1. Collection & Temporary Storage
- Dedicated container for used, contaminated, or surplus fuel from engines, filters, separators, and drainage points.
- Routes waste fuel into the tank instead of mixing with clean fuel.
- Enables safe storage, measurement, and separate management.
- May hold a mixture of residual fuel oil, water, and suspended solids.
2. Separation of Fuel, Water & Solids
- Heavier water and solid particles settle at the bottom; lighter fuel remains above.
- Some systems add heaters, agitators, or external separators to recover usable fuel.
- Recovered fuel can sometimes be returned to the bunker or fuel supply after treatment.
- Separated water and sludge are handled as waste streams.
3. Safe Venting, Level Control & Containment
- Fitted with vents, level gauges, high level alarms, and drain connections.
- Aboveground installations require secondary containment, impermeable bases, and spill control.
- Prevents soil and groundwater contamination.
- Helps operators detect overfilling, leaks, or abnormal accumulation early.
4. Disposal, Recycling or Reuse
- Contents may be incinerated, sent to an approved waste handler, reprocessed, or reused where regulations allow.
- Tank must be compatible with waste oil or waste fuel.
- Clearly labeled, regularly inspected, and maintained.
- Avoids corrosion, leakage, and fire hazards.