GB2615551A

GB2615551A - Fuel storage tanks

Info

Publication number: GB2615551A
Application number: GB2201749.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gash Malcolm; Robinson David; Cradock Simon
Original assignee: Western Global Holdings Ltd
Current assignee: Western Global Holdings Ltd
Priority date: 2022-02-10
Filing date: 2022-02-10
Publication date: 2023-08-16
Anticipated expiration: 2042-02-10
Also published as: GB202201749D0; GB2615551B

Abstract

A bunded fuel storage tank comprising a vent assembly 200, having two different configurations. In the first configuration, a plug or cap 220 seals an opening in a passage between a secondary tank 208 and a primary tank 204, allowing gas to vent to atmosphere, in a second configuration, the plug or cap seals an opening between the primary tank and the atmosphere, allowing gases to exit the primary tank and enter the secondary tank. Also disclosed is a fuel storage tank comprising a reservoir, a fuel line, and a pump (9, figure 3) where in a first configuration, the pump connects to a water extraction port (4, figure 4) and in a second, the pump is connected to the fuel line (2, 11, figure 5) and allows fuel to be pumped through. Also disclosed is a fuel storage tank defined by first and second integral equipment tanks, 124, 126 each comprising fluid connection ports, where the ports are arranged at opposite ends of the tank

Description

FUEL STORAGE TANKS

Introduction

The present invention relates to fuel storage tanks.

Background

It is known to provide aboveground storage tanks to safely store flammable and combustible liquids such as fuel. For example, large construction sites can consume a significant amount of fuel and having a fuel storage tank on site can remove the time wasted when waiting for fuel deliveries. A Secondary Containment Aboveground Tank (SCAT) comprises a primary tank which is housed within a secondary tank to form a bund volume therebetween. The bund volume (typically 110% of the primary tank volume) is intended to contain the contents of the primary tank in the event that the primary tank is ruptured.

Such tanks often require the ability to quickly and efficiently connect to and supply fuel to various pieces of auxiliary machinery such as generators, heaters, lighting towers etc. To facilitate this, known tank systems feature a pump bay with an integral equipment cabinet that houses pumps and accessories for connection to the intended machinery.

The construction and design of aboveground storage tanks may be governed by appropriate safety standards in the country of use. For example, a tank may be required to conform to UL142 for use in the US or 3S799 for use in the UK.

It is desirable to provide fuel storage tanks with improved functionality.

Summary of the Invention

In accordance with an aspect, there is provided a fuel storage tank comprising: a primary tank and a secondary tank, wherein the primary tank a reservoir for containing fuel and is received within the secondary tank such that a bund volume is defined therebetween; and a vent assembly; wherein the vent assembly comprises a first opening provided in the primary tank and a second opening provided in the secondary tank; a cover defines a chamber that fluidically connects the first opening and the second opening, wherein the cover comprises a third opening; wherein the vent assembly has a first configuration in which a plug or cap is provided in or over the second opening to close the second opening such that the vent assembly permits gases to exit the primary tank through the first opening and to exit the chamber to atmosphere via the third opening; and wherein the vent assembly has a second configuration in which a plug or cap is provided in or over the third opening to close the third opening such that the vent assembly permits gases to exit the primary tank through the first opening and to enter the secondary tank through the second opening.

The vent assembly may further comprise a vent pipe which is attached to the third opening when the vent assembly is in the first configuration.

A common plug or cap may be used to close the second opening when in the first configuration and to close the third opening when in the second configuration.

A diameter of the second opening may be the same as a diameter of the third opening.

The second opening and the third opening may comprise corresponding threads.

A diameter of the second opening may be smaller than a diameter of the third opening and the plug or cap used to close the second opening may have a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the third opening such that it can pass through the third opening.

The third opening may be at least partially aligned with the second opening.

