When a soft tank beats a steel one
- No roads or heavy equipment — the tank travels rolled up in one truck or by helicopter.
- Speed matters — the depot is set up in hours, with no foundation, crane or welding.
- Temporary site — drilling rig, construction, camp: after the work the tank is rolled up and taken away.
- Seasonal supply — fuel arrives by ice road and is stored until the next season.
Fabric: PVC or TPU
The shell is the key part: it determines service life and behaviour in frost.
| Parameter | PVC fabric | TPU fabric (polyurethane) |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel resistance | Limited, depends on formulation | High — diesel, gasoline, oils |
| Behaviour in frost | Stiffens, may crack when folded | Stays flexible in severe frost |
| Wear resistance | Medium | High |
| Price | Lower | Higher |
For fuel in the North, TPU is chosen. The key figure is the cold resistance stated in the data sheet: for the Arctic it should be −60 °C or better.
Volume and number of tanks
Soft tanks are made from a few cubic metres to hundreds. One large tank is cheaper, but several medium ones are more reliable: if one is damaged the depot keeps working, and different fuels can be stored separately.
Fittings
- Fill and discharge connections matching your hoses and pumps.
- Breather valve — to release vapours during filling and warming.
- Grounding — mandatory for fuel: static electricity builds up during transfer.
- Repair kit: patches and adhesive of the same fabric.
- Protective ground sheet under the bottom.
Site preparation
The tank is placed on a level site free of stones and sharp objects, on a ground sheet. A berm or bund is made around it so that, if damaged, fuel does not reach soil and rivers. Deploying in severe frost should follow the manufacturer's instructions: cold fabric is stiffer, and sharp folds are dangerous.
We will select soft tanks for your volume, fuel and climate.
Tank equipmentFAQ
Can diesel fuel be stored in a soft tank?
Can a soft tank withstand Arctic frost?
Must a soft tank be grounded?
How long does deployment take?
What to do if the fabric is damaged?
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