BRISTOL aboveground tanks are designed for the safe storage of flammable and combustible liquids and feed the diesel engine of a fire pump. They are designed, fabricated, tested and labelled to UL 142 (Steel Aboveground Tanks). Standard capacities run from 25 to 1000 US gal, single or double wall, listed or non-listed. See the fire pump room valves guide.
In short
- UL-142 label; UL File MH60409.
- Capacities: 25 · 70 · 120 · 180 · 280 · 360 · 400 · 460 · 545 · 770 · 1000 US gal.
- Single wall (SW) or double wall (DW).
- Mild steel 3 mm and above, with structural legs and lifting lugs on listed tanks.
- Connections for normal and emergency venting, gauging, filling and product piping.
- Primer then red spray paint finish.
Tank components
The shell has dished ends on legs. On top: a lockable fill cap with removable strainer, a 2″ normal vent, emergency vent (primary and secondary on double wall), a 2″ fuel gauge connection and a 2″ fuel switch connection. It also has a 1″ return, a 1-1/4″ discharge to the engine, and a drain.
The double wall contains any leak from the inner wall, replacing a separate containment bund where the authority allows.
Technical data
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard | UL 142 |
| Standard capacity | 25 – 1000 US gal |
| Material | MS steel, 3 mm thickness and more |
| 25 US gal — single wall | 33 × 16 × 51 in (L × W × H) |
| 70 US gal — single wall | 47 × 22 × 49 in (L × W × H) |
| 70 US gal — double wall | 49 × 26 × 52 in (L × W × H) |
| 120 US gal — single wall | 44 × 30 × 57 in (L × W × H) |
| 120 US gal — double wall | 47 × 34 × 60 in (L × W × H) |
| 180 US gal — single wall | 63 × 30 × 57 in (L × W × H) |
| 180 US gal — double wall | 67 × 34 × 60 in (L × W × H) |
| 280 US gal — single wall | 52 × 42 × 66 in (L × W × H) |
| 280 US gal — double wall | 55 × 46 × 69 in (L × W × H) |
| 360 US gal — single wall | 63 × 42 × 66 in (L × W × H) |
| 360 US gal — double wall | 67 × 46 × 69 in (L × W × H) |
| Connections | Vent 2″ · Gauge 2″ · Switch 2″ · Return 1″ · Discharge 1-1/4″ · Drain |
| Approval | UL File MH60409 for listed tanks |
The critical point: tank capacity follows engine power
Per NFPA 20, fuel tank capacity is sized at one gallon per engine horsepower, plus 5% for expansion and 5% for sump. A 200 hp engine needs at least 220 US gal, so a 280 US gal tank is chosen. (A general rule from the standard, not from the BRISTOL catalogue.)
Tanks come listed and non-listed. Where the project requires UL, order the listed tank explicitly.
Installation steps
- Place the tank on a level floor in the pump room near the diesel engine, with the fuel outlet at the level the engine instructions require.
- Connect the engine supply and return lines in pipe suitable for fuel.
- Run the normal and emergency vent pipes to outside the room.
- Fit the level gauge and fuel level switch and wire it to the diesel controller.
- Fill the tank and check for leaks.
Common mistakes
- A tank smaller than one gallon per horsepower.
- Vents ending inside the room.
- Using galvanized pipe for diesel lines.
- Letting the fuel level drop unmonitored.
Inspection and maintenance
Per NFPA 25, check the fuel level periodically and keep the tank at least two-thirds full, and test the fuel periodically for quality and water.
Inspection, testing and maintenance are the owner’s responsibility per NFPA 25, preferably by a qualified company. Notify the owner, the monitoring station and everyone affected before any test.
Files and ordering
The BRISTOL fire pumps catalogue (with the selection charts and dimensions) is in the files section of this page. For a quotation, state the diesel engine power (hp), required capacity, wall type (single or double), and whether UL is required.
How to order
Use the “Build your order” section on this page: add every model and quantity, then send the whole order by email or WhatsApp. It reaches us as a tidy PDF request sheet and we contact you with the quotation.
FAQ
Single or double wall?
Double wall contains leaks within itself; single wall usually needs a containment bund. The authority and project specification decide.
Are capacities above 1000 gal available?
The catalogue says higher capacities are on request from BRISTOL.
References
- BRISTOL Fire Pumps Issue 6.0 — Datasheet (attached)
- NFPA 20 — Standard for the Installation of Stationary Pumps for Fire Protection
- UL 142 — Steel Aboveground Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- NFPA 25 — Inspection, Testing and Maintenance of Water-Based Fire Protection Systems
This page is general information to help with selection and ordering, taken from the attached BRISTOL datasheet. Final design is set by the project’s approved designer; the project specification, the consultant’s drawings and the latest datasheet revision govern.