The cover may be removably attached to the fuel storage tank In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a fuel storage tank comprising: a reservoir for containing fuel; a fuel line fluidically connected to the reservoir; a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port; wherein the pump has a plurality of configurations comprising: a first configuration in which the inlet port of the pump is connected to a water extraction port and the outlet port of the pump is connected to an ancillary fuel tank, wherein the water extraction port is connected to the reservoir by a water extraction line which terminates adjacent to a base of the reservoir such that water can be pumped from the reservoir and discarded to the ancillary fuel tank; and a second configuration in which the inlet port of the pump is connected to the fuel line and the outlet port of the pump is connected to an ancillary fuel tank or to a fuel return port which is connected to the reservoir such that fuel can be pumped through the fuel line in order to drain or prime the fuel line and fuel received by the pump can be pumped to the ancillary fuel tank or back to the reservoir via the fuel return port.

The inlet port of the pump may be connected to the water extraction port or the fuel line by a first hose and the outlet port of the pump may be connected to the ancillary fuel tank or the fuel return port by a second hose.

The first and second hoses may be reconnected in order to change the pump from the first configuration to the second configuration.

The first and second hoses may include quick release connectors.

The fuel return port and the water extraction port may be formed by a single port.

In the second configuration, the fuel line may be isolated from the reservoir by an isolation valve In the second configuration, air may be allowed to enter the fuel line via an air inlet located downstream of the isolation valve.

The air inlet may be connected to an air return line which is connected to the reservoir.

The fuel storage tank may comprise a plurality of fuel lines and the inlet port of the pump may be connected to each of the fuel lines in turn in the second configuration.

The pump may be located in an integral equipment cabinet.

The pump may be a hand pump.

In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a fuel storage tank comprising: a reservoir; a first integral equipment cabinet housing a first set of fluid connection ports in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a second integral equipment cabinet housing a second set of fluid connection ports in fluid communication with the reservoir; wherein the first and second integral equipment cabinets are arranged at opposite ends of the reservoir along a longitudinal axis of the fuel storage tank.

The first set of fluid connection ports and the second set of connection ports may comprise duplicate connection ports such that equipment can be connected to the reservoir via the first integral equipment cabinet or the second integral equipment cabinet.

The fuel storage tank may be an ISO container tank.

The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied mutatis mutandis to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive any feature described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature described herein.

Brief description of the Drawings

Embodiments will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fuel storage tank system; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a fuel storage tank system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a front view of a cabinet of the fuel storage tank showing a multi-mode pump; Figure 4 shows the multi-mode pump in a first configuration; Figure 5 shows the multi-mode pump in a second configuration; Figure 6 shows the multi-mode pump in a third configuration; Figure 7 shows the multi-mode pump in a fourth configuration; Figure 8 is a perspective view of a vent assembly of the fuel storage tank in a first configuration; Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly in the first configuration; Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly in a second configuration; Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly according to another embodiment in a first configuration; and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the vent assembly of Figure 11 in a second configuration.

Detailed description

Figure 1 shows an example of a fuel storage tank system 102 which comprises a plurality (five are shown) of fuel storage tanks 104. The fuel storage tank system 102 further comprises a pair of waste fuel tanks 106, a retail dispensing skid (RDS) 108, a bulk transfer (BTS) skid 114 and a filter skid 116 which are fluidically connected to the fuel storage tanks 104, as described further below.

The fuel storage tank system 102 further comprises a pair of remote power modules each comprising a generator 110 and associated fuel tank 112, and a pair of light towers 118 which are powered by the generators 110.

The components of the fuel storage tank system 102 may be transported to site in a plurality of shipping containers 120 (only one is shown).

It will be appreciated that in other examples, only some of the elements described above may be provided or additional elements may be provided.

The fuel storage tanks 104 are ISO (e.g., 20ft or 40ft) container tanks and thus have a rectilinear and elongated shape.

Each of the fuel storage tanks 104 has a tank section 122 which comprises a primary tank and a secondary tank. The primary tank is housed within the secondary tank such that the tank section 122 has a double-walled construction, and a bund volume is formed between the primary and second tanks. The primary tank defines a reservoir for holding fuel. The secondary tank is intended to contain the contents of the primary tank in the bund volume in the event that the primary tank is ruptured.

Each of the fuel tanks 104 also comprises a front bay 124 and a rear bay 126. The front and rear bays 124, 126 each comprise an integral equipment cabinet which houses a set of fluid connection ports, as will be described in more detail below.

