BS EN 12285-1:2018

What is BS EN 12285‑1 about?

BS EN 12285 is a series on workshop fabricated steel tanks. Workshop fabricated steel tanks are containers that hold liquids, compressed gases (gas tank; or in U.S.A "pressure vessel", which is not typically labelled or regulated as a storage tank) or mediums used for the short- or long-term storage of heat or cold. BS EN 12285‑1 specifies the product characteristics and test methods for workshop fabricated cylindrical, horizontal steel tanks, single (type S) and double skin (type D) intended to be used for the underground storage of water-polluting liquids (both flammable and non-flammable) and installed in industrial processes or in petrol stations at normal ambient temperature conditions (−20 °C to +50 °C) within the following limits:

• From 800 mm up to 3 000 mm nominal diameter and
• Up to a maximum overall length of 6 times the nominal diameter
• With an operating pressure (PO) of maximum 50 kpa (0,5 bar(g)) and minimum – 5 kpa (–50 mbar(g))
• For double skin tanks with a vacuum leak detection system where the kinematic viscosity does not exceed 5 × 10− m2/s

Note 1: BS EN 12285‑1 is not applicable to tanks used for storage and/or supply of fuel/gas for building heating/cooling systems, and of hot or cold water not intended for human consumption, nor to loads and special measures necessary in areas subject to the risk of earthquakes.

Note 2: BS EN 12285‑1 is not applicable for the storage of liquids having dangerous goods classes because of the special dangers involved.

Who is BS EN 12285‑1 for?

BS EN 12285‑1 on workshop fabricated steel tanks is useful for:

• Steel tank manufacturers
• Petrol stations
• Design engineers
• Fluid storage industries
• Research and development facilities

Why should you use BS EN 12285‑1?

Tanks designed with the help of BS EN 12285‑1 allow for an earth cover of up to 1,5 m. If there are imposed traffic loads or a greater earth cover, the calculation is expected to be carried out. BS EN 12285‑1 discusses a single skin tank which is impermeable containment consisting of a self-contained/ self-supported tank of single containment and a double skin tank which is an impermeable self-contained tank with outer skin welded around the inner tank.

The tanks described in BS EN 12285‑1 are made of steel plates, equipped with dished ends, and consist of one or more compartments. These tanks are totally or partially embedded in the ground and have a single fluid storage space. Horizontal cylindrical single skin and double skin tanks are designed to withstand an internal explosion without leakage. Using BS EN 12285‑1 you can test workshop fabricated cylindrical, horizontal steel tanks, single (type S) and double skin (type D).

What’s changed since the last update?

BS EN 12285‑1:2018 supersedes BS EN 12285‑1:2003. BS EN 12285‑1:2018 includes some technical changes with respect to BS EN 12285‑1:2003. These include:

• Exclusion of tanks covered by the Mandate M/131
• Old Clause 3, Terms and definitions have been combined with old Clause 4, Symbols, and abbreviations
• Old Clause 5, Designation and purchaser's specification has been combined with new Clause 7, Classification, and designation
• Old Clause 6, Materials, Clause 7, Design, Clause 8, Fabrication and Clause 10, Handling and installation have been replaced by new Clause 4, Product characteristics

Old Clause 9, Testing has now become Clause 5, Testing, assessment, and sampling methods