Clarehill Plastics Limited

What fuel types can be stored in Harlequin Oil Tanks?

Harlequin Oil Tanks are suitable only for the storage of:

• Kerosene (C1/C2)
• Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2)
• Diesel (D)
• Home Heating Oil
• BioDiesel blends manufactured in accordance with the requirements of British Standard BS EN14214 / Irish Standard IS EN14214 not greater than B5 i.e. BioDiesel with a bio-element not exceeding 5% concentration

All Harlequin Oil Tanks must be installed in accordance with supplied instructions, the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3 and prevailing statutory requirements. Please note that Harlequin Heating Oil Tanks are not suitable for connection to a fuel delivery system incorporating a flexible hose and automatic trigger nozzle.

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What is a Single Skin or Non-Bunded Plastic Oil Tank?

A Single Skin Plastic Oil Tank consists of a single rotationally moulded container, in which fuel is stored. Single Skin Oil Tanks do not incorporate any form of secondary containment and therefore in the event of a spillage, a pollution incident will result.

Single Skin Tanks Plastic Oil Tanks are suitable only for installation at the very small number of domestic installations where a Bunded Oil Tank is not a legal requirement – subject to a Risk Assessment being undertaken by an OFTEC Registered Technician or similarly competent person and in accordance with the requirements of OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3.

Please not that Single Skin Oil Tanks are inherently unsuitable for installation at agricultural, commercial, most domestic, industrial and institutional premises. Installing a Single Skin Oil Tank where a Bunded Oil Tank is required can represent a criminal offence. In anticipation of possible future environmental legislation, consideration should be given to fitting a Bunded Oil Tank - even where a Single Skin Oil Tank will currently suffice.

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What is a Bunded Oil Tank?

A Bunded Oil Tank simply consists of a tank within a tank. The fuel is stored in the inner tank and the outer tank acts as a failsafe so that in the event of a spillage, excess fuel will collect in the outer tank - thus averting a pollution incident.

Bunded Oil Tanks have been proven to significantly reduce the risk of pollution at oil storage installations. They are a requirement at commercial, industrial, institutional and commercial premises; all installations in the Channel Islands; and, at most domestic installations in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

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Can a Top Outlet Bunded OIl Tank be used at any installation?

Top Outlet Bunded OIl Tanks are suitable with most pressure jet burners - though it may be necessary to install a Tiger Loop de-aerator, to eliminate the need for a return line to the tank. Pressure jet burners are fitted to most oil boilers sold today in the British Isles.

Top Outlet Bunded Oil Tanks are not compatible with vapourising (or wick) burners, fitted to some oil fired stoves. At such installations, a Bottom Outlet (BND) Bunded Oil Tank should be fitted or else an oil lift device should be incorporated within the oil supply line.

If you are in any doubt as to the compatibility of Top Outlet or Bottom Outlet Bunded Tanks, consult the oil equipment manufacturer or OFTEC.

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How close to a boundary can I place an Oil Tank?

If the tank is less than 3500 litres, it should not be placed within 760mm of a combustible boundary e.g. a fence.

This distance assumes that there are no flu outlets or buildings between the tank and the boundary. Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in British Standard BS 5410: Part 1: 1997 must be provided, by means of a 30 minutes fire-resistant wall - which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank.

For tanks with a capacity greater than 3500 litres of for fire barrier construction requirements, please contact OFTEC for advice.

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How close to a flu outlet can I place an Oil Tank?

Oil Tanks with a capacity of less than 3,500 litres should not be placed within 1.8 metres of a flu outlet.

Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in British Standard BS 5410: Part 1: 1997 must be provided by means of a 30 minutes fire-resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank.

For oil tanks with a capacity over 3,500 litres or advice on constructing a fire resistant barrier, please contact OFTEC.

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How close to a building can I place an Oil Tank?

Oil Tanks with a capacity not greater 3,500 litres should not be fitted any closer than 1.8 metres to non-fire rated (30 mins. minimum) walls or eaves.

Where these clearances cannot be achieved, the protection measures noted in British Standard BS 5410: Part 1: 1997 must be provided by means of a 30 minutes fire-resistant wall which extends at least 300mm above and beyond the ends of the tank.

