How Mission-Critical Fuel Storage Systems Depend on These Two Products
Solenoid valves and overfill prevention valves are two distinct fuel storage tank components, yet they share one purpose: protecting tank systems, so facilities can rely on the backup power generators they fuel. In short, these valves prevent failures that facilities can’t afford.
They also share this truth in common: they must be strategically designed to operate without human oversight. When these valves are selected from a trusted North American manufacturer, your team can deliver fuel systems that are reliable, compliant, and highly capable.
The team you select for these products is a differentiator that allows you to maintain and even enhance your credibility among markets like data centers, healthcare settings, industrial facilities, and industries that depend on microgrids.
Solenoid Valves: Definition, Value, and Specs To Know
What Is a Solenoid Valve?
A solenoid valve is a heavy-duty, one-direction valve that fully opens when a pump is turned on. An electromechanical product, the valve is energized for flow without pressure to ensure anti-siphon control, preventing liquid from flowing out of the tank through the supply line.
Why Solenoid Valves Are Critical for Fuel Storage Tanks
Used in aboveground fuel storage tanks (AST), a solenoid valve protects against potential leaks or component failures, which pose a risk to the operator, the facility, and your team.
- Any component failure is a credibility risk to your team when your customers rely on you for high-performing storage tanks.
- Operators can end up with regulatory and remediation consequences after a spill.
- The facilities that depend on these tanks are left with depleted fuel storage for operations where backup power is an essential protection against downtime.
Specs That Signal High-Quality Manufacturing
Solenoid valves, like any component, are not all built to the same standard. Your advantage lies in finding a manufacturer that differentiates itself with innovative design capabilities. Look for these specs:
- Female threaded NPT connections for straightforward installation
- Zero-pressure opening for operation
- Piston assembly for higher flow and long-term durability
- Rugged design for installation in cold climates
- Internal pressure relief in case of thermal expansion
- American-made
- Best for clean liquids
- UL listed
- ULC listed
Overfill Prevention Valves: Definition, Value, and Specs To Know
What Is a Fuel Tank Overfill Prevention Valve?
An overfill prevention valve (OPV) is a mechanical safety device installed inside the fill pipe or drop tube of an aboveground fuel storage tank (AST). As fuel is delivered to the tank, the valve restricts the flow of fuel as the liquid level approaches capacity. Its mechanics ensure that the valve closes completely at 95% if the operator does not stop the supply pump themselves.
The Importance of Overfill Prevention Valves in Diesel Tank Design
OPVs use a float for activation and are fail-safe products that don’t require electrical input (like solenoid valves). They can operate without human intervention to derisk the spillage and contamination.
Although solenoid valves protect against siphoning, OPVs protect against overflow from the tank. Both at the fill point and supply line, fuel spills pose a safety risk to the immediate environment, your team, the operator, and the facility that needs to know that backup power is fully functional.
Look for These OPV Specs To Choose a High-Performing Component
The ideal overfill prevention valve for your diesel tank project enables safer and more efficient operations, which result in a chain of trust that includes your engineering team, fuel storage delivery operators, the facility where these tanks are positioned, along with their personnel. A nurse watching over patients in critical condition knows that backup power is available to keep life-sustaining equipment running. Although that may seem downstream, it is directly connected to the choices your team makes. Look for:
- Mechanical, fail-safe operation without dependence on electrical power or sensors.
- Sizing options for specific use cases, such as restricted-height genset tanks.
- Performance specs like gallons-per-minute flow and delivery pressure.
- Value-engineering features, including ease of installation and field use.
- UL and ULC listing.
- Materials like 319 hard-anodized aluminum, stainless-steel components, and fuel-compatible gaskets for long-term use and ruggedization.
Partner With a Trusted Fuel Storage Equipment Manufacturer To Order Solenoid and Overfill Prevention Valves
The right manufacturer will offer a variety of fuel storage equipment to meet your project specs, including solenoid valves, fuel tank overfill prevention valves, vents, liquid level gauges, and more.
More importantly, their portfolio of products for aboveground fuel storage tanks will include innovations that separate their equipment from off-the-shelf, standardized components.
Differentiate yourself in this market by starting with a manufacturer that’s committed to innovating for your industry.