tank sump in the configuration you are looking for , have further questions about them or any other OPW product, feel free to contact us at 1.800.451.4021 or email us!
The John W. Kennedy Company appreciates your business and continued support!
Designed to provide maximum protection from water intrusion with a simplified installation process, the Watertight Fiberglass Tank Sump delivers easy access to tank top equipment for fast maintenance and servicing. Completing the installation is simple. The pour-in-place slurry secures the riser to the base’s integrated channel, with no messy fiberglassing required. Available without bottom or with enclosed bottom.
48″ watertight fiberglass tank sump includes base with enclosed bottom, riser, and lid
SIMPLE INSTALLATION, WATERTIGHT PROTECTION
Available in either 42” or 48” diameters, watertight fiberglass tank sumps deliver maximum protection from liquid intrusion while providing easy access to submersible pumps, tank top hardware, and pipework connections. Able to fit under any 36” manway, Watertight Fiberglass Tank Sumps provide a clear 31” diameter opening for easy access to equipment.
Watertight Lid A game-changing new lightweight lid design delivers the highest level of protection from water intrusion.
Two-Piece Riser The two-piece riser and base allow easy access to tank top equipment and pipework entry during installation.
Pour-In-Place Installation Once equipment installation is complete, the top riser is securely fastened to the base’s integrated fill channel using a watertight pour-in-place slurry.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGES
Pour-In-Place
Mix the epoxy slurry, pour it into the channel, and set the riser in place.
Stainless Steel Handles
Two stainless steel handles are surface-mounted with no penetrations, eliminating potential leak paths.
Side-Sealing Gasket
The watertight lid gasket seals to the side of the sump wall, preventing debris from getting trapped between the lid and the sump to protect the integrity of the seal.
Integrated Lid Vent
The vapor pressure vent’s thin membrane balances pressure without letting liquid in, making it easier to remove the cover during maintenance.
Lid Latch Verification
Three lid latches provide visual confirmation that the lid is appropriately seated and remains in place.
Field-Height Adjustable
Watertight fiberglass tank sumps come at a standard height of 60” and are adjustable down to 34” in the field to accommodate new and retrofit site conditions.
GAME-CHANGING WATERTIGHT LID
To achieve the highest level of protection against water intrusion and ultimate ease-of-use, the watertight fiberglass tank sump incorporates the best features of a manway into the tank sump lid.
Side-Sealing Gasket
The side-sealing gasket prevents debris from getting trapped between the lid and the sump, effectively eliminating debris that could compromise the seal.
HDPE Lid
An injection-molded HDPE construction delivers a durable, yet lightweight, easy-to-handle cover. The ribbed underside provides increased strength and stability.
Lid Latches
The lid latches provide a visual verification that the lid is properly in place to deliver a watertight seal. The lid must be fully seated before the lid latches will close.
SIMPLIFIED INSTALLATION
Watertight tank sumps are available at a standard height of 60” and adjustable in the field down to 34” to accommodate shallow-buried tanks.
Two-Piece Design
The two-piece design eliminates confined spaces during installation by allowing the installer to assemble the pipework through the octagonal base without the sump riser in the way.
Octagonal Base
The octagonal base and riser are constructed with eight flat panels to maximize flexibility of pipe entry locations.
Fill Channel
The pour-in-place fill channel makes connecting the sump riser to the base simple, fast, and watertight once installation is complete.
MAINTENANCE MADE EASY
The lightweight injection molded HDPE lid weighs only 21 pounds, making it easy to remove and maneuver during maintenance or service.
Pressure Vent
The vapor pressure vent’s thin membrane balances pressure without letting liquid in, making it easier to remove the cover during maintenance.
Handles
Two stainless-steel retractable handles are surface-mounted to eliminate any potential leak paths into the lid.
Wide Opening
The wide 31” opening provides easy access to tank top equipment.
• Available in single wall with options for collar-mounted base without bottom or with enclosed bottom.• Available at a standard height of 60” and adjustable in the field down to 34” to accommodate shallow- buried tanks.
• Lightweight, 21lbs, injection molded HDPE lid with integrated ribs for added strength.
• The lightweight lid features a side-sealing gasket that locks liquid and debris out.
