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  • Self-bunded fuel tanks: safer, compliant on-site fuel storage for Australian operations

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Self-bunded fuel tanks: safer, compliant on-site fuel storage for Australian operations

Self-bunded fuel tanks: safer, compliant on-site fuel storage for Australian operations

When your fleet, farm or worksite runs on diesel, uptime and safety matter. Self-bunded fuel tanks—double-walled tanks with an integrated outer bund—provide secure, compliant on-site storage without building external bunds. The outer wall is designed to contain leaks or overfill (typically to 110% of the inner tank), reducing environmental risk and simplifying compliance compared with single-skin tanks.

At A-FLO Equipment, we supply compact cube tanks for tidy yard installs and high-capacity container-style tanks for heavy-duty refuelling. With options for pumps, filtration, gauging and fuel management, you can configure the exact system your site needs.

What is a self-bunded tank?

A self-bunded (double-walled) tank combines a primary inner tank and a secondary outer wall that forms a sealed bund. Any leak or overfill is captured within the outer wall, protecting soil and groundwater and reducing clean-up costs. Because the bund is built in, installation is faster and site works are minimal.

Why choose self-bunded over single-wall?

  • Built-in spill protection – Secondary containment is integrated, helping protect people, equipment and the environment.

  • Easier compliance – Australian standards and regulator guidance emphasise secondary containment. A self-bunded design addresses this from day one when sited and maintained correctly.

  • Faster install, lower civil works – No separate concrete bund or drainage system required for the tank itself.

  • Portable options – Many models include fork pockets and lifting lugs, making redeployment between projects simple.

  • Lower lifetime cost – Reduced site preparation, fewer add-ons and simpler maintenance can deliver a faster payback.

Safety and compliance in practice

A well-specified installation considers siting, separation distances, ventilation, fire protection, overfill prevention and ongoing maintenance. A-FLO can assist with product selection and practical guidance so your system aligns with applicable standards and local requirements.

Real-world advantages that pay back fast

  • Less downtime – On-site fuel shortens refuelling runs for plant, vehicles and generators.

  • Cleaner fuel, fewer breakdowns – Add particulate and water-separating filtration to protect engines and injectors.

  • Accurate stock control – Pair automatic tank gauging with a fuel management system for user/vehicle authorisation and auditable usage records.

  • Right-sized for your site – From a few thousand litres up to large-format capacities, with pump and bowser packages to match throughput.

Where self-bunded tanks shine

  • Agriculture – Keep harvesters, tractors and pumps running without leaving the property.

  • Civil & construction – Centralised refuelling for earthmovers and site power as the job evolves.

  • Transport & logistics – Yard-based refuelling with accurate consumption tracking across fleets.

  • Mining & resources – High-duty dispensing with robust safety and monitoring options.

  • Remote and temporary sites – Portable, fast to deploy, and simple to relocate.

How to choose the right tank with A-FLO

  1. Capacity & footprint – Balance daily draw-down, delivery frequency and available space.

  2. Pump and flow rate – Specify 12/24/240V pumps, bowsers and hose reels to suit equipment and peak demand.

  3. Filtration & water management – Fit micron-rated filters and water separation to protect engines and extend component life.

  4. Gauging & alarms – Use automatic tank gauging, high-level alarms and overfill prevention for safety and accuracy.

  5. Fuel management – Control who dispenses fuel, to which assets, and capture reports for compliance and cost control.

  6. Installation considerations – Confirm siting, access, clearances and emergency planning appropriate to your state/territory requirements.

FAQ

What does “110% bunded” mean?
The outer bund can hold at least as much as the inner tank—plus a safety margin—to contain leaks or overfill within the tank structure.

Are self-bunded tanks portable?
Many models are designed with fork pockets and lifting lugs for safe relocation between sites.

Do self-bunded tanks automatically meet every requirement?
They make secondary containment simpler by design, but overall compliance depends on the full installation and how it’s operated and maintained.

What fuels can they store?
Commonly diesel and some other compatible liquids. Always confirm product compatibility, fittings and safety requirements for your application.


About A-FLO Equipment

A-FLO supplies self-bunded tanks, pumps, filtration, gauging and fuel management solutions for Australian fleets, farms and worksites. Our team helps size, configure and commission systems that improve uptime, safety and control.

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