It will be necessary to protect exposed eaves forming part of a roof within 1.8 metres of the top of an oil storage tank to provide a 30 minute resistance to fire. Cladding can be applied to the eaves in order to prevent fire spreading to the roof.

If the tank capacity is greater than 3500 litres or you require further advice, please contact OFTEC.

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Can I place an Oil Tank inside a building or domestic garage?

Internal Oil Tanks should never be installed in a habitable area, and should always be contained within a specially constructed, purpose designed, enclosed chamber. Detailed requirements exist for the installation of oil storage tanks within habitable buildings and domestic garages. For more information, contact OFTEC.

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Can Harlequin Oil Tanks be installed underground?

No.

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What materials are Harlequin Oil Tanks manufactured from?

Harlequin Oil Tanks are manufactured from Medium Density Polyethylene (MDPE) - a material that displays excellent chemical and impact resistance qualities. All Harlequin Oil Tanks are manufactured only from premium grade, virgin materials.

Fittings vary according to tank type and market – for more information, please download the appropriate brochure for your market or contact your local Harlequin reseller.

All materials and components used in the manufacture of Harlequin Oil Tanks are guaranteed resistant to the potentially damaging effects of the liquids they are designed to contain.

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What are the base requirements for Harlequin Oil Tanks?

As a minimum, all plastic oil tanks should be installed on a flat, level, fire resistant surface, capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. Where concrete slabs are used, they should be at least 50mm thick.

The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the oil tank and fully support the base of the oil tank in its entirety. Piers are not suitable for this purpose and will cause irreparable damage to the oil tank, resulting in premature failure and catstrophic product loss.

Detailed oil tank base requirements can be found within OFTEC Technical Instruction Book 3.

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There is a two pin type socket fitted to my Harlequin Plastic Oil Tank. What is this for?

This permits the tank to be connected to the SecuTech LRC Overfill Prevention System, used by an increasing number of fuel distributors - and is not for consumer use.

When connected to the SecuTech LRC Handheld Unit it affords failsafe overfill protection to your oil tank. Failsafe in operation, it is a safer and more reliable alternative to old fashioned, mechanical 'Buncefield' type, overfill prevention valves.

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Can I fit a sight gauge to a Single Skin Oil Tank?

Sight Gauges are a potential leak point at any installation. As an environmentally responsible manufacturer, we do not supply them and do not recommend them.

Preference should instead be given to fitting an electronic oil tank contents gauge which is fitted above the maximum level of fuel in the tank - unlike a sight gauge. This significantly reduces the risk of an oil pollution incident.

An Apollo electronic oil tank contents gauge is fitted as standard on all Harlequin Advance Single Skin Oil Tanks; Harlequin Standard Bunded Oil Tanks, Harlequin Fuel Stations, Harlequin BioBunds and Harlequin BioFuel Stations.

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Can I fit a sight gauge to a Bunded Oil Tank?

Sight gauges are not suitable for use with Harlequin Bunded Oil Tanks. An Apollo electronic oil tank contents gauge is fitted as standard on all Harlequin Bunded Oil Tanks. This eliminates the requirement to fit any other measurement device.

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On warm days there is a slight smell of oil from my tank... why?

This is perfectly normal and is simply the tank 'venting' through the weatherproof, factory fitted vent.

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In which countries are Harlequin Plastic Oil Tanks available?

Currently Harlequin products are currently available in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Iceland and Slovakia.

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Can Harlequin Bunded Oil Tanks be locked?

Yes, every Harlequin Bunded Oil Tank is supplied complete with metal spigot which will accept a padlock.

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Are Harlequin Plastic Oil Tanks designed to protect fuel from the damaging effects of sunlight?

Yes. Every Harlequin Oil Tank is manufactured from a material which incorporates UV inhibitors. These prevent ultra-violet rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degradation.

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Are Harlequin Plastic Oil Tanks suitable for the storage of aviation fuel?

No. Aviation fuels must only be stored in tanks specifically designed for this specialist application.

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Are Harlequin Plastic Oil Tanks fitted with sludge cocks/valves?