The front and rear bays 124, 126 are located at opposite ends of the fuel storage tank 4 along a longitudinal axis of the fuel storage tank 104. Accordingly, the front and rear bays 124, 126 are accessible when a plurality of fuel storage tanks 104 are arranged side-by-side, as shown in Figure 1. The double-ended design allows more flexibility in placement and set-up for pumps and equipment, as will be described in more detail below.

Figure 3 shows a rear view of the front bay 124. As shown, the front bay 124 houses a set of fluid connection ports. In particular, the connection ports comprise an outlet port 1 which is connected to the primary tank by a suction line, an inlet port 16 which is connected to the primary tank by a fill line, and an RDS connection port 10 which is connected to the primary tank by an RDS connection line. The suction line is provided with an auxiliary hose connection nipple 2 having an isolator 3 which is located adjacent to the outlet port 1, the fill line is provided with an auxiliary hose connection nipple 18 having an isolator 19 which is located adjacent to the inlet port 16 and the RDS connection line is provided with an auxiliary hose connection nipple 11 having an isolator 12 which is located adjacent to the RDS connection port 10.

The RDS connection line is provided with a valve 13 adjacent the RDS connection port 10. The suction line is provided with a lower isolator valve 7 and an upper isolator valve 8 and the fill line is provided with a lower isolator valve 14 and an upper isolator valve 15. A suction interconnection line 23 is provided on the suction line between the lower and upper isolator valves 7, 8 and a fill interconnection line 24 is provided on the fill line between the lower and upper isolator valves 14, 15.

The suction interconnection line 23 and fill interconnection line 24 extend horizontally and may be used to connect the fuel storage tank 104 to additional fuel storage tanks 104 (via their respective suction and fill interconnection lines) in order to create a modular fuel farm, as shown in Figure 1. The suction and fill interconnection lines 23, 24 are sealed by end caps located at either end when they are not in use.

The BTS skid 114 comprises a bulk transfer pump which is connected to the outlet and inlet ports 1, 16 via interconnection hoses for pumping fuel into and out of the fuel storage tank 104 The filter skid 116 is connected in series with the bulk transfer pump to filter incoming fuel or condition fuel by recirculation from the fuel storage tank 104 for the purpose of water or other contaminant removal.

The RDS connection port 10 connects the fuel storage tank 104 to the RDS skid 108.

The RDS skid 108 comprises a fuel dispenser (which may have dual nozzles) for supplying fuel from the fuel storage tank 104 for vehicle or small tank (such as the fuel tanks 112 of the remote power modules) refuelling. In other examples, a fuel dispenser may be provided within the equipment cabinet itself.

The front bay 124 further comprises a hand pump 9 having a suction connection (inlet) port 5 and a discharge connection (outlet) port 6 which will be described in more detail below.

The suction line also comprises an air inlet nipple 20 and the fill line also comprises an air inlet nipple 21. Further, a drain port 22 is provided at a lower end of the suction and fill lines, adjacent to the outlet port 1 and inlet port 16.

The front bay 124 further comprises a water extraction/fuel return port 4 which is connected to the primary tank by a water extraction/fuel return line which runs from the base of the primary tank up to the roof of the fuel storage tank 104. The front bay 124 further comprises an air return line port 17 at the roof of the storage tank 104 which is connected to the primary tank by an air return line.

The hand pump 9 has multiple configurations which will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6.

Figure 4 shows a first, water extraction configuration of the hand pump 9 which may be used if the fuel becomes contaminated with water which settles to the bottom of the primary tank. This may be particularly problematic for aviation fuel where water must be removed periodically.

In this configuration, the suction connection port 5 of the hand pump 9 is connected to the water extraction/fuel return port 4 by a first hose 25. The discharge connection port 6 of the hand pump 9 is connected to one of the waste fuel tanks 106 (or any other secondary fuel receptacle) via a second hose 26. The hand pump 9 is then operated in order to draw water (and contaminated fuel) from the primary tank and to discard this to the waste fuel tank 106.

Figure 5 shows a second, priming configuration of the hand pump 9 which is used when setting up the equipment in order to prime pump feed lines with fuel.