• Three lid latches provide visual confirmation that the lid is appropriately seated and remains in place.• The pour-in-place fill channel makes connecting the riser to the octagonal base quick and easy for installers with no messy, time-consuming fiberglass seam work to do.
• Fits under any 36” manway while providing a 31” diameter clear opening for easy access to equipment.
• Two-piece design eliminates confined spaces during installation by allowing the installer to assemble the pipework through the octagonal base without the sump riser in the way.
• Octagonal base and riser are constructed with eight flat panels to maximize flexibility of pipe entry locations.• The vapor pressure vent’s thin membrane balances pressure without letting liquid in, making it easier to remove the cover during maintenance.
• Two stainless-steel retractable handles are surface-mounted to eliminate any potential leak paths into the lid.
Components
1. Lid with side-sealing gasket
2. Riser
3. Base
4. Lid latches
5. Fill channel
6. Collar with open bottom
7. Retractable handles
8. Vapor pressure vent
42” Watertight Fiberglass Tank Sump Dimensions
48” Watertight Fiberglass Tank Sump Dimensions
Watertight Fiberglass Tank Sump Installation Tools & Accessories
If you have any questions about Franklin Fueling Systems APT watertight fiberglass tank sumps or would like to receive a quote, please feel free to contact us at 1-800-451-4021 or Email Us with any further questions or inquiries.
The John W. Kennedy Company appreciates your business and continued support!
OPW will be phasing out the FlexWorks® TSMF/TSDF tank sump series at the end of August 2018 to make way for their latest line of tank sumps.
From the engineering labs of FLEXWORKS® and FIBRELITE, OPW has made the best even better. Meet the newest member of the FibreTite Family of sumps, the most watertight sumps on the market today.
Designed to meet all the new 2018 EPA UST regulations
OPW FibreTite tank sumps function as a liquid-tight isolation container providing secondary containment for tank fittings valves, pumps and FlexWorks® or Fiberglass pipe fittings.
FibreTite provides surface access to the tank itself, as well as a clean and dry environment for future service and maintenance. The height-adjustable top-hat accommodates different tank bury depths.
Dimensions:
At this time, OPW offers 10 different configurations of the FibreTite tank sump. You can get the FibreTite tank sump in either a 42″ or 48″ diameter with a 33″ or 37″ diameter lid and a height range of 33.5″ to 53″. The sump can be configured with either a solid bottom or collar mount design.
Additional RK-5000 resin kits(sold separately) are required to attach the top hat and collar ring. The additional quantities needed will depend on the FibreTite tank sump configuration you purchase.
The Kennedy Company’s most popular selling TSMF/TSDF series tank sump at this time is the TSMF-4536 medium burial version and will be directly replaced with the FibreTite FTSM-4233CR medium burial fiberglass tank sump with collar ring mount, which can be found by clicking here.
As if winters weren’t bad enough with the cold, snow and flu, now a snow plow comes along to turn your station’s manhole covers and spill lids into flying saucers or a pile of scrap. Either way, a sizable hole in the middle of your station’s lot does nobody any good.
But not to worry!
The Kennedy CompanySTOCKS a wide variety of replacement covers and we can even have them custom-made for those hard to find and/or obsolete manholes and spills. And just because you can’t find it on our site, doesn’t mean we don’t have it or can’t get it so by all means, please give us a call for those hard to find covers, lids or any of your other service station and refueling location needs!
We carry ever major brand with many sitting on our shelves. We also deal with several manufacturers capable of fabricating replacements for those very old, obsolete manholes no longer supported by the manufacturer.
Okay, so it’s not likely a plow will wipe out tank sump covers underground (that requires a special kinda cowboy behind the wheel of a plow truck!) but winters are tough on all equipment and with so many compliance laws and regulations, containment failures are not an option so check out some of the available retrofit tank sump lids currently on the market.
Can’t find what you are looking for? Help is a phone call away! 1.800.451.4021
The John W. Kennedy Company appreciates your business and continued support!
You can hang the Desiccant Pack off an existing unistrut or use it in conjunction with your EVO Series ATG and the Desiccant Pack Sensor as well.