No.

Best practice and legal requirements dictates that there should be no openings (other than the fuel supply pipe) below the maximum level of fuel in the tank. This reduces the risk of accidental discharge and thereby a pollution incident. As an environmentally responsible manufacturer, Harlequin tanks do not feature sludge cocks / valves.

In the event that fuel contaminants need to be removed from the tank, they should be extracted by an appropriately licensed contractor via the 4" inspection aperture.

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Are Harlequin Plastic Oil Tanks suitable for the storage of Cooking Fuels?

Yes.

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I have discovered the presence of water / contaminants in my Oil Tank. Who should I contact?

You should contact your local fuel distributor, who can make arrangements for its removal.

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My bottom outlet Harlequin Plastic Oil Tank has a coloured plug in the outlet. What is this for?

This is simply to protect the oil tank outlet during transit. This plug must be removed prior to installation.

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My Top Outlet Harlequin Plastic Oil Tank has two pipe connections. Which connection do I use to connect the oil supply pipe?

The top connection should always be used. The bottom connection (covered by a red gland) is not suitable for use at oil tank installations in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland.

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I have an existing Harlequin Plastic Bunded Oil Tank and wish to retrofit an Electronic Oil Tank Contents Gauge. Which gauge would you recommend for this application?

Due to limited clearance between the inner tank and bund roof, we would recommend an Apollo ultrasonic gauge. These can be obtained from Harlequin Resellers throughout the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.

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What is the maximum temperature of a liquid that can be stored in Harlequin plastic tanks?

The maximum liquid temperature that can be stored in Harlequin tanks is 55 degrees Celsius.

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Are Harlequin Plastic Oil Tanks suitable for the storage of Liquid Ammonia?

No.

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I wish to retrofit an electronic gauge to an existing Harlequin Single Skin Plastic Oil Tank. Which gauge would you recommend for this application?

An Apollo ultrasonic gauge is suitable for this application.

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What equipment is supplied with the Harlequin Bottom Outlet Fitting Kit supplied with Harlequin Bottom Outlet Oil Tanks?

Every Harlequin Tankpack incorporates the following equipment:

• Filter Bowl
• 1"/0.5" Reducer
• Lever Type Isolation Valve
• PTFE Tape
• Liquid Sealant

To complete the oil tank installation, just connect the oil supply line!

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What is the outlet diameter on the Harlequin Bottom Outlet Tankpack Filter Bowl?

10mm.

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Which products are supplied as standard with the Harlequin Bottom Outlet Fitting Kit?

• Harlequin Advance Single Skin Oil Tanks
• Harlequin Bottom Outlet Standard Bunded Oil Tanks
• Harlequin Bottom Outlet Polyrock Bunded Oil Tanks

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Is it necessary to install a de-aeration device at a Top Outlet installation?

At most top outlet oil tank installations serving a fixed appliance (e.g. boiler, cooker or stove) a de-aeration device (e.g. Tiger Loop) will be required.

However, to confirm specific requirements for your installation, please contact your oil fired appliance manufacturer prior to installation.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Waste Oil Tanks suitable for the disposal of petrol or other highly flammable liquids?

No. To dispose of petrol or any other flammable liquid, please contact your local environmental authority.

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In which countries are Harlequin Bunded Waste Oil Tanks available?

Currently Harlequin products are available in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Iceland and Slovakia.

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My Harlequin Bunded Waste Oil Tank was manufactured before May 2008 and there is a red light flashing on the top of my Harlequin Bunded Oil Recycling Bank... Why?

This signifies that the tank is full. Arrangements should be made for the tank to be emptied immediately.

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Are replacement filter elements for the Harlequin Bottom Outlet Fitting Kit available?

Yes, these can be supplied by any Harlequin stockist.

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What liquids can the Apollo remote electronic gauge be used to monitor?

The Apollo is suitable for use with Kerosene (C1/C2), Agricultural Fuel Oil (A2), Diesel (D), molasses and water.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations suitable for the storage of petrol or other highly flammable liquids?

No. Harlequin Fuel Stations are only suitable for the storage of diesel.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations suitable for the storage of kerosene?

