Block B – Fuel Supply and Storage Systems

Trends

There is an increased enforcement of codes. Fuel storage tanks are now made of a variety of materials including heavier gauge metals, fibreglass, high density plastic and steel. There is an increased use of non-metallic fuel storage tanks, expansive coil (expansion loop), protected fuel lines and guards for weather protection of components. Reinforced slabs are more common for tank bases.

Related Components (including, but not limited to)

Fuel storage tanks, fuel lines, pumps, valves, gauges, vent alarms, fittings, pipes, guards, filters, tank stands, caps, supports, tank bases.

Tools and Equipment

See Appendix A.

Task 3 Installs fuel storage tanks.

Context

Stringent new jurisdictional regulations have mandated that oil heat system technicians install fuel storage tanks in strict adherence to standards to prevent environmental mishaps. New guards and improved connections ensure that leaks are minimized and the storage of fuel oil is more secure and less subjected to accidents and system defects.

Sub-task B-3.01 Selects fuel storage tanks.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-3.01.01 knowledge of tank composition such as fibreglass, plastic and steel
• B-3.01.02 knowledge of tank design
• B-3.01.03 knowledge of building size and geographic location
• B-3.01.04 knowledge of accessibility of tank location
• B-3.01.05 ability to determine tank for specific location
• B-3.01.06 ability to select stand

Sub-task B-3.02 Determines fuel storage tank location.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-3.02.01 knowledge of location of utilities such as water source and electrical supply
• B-3.02.02 knowledge of local regulations
• B-3.02.03 knowledge of building orientation and property lines
• B-3.02.04 knowledge of location of building openings such as air supply, windows and doors
• B-3.02.05 knowledge of tank capacity and design
• B-3.02.06 knowledge of customer preferences
• B-3.02.07 ability to take worksite measurements

Sub-task B-3.03 Prepares location for fuel storage tanks.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-3.03.01 knowledge of tank weight at total capacity
• B-3.03.02 knowledge of location of heating appliance
• B-3.03.03 knowledge of types of tank base material such as poured concrete or reinforced pads
• B-3.03.04 ability to prepare base such as removing soil and compacting base
• B-3.03.05 ability to calculate maximum weight load
• B-3.03.06 ability to level tank base
• B-3.03.07 ability to pour concrete pad
• B-3.03.08 ability to assess for possibility of soil erosion

Sub-task B-3.04 Positions fuel storage tanks.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-3.04.01 knowledge of tank incline required for tank design such as end and bottom outlet
• B-3.04.02 knowledge of environmental conditions
• B-3.04.03 ability to secure tank legs
• B-3.04.04 ability to secure tank to base with fasteners

Sub-task B-3.05 Installs fuel storage tank components.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-3.05.01 knowledge of types and locations of components such as gauges, tank valves and vent alarms
• B-3.05.02 knowledge of protection for components
• B-3.05.03 ability to seal components using approved sealants
• B-3.05.04 ability to tighten components
• B-3.05.05 ability to retrofit components
• B-3.05.06 ability to test and inspect for fuel leaks

Sub-task B-3.06 Installs fill and vent pipes.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-3.06.01 knowledge of sizes and types of fill and vent pipes
• B-3.06.02 knowledge of pipe fittings such as caps, elbows and unions
• B-3.06.03 ability to use fasteners and supports
• B-3.06.04 ability to cut and seal holes in building envelope
• B-3.06.05 ability to prepare pipe by threading and applying sealing compound
• B-3.06.06 ability to seal components using approved sealants
• B-3.06.07 ability to torque pipe and fittings
• B-3.06.08 ability to test and inspect for fuel leaks

Task 4 Installs fuel supply system.

Context

Environmental impact regulations throughout Canada have required that oil heat system technicians improve skills in the installation of relevant fuel supply components. Improved and more durable components allow for movement of integral parts without breakage or oxidation.

Sub-task B-4.01 Selects fuel supply components.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-4.01.01 knowledge of components such as oil filters, valves, pumps and oil lines
• B-4.01.02 knowledge of types of valves such as oil-safety, in-line, anti-siphon and check
• B-4.01.03 knowledge of manufacturers’ specifications
• B-4.01.04 ability to determine size of fuel lines and oil filters
• B-4.01.05 ability to determine when to use booster pump systems
• B-4.01.06 ability to determine when to use two-line systems
• B-4.01.07 ability to determine when to use specialized components

Sub-task B-4.02 Installs fuel supply components.

Supporting Knowledge & Abilities

• B-4.02.01 knowledge of sealants
• B-4.02.02 ability to determine location of components such as valves, booster pumps and de-aerators
• B-4.02.03 ability to determine travel path of fuel line
• B-4.02.04 ability to fasten and support pipe
• B-4.02.05 ability to seal components using approved sealants
• B-4.02.06 ability to test and inspect for fuel leaks