In this configuration, the suction connection port 5 of the hand pump 9 is connected to one of the auxiliary hose connection nipples 2, 11 on the suction and RDS connection lines by the first hose 25 On the example shown in Figure 5, the hand pump 9 is connected to the auxiliary hose connection nipple 11 of the RDS connection line) and the discharge connection port 6 is connected to the water extraction/fuel return port 4 via the second hose 26. The hand pump 9 is then operated in order to first draw air from the empty line and to then draw fuel into the line from the primary tank into the line is completely filled. Any excess fuel drawn by the hand pump 9 is returned to the primary tank via the water extraction/fuel return port 4.

Figure 6 shows a third, drain-down configuration which is used before disconnecting hoses from the outlet port 1, the inlet port 16 and the RDS connection port 10 in order to drain fuel from the lines to reduce the risk of spillage.

In this configuration, the auxiliary hose connection nipple 2, 18, 11 of one of the suction, fill and RDS connection lines is connected to the suction connection port 5 of the hand pump 9 via the first hose 25 (in the example shown in Figure 6, the hand pump 9 is connected to the auxiliary hose connection nipple 11 of the RDS connection line). The discharge connection port 6 of the hand pump 9 is connected to one of the waste fuel tanks 106 (or any other secondary fuel receptacle) via the second hose 26. With the primary tank empty, the hand pump 9 is then operated in order to drain fuel from the line and to discard this to the waste fuel tank 106.

Alternatively, the second hose 26 may be connected to the water extraction/fuel return port 4 (denoted by the dotted line in Figure 6) such that fuel is pumped back to the primary tank, rather than being discarded. This may be achieved with fuel still in the primary tank by closing a valve in the line (such as the upper isolator valves 8, 15 on the suction and fill lines). In this configuration, air may be introduced via the air inlet nipple 20, 21 of the suction or fill line (as per the example shown in Figure 7 described below).

Although not shown, the RDS connection line may also be provided with a valve and air inlet nipple to allow this technique to be used to drain fuel from the RDS connection line.

Figure 7 shows a fourth, interconnection configuration which is used in order to allow additional fuel storage tanks 104 to be connected via the interconnection lines 23, 24. 15 In this configuration, the auxiliary hose connection nipple 2, 18 of one of the suction and fill lines is connected to the suction connection port 5 of the hand pump 9 via the first hose 25 (in the example shown in Figure 7, the hand pump 9 is connected to the auxiliary hose connection nipple 2 of the suction line) and the discharge connection port 6 is connected to the water extraction/fuel return port 4 via the second hose 26. A third hose 27 is connected between the air return line port 17 and the air inlet nipple 20, 21 of the suction or fill line (in the example shown in Figure 7, third hose 27 is connected to the air inlet nipple 20 of the suction line). The hand pump 9 is then operated in order to drain fuel from the suction or fill line and the associated interconnection line 23, 24 which is then returned to the primary tank via the water extraction/fuel return port 4. The third hose 27 allows air to be drawn into the line in order to avoid the formation of an air lock in the line.

The hoses 25, 26, 27 described previously and the various ports with which they engage may be provided with quick release connectors in order to allow the hand pump 9 to be quickly and easily reconfigured.

It will be appreciated that only some of the configurations of the hand pump 9 described previously may be implemented in certain situations. Further, the multiple configurations described may be implemented with a pump which is not hand operated (e.g., an electric pump) and also may be implemented in alternative forms of tank. In other examples, the water extraction/fuel return port 4 may be formed as two separate ports with separate lines connected to the primary tank.

The rear bay 126 may comprise a set of fluid connection ports and other components which correspond to those described previously with respect to the front bay 124.

Accordingly, the RDS skid 108, the BTS skid 114 and the filter skid 116 may be connected to either the front or rear bay 124, 126 or pairs of such modules may be provided for connection to the front and rear bays 124, 126. However, in other examples, the rear bay 126 may comprise only a subset of the features of the front bay 124. For example, the rear bay 126 may only be provided with the RDS line and associated ports and not the suction and fill lines (and thus the interconnection lines 23, 24). In other examples, the rear bay 126 may only be provided with the RDS and suction lines and not the fill line. The rear bay 126 may also not be provided with the hand pump 9.

Figures 8 and 9 show a vent assembly 200 of the fuel storage tank 104. As shown in Figure 9, the vent assembly 200 comprises a first opening 202 provided in the primary tank 204 and a second opening 206 provided in the secondary tank 208.