No.

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What fuels can be stored in a Harlequin Bunded BioFuel Station?

Diesel (D) and BioDiesel grades of up to B100 produced in accordance with British Standard BS EN14214 / Irish Standard IS EN14214.

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When should an Arctic Grade Bunded BioFuel Station be installed?

At installations where the temperature may fall below -5 degrees Celsius for prolonged periods. At all other installations, a Standard Grade BioFuel Station will suffice.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points and Bunded BioFuel Stations compliant with the requirements of The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001?

Yes, Harlequin Fuel Stations are fully compliant with all relevant aspects of The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points and Bunded BioFuel Stations compliant with the requirements of The Water Environment (Oil Storage) (Scotland) Regulations 2006?

Yes, Harlequin Fuel Stations are fully compliant with all relevant aspects of The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2006.

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Is it necessary to place Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations on a raised base?

No. To ensure ease of use, Harlequin Fuel Stations should be placed upon a suitable base at ground level.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations designed to protect my fuel from the damaging effects of sunlight?

Yes. Every Harlequin Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Point and Bunded BioFuel Station is manufactured from a material incorporates UV inhibitors. These protect the fuel stored in the tank from the damaging effect of the sun's rays and thereby prevent fuel degradation.

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What are the power requirements for mains powered Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points and Bunded BioFuel Stations?

13 amp, single phase, mains power supply with a Residual Current Device (RCD) fitted at connection point to the power supply.

All mains electrical installations must only be undertaken by a qualified electrician and must be inspected and tested regularly in accordance with regulatory requirements.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations suitable for the storage of aviation fuels?

No. Aviation Fuels must only be stored in containers purpose designed for this specialist application.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations fitted with a sludge cock/valve?

No. Best practice and statutory requirements dictates that there should be no openings (other than the fuel supply pipe) below the maximum level of fuel in the tank.

This reduces the risk of accidental discharge and thereby a pollution incident. As an environmentally responsible manufacturer, Harlequin tanks do not feature sludge cocks/valves.

In the event that fuel contaminants need to be removed from the tank, they should be extracted by an appropriately licensed contractor via the 4" inspection aperture.

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What filtration system is employed on Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations and Harlequin Bunded BioFuel Stations?

All Harlequin Fuel Stations and BioFuel Stations are supplied complete with a 10 micron cartridge type filter.

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What filtration system in employed on Harlequin Bunded Fuel Points?

An 80 micron strainer.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations suitable for the storage of BioDiesel?

Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations are suitable for the storage and dispensing of BioDiesel blends up to B5 and manufactured in accordance with British Standard BS EN14214/Irish Standard IS EN14214.

For greater concentrations, a Harlequin BioFuel Station will be required.

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I have discovered the presence of water / contaminants in my Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Point or Bunded BioFuel Station. Who should I contact?

You should contact your local fuel distributor, who can make arrangements for its removal.

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Are 12 volt/24 volt Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations supplied complete with 'Fly Leads'?

Yes.

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Can Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations be locked?

Yes, every Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Point and Bunded BioFuel Station is supplied complete with a metal spigot adjacent to the cabinet door, capable of accepting a padlock.

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What liquids are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations suitable for storing and dispensing?

Diesel (D) and BioDiesel blends up to B5 and manufactured in accordance with British Standard BS EN14214 and Irish Standard IS EN14214.

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There is a two pin socket on the front of my Bunded Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Point or Bunded BioFuel Station. What is this for?

This permits the tank to be connected to the SecuTech LRC Overfill Prevention System, used by an increasing number of fuel distributors. This connection is not for consumer use.

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Are batteries supplied as standard with low voltage Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations?

No.

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Does every Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Points and Bunded BioFuel Stations incorporate a nozzle with automatic shut off?

Yes.

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Is an earthing point supplied with each Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Point or Bunded BioFuel Station?

Yes, this is supplied as standard on every Harlequin 240v AC Mains Fuel Station.

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What is the actual speed of the pumps fitted to Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station, Bunded Fuel Point or Bunded BioFuel Station?

Actual speed will vary and is dependent upon a number of factors.

