Opslagtank

Opslagtank, a Norwegian term meaning storage tank, refers to a rigid container designed to hold liquids or other bulk materials for later use. They are employed across industries and municipalities to store water, fuels, chemicals, wastewater, agricultural liquids, and edible liquids, among other materials. Storage tanks can be found above ground or underground and range in size from small residential tanks to large industrial installations.

Common configurations include vertical or horizontal cylindrical shapes, with fixed roofs, floating roofs, or dome/vented lids. Underground storage tanks (USTs) and aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are both widely used, with design choices driven by the stored substance, space, and environmental considerations. Special-purpose tanks may be insulated for temperature control or double-walled to provide secondary containment and leak detection.

Materials vary by application. Steel (carbon or stainless) is common for fuels and chemicals, concrete is used for water and wastewater applications, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) is selected for certain corrosive environments. Corrosion protection, coatings, cathodic protection, and proper venting are important for metal tanks, while FRP and concrete require different durability approaches.

Safety and regulatory aspects emphasize spill prevention, containment, ventilation, grounding, and leak detection. Design and construction often follow national or international standards and codes (for example, requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance), with additional rules for underground installations, emissions control, and environmental protection. Proper operation and periodic inspection are essential to ensure integrity, prevent leaks, and minimize environmental impact. Opslagtank terminology and practices reflect its widespread use in Norwegian-speaking contexts.