A cover 210 is bolted to a perimeter wall 212 which projects upwards from the roof of the fuel storage tank 104 and surrounds the first and second openings 202, 206. The cover 210 (and the perimeter wall 212) defines a chamber 214 that fluidically connects the first opening and the second opening 202, 206. A third opening 216 is provided in the cover 210 The vent assembly 200 has a first configuration as shown in Figures Band 9. In the first configuration, a plug 220 is provided in the second opening 206 to close the second opening 206. The second opening 206 may have a thread which is engaged by a complementary thread on the plug 220. The plug 220 may comprise a formation which allows the plug 220 to be easily grasped and rotated by hand. Alternatively, the plug 220 may have a formation, such as a hex socket or bolt, for engagement with a tool. In other examples, a cap may be used instead of plug 220 which is received over the second opening 206. The second opening 206 may comprise an externally threaded portion which is engaged by an internal thread in the cap.

As shown, a vent pipe 218 engages with the third opening 216. The third opening 216 may have a thread which is engaged by a complementary thread on the vent pipe 218.

As described below, the second and third openings 206, 216 may include corresponding threads. The vent pipe 218 projects upwards from the cover 210 and comprises a cowl 222 at its upper end.

In the first configuration, the vent assembly 200 permits gases to exit the primary tank 204 through the first opening 202 and to exit the chamber 214 to atmosphere via the third opening 216 and the vent pipe 218. The cowl 222 redirects the gases downwards as they exit the vent pipe 218 and prevents ingress of rain and other debris in the vent pipe 218.

The vent assembly has a second configuration, as shown in Figure 10. In the second configuration, the vent pipe 218 is removed from the third opening 216 in the cover 210. The cover 210 is removed by unbolting from the perimeter wall 212 in order to provide access to the second opening 206. The plug 220 is then removed from the second opening 206 and instead engaged with the third opening 216. The cover 210 is then reattached to the perimeter wall in order to close the chamber 214.

In the second configuration, the vent assembly 200 permits gases to exit the primary tank 204 through the first opening 202 and to enter the secondary tank 208 through the second opening 206. The gases are prevented from exiting through the third opening 216 by the plug 220. In other examples, a separate plug may be used to seal the second opening 206 in the first configuration and the third opening 216 in the second configuration. The secondary tank 208 itself may be provided with a vent to atmosphere which prevents excessive build-up of gases. In the event of overfilling, fuel is also allowed to pass through the first opening 202 and enter the secondary tank 208 through the second opening 206.

The first configuration complies with UL142, whereas the second configuration complies with BS799. Accordingly, the vent assembly 200 allows the fuel storage tank 104 to be quickly and easily converted for the different standards. The fuel storage tank 104 may be configured in either the first or second configuration during its manufacture or may be changed to the desired configuration on-site.

The first opening 202 may also be threaded. The first opening 202 may receive a plug or cap which may be used during transportation of the fuel storage tank 104. The fuel storage tank 104 may be delivered with the cover 210 removed such that it can be easily adapted to either the first or second configuration on-site.

Figures 11 and 12 show a vent assembly 300 according to another embodiment. As per the vent assembly 200, the vent assembly 300 comprises a first opening 302 provided in the primary tank 304, a second opening 306 provided in the secondary tank 308 and a third opening 316 provided in the cover 310.

In this embodiment, the third opening 316 is provided in the cover 310 in a position such that it is (at least partially) aligned with the second opening 306. Further, the third opening 316 is larger than the second opening 306 (i.e. it has a larger diameter) such that the plug 320 (or cap), which is used to close the second opening 306, can be introduced or withdrawn through the third opening 316. Accordingly, the cover 310 does not need to be unbolted in order to change between the first and second configurations of the vent assembly 300. In fact, the cover 310 need not be removable in this embodiment. A separate plug 324 (or cap) is used to close the third opening 316 when in the second configuration.

It will be appreciated that the vent assembly 200, 300 described previously may be implemented in other forms of tank Aligning the third opening 216 with the second opening 206 may also be beneficial in the vent assembly 200 since it may allow for visual inspection of the second opening 206 without removing the cover 210. This may allow a user to confirm that the plug 220 has been removed from the second opening 206 when installing another plug in the third opening 216.