However, as a general guide an operational flow rate of c.40 - 45 litres per minute would be considered normal on mains powered versions.

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Are Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations ATEX compliant?

Standard Harlequin Fuel Stations are not ATEX approved. However, ATEX compliant products are available for special order, at additional cost. Please contact us to confirm product availability.

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How do I know when I need to replace the filter on my Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station or Bunded BioFuel Station? Where can replacement filters be obtained from?

The need to replace filters will depend upon a number of factors; however the period between filter replacements should be no greater than 12 months on Bunded Fuel Stations and 6 months on Bunded BioFuel Stations.

Replacement filters can obtained from Harlequin Bunded Fuel Station and BioFuel Station resellers.

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What is the accuracy of Flow Meters supplied with Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations?

Mechanical Flow meters will have a typical accuracy of +/- 1% with 0.5% repeatability. Digital Flow Meters will have a typical accuracy of +/- 0.5% with 0.2% repeatability.

Please note that to ensure accuracy, the flow meter should be recalibrated periodically.

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Is the Flow Meter supplied with Harlequin Bunded Fuel Stations, Bunded Fuel Points or Bunded BioFuel Stations Weights & Measures or Board of Trade Approved for the resale of fuel?

No.

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What chemicals and fuels can be stored in Harlequin BioBunds?

Diesel (D) and BioDiesel grades of up to B100 produced in accordance with British Standard BS EN14214 / Irish Standard IS EN14214.

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Can Harlequin BioBunds be installed underground?

No.

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What are the base requirements for Harlequin plastic BioBunds?

As a minimum, all tanks should be installed on a flat, level, fire resistant surface, capable of supporting the weight of the tank when fully laden. Where concrete slabs are used, they should be at least 50mm thick.

The base should extend at least 300mm beyond the widest points of the tank and fully support the base of the tank in its entirety. Piers are not suitable for this purpose and will cause irreparable damage to the tank.

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What material is my Harlequin BioBund manufactured from?

A specialist grade of Medium Density Polyethylene with excellent chemical resistance properties that has been thoroughly tested for long term exposure to BioDiesel.

Please note that BioDiesel is inherently unsuitable for storage in tanks manufactured from traditional heating oil and diesel polymer grades.

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There is a two pin type socket fitted to my Harlequin BioBund. What is this for?

This permits the tank to be connected to the SecuTech LRC Overfill Prevention System, used by an increasing number of fuel distributors - and is not for consumer use.

When connected to the SecuTech LRC Handheld Unit it affords failsafe overfill protection to your installation and is a safer and more reliable alternative to old fashioned, mechanical overfill prevention valves.

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On warm days there is a slight smell of oil from my Harlequin BioBund... Why?

This is perfectly normal and is simply the tank 'venting' through the weatherproof, factory fitted vent.

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Can Harlequin BioBunds be locked?

Yes, every Harlequin BioBund is supplied complete with metal spigot which will accept a padlock.

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Are Harlequin BioBunds designed to protect fuel from the damaging effects of sunlight?

Yes. Every Harlequin BioBund is manufactured from a material which incorporates UV inhibitors. These prevent ultra-violet rays from permeating the structure of the tank, thus preventing fuel degradation.

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Are Harlequin BioBunds fitted with sludge cocks/valves?

No. Best practice and legal requirements dictates that there should be no openings (other than the fuel supply pipe) below the maximum level of fuel in the tank. This reduces the risk of accidental discharge and thereby a pollution incident. As an environmentally responsible manufacturer, Harlequin tanks do not feature sludge cocks/valves.

In the event that fuel contaminants need to be removed from the tank, they should be extracted by an appropriately licensed contractor via the 4" inspection aperture.

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I have discovered the presence of water/contaminants in my Harlequin BioBund. Who should I contact?

You should contact your local fuel distributor, who can make arrangements for its removal.

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What is the maximum temperature of a liquid that can be stored in Harlequin BioBund?

The maximum liquid temperature that can be stored in Harlequin tanks is 55 degrees Celsius.

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What equipment is fitted to the outlet system on my Harlequin BioBund?

• 1" diameter Stainless Steel Suction Pipe

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