To avoid unnecessary duplication of effort and repetition of text in the specification, certain features are described in relation to only one or several aspects or embodiments of the invention. However, it is to be understood that, where it is technically possible, features described in relation to any aspect or embodiment of the invention may also be used with any other aspect or embodiment of the invention.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein, and may be modified or adapted without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A fuel storage tank comprising: a primary tank and a secondary tank, wherein the primary tank a reservoir for containing fuel and is received within the secondary tank such that a bund volume is defined therebetween; and a vent assembly; wherein the vent assembly comprises a first opening provided in the primary tank and a second opening provided in the secondary tank; a cover defines a chamber that fluidically connects the first opening and the second opening, wherein the cover comprises a third opening; wherein the vent assembly has a first configuration in which a plug or cap is provided in or over the second opening to close the second opening such that the vent assembly permits gases to exit the primary tank through the first opening and to exit the chamber to atmosphere via the third opening; and wherein the vent assembly has a second configuration in which a plug or cap is provided in or over the third opening to close the third opening such that the vent assembly permits gases to exit the primary tank through the first opening and to enter the secondary tank through the second opening.
2. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vent assembly further comprises a vent pipe which is attached to the third opening when the vent assembly is in the first configuration.
3. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein a common plug or cap is used to close the second opening when in the first configuration and to close the third opening when in the second configuration.
4. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a diameter of the second opening is the same as a diameter of the third opening.
5. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second opening and the third opening comprise corresponding threads.
6. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a diameter of the second opening is smaller than a diameter of the third opening and the plug or cap used to close the second opening has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the third opening such that it can pass through the third opening.
7. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third opening is at least partially aligned with the second opening.
8. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the cover is removably attached to the fuel storage tank.
9. A fuel storage tank comprising: a reservoir for containing fuel; a fuel line fluidically connected to the reservoir; a pump having an inlet port and an outlet port; wherein the pump has a plurality of configurations comprising: a first configuration in which the inlet port of the pump is connected to a water extraction port and the outlet port of the pump is connected to an ancillary fuel tank, wherein the water extraction port is connected to the reservoir by a water extraction line which terminates adjacent to a base of the reservoir such that water can be pumped from the reservoir and discarded to the ancillary fuel tank; and a second configuration in which the inlet port of the pump is connected to the fuel line and the outlet port of the pump is connected to an ancillary fuel tank or to a fuel return port which is connected to the reservoir such that fuel can be pumped through the fuel line in order to drain or prime the fuel line and fuel received by the pump can be pumped to the ancillary fuel tank or back to the reservoir via the fuel return port.
10. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 10, wherein the inlet port of the pump is connected to the water extraction port or the fuel line by a first hose and the outlet port of the pump is connected to the ancillary fuel tank or the fuel return port by a second hose.
11. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 10, wherein the first and second hoses are reconnected in order to change the pump from the first configuration to the second 35 configuration.
12. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the first and second hoses include quick release connectors.
13. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the fuel return port and the water extraction port are formed by a single port.
14. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein, in the second configuration, the fuel line is isolated from the reservoir by an isolation valve.
15. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 14, wherein, in the second configuration, air is allowed to enter the fuel line via an air inlet located downstream of the isolation valve.
16. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 15, wherein the air inlet is connected to an air return line which is connected to the reservoir.
17. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 16, wherein the fuel storage tank comprises a plurality of fuel lines and wherein the inlet port of the pump is connected to each of the fuel lines in turn in the second configuration.
18. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the pump is located in an integral equipment cabinet.
19. A fuel storage tank as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 17, wherein the pump is 25 a hand pump.
20. A fuel storage tank comprising: a reservoir; a first integral equipment cabinet housing a first set of fluid connection ports in fluid communication with the reservoir; and a second integral equipment cabinet housing a second set of fluid connection ports in fluid communication with the reservoir; wherein the first and second integral equipment cabinets are arranged at opposite ends of the reservoir along a longitudinal axis of the fuel storage tank.
21. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 20, wherein the first set of fluid connection ports and the second set of connection ports comprise duplicate connection ports such that equipment can be connected to the reservoir via the first integral equipment cabinet or the second integral equipment cabinet.
22. A fuel storage tank as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein the fuel storage tank is an ISO container tank.