Choosing the right oilfield tanks can make or break your site’s efficiency and safety. Whether you're handling water, fuel, or production fluids, having reliable and properly sized tanks is essential—especially in Alberta’s demanding oilfield environments. In this article, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about selecting the right oilfield tanks for your operation, how to avoid costly mistakes, and where to find trusted rentals through Benoit Rentals.
Key Takeaways
- Alberta oilfields require durable, weather-resistant tanks that meet industry regulations.
- Choosing the right capacity, material, and configuration is crucial for safety and cost-efficiency.
- Benoit Rentals offers tank rentals tailored to Alberta's oil and gas needs—no upfront investment needed.
- Know when to rent versus own to maximize flexibility and reduce long-term costs.
- Maintenance, delivery logistics, and environmental compliance should all factor into your decision.
Understanding Oilfield Tanks: What Are They Used For?
Oilfield tanks serve as the backbone of fluid storage and containment in any energy operation. In Alberta, these tanks are used for:
- Crude oil storage
- Produced water containment
- Chemical mixing and holding
- Fuel storage
- Freshwater supply tanks for fracking
- Wastewater or spill containment
The environment in Alberta—known for its temperature extremes—makes it critical to use robust tanks designed for seasonal performance.
Types of Oilfield Tanks Available
Standard Production Tanks
Standard production tanks are commonly used on Alberta oilfield sites for the long-term storage of oil or produced water. These tanks are typically constructed from steel or fiberglass, offering durability and corrosion resistance. Capacities can vary widely depending on the volume of fluids produced daily. They’re often used as the primary storage solution at the wellhead and must comply with Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) standards. Benoit Rentals offers well-maintained production tanks ready for immediate deployment.
Frac Tanks
Frac tanks are ideal for temporary fluid storage during hydraulic fracturing operations or other high-volume oilfield activities. These tanks can store thousands of gallons of water, chemicals, or flowback fluids, making them essential for short-term projects. Their mobile and rugged design makes them a popular choice on remote Alberta job sites. Frac tanks are often used in combination with other rental equipment to support rapid deployment and flexibility. Benoit Rentals supplies frac tanks that are cleaned, inspected, and ready to use.
Vapour-Tight Tanks
Vapour-tight tanks are specifically designed to manage and contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted during fluid storage. These tanks help operators meet environmental regulations and reduce harmful emissions, which is critical in Alberta's tightly regulated oilfield sector. They are equipped with advanced sealing systems that prevent vapour leaks and enhance on-site safety. Vapour-tight tanks are especially useful for long-term storage or sites located near sensitive environments.
Skidded Tanks
Skidded tanks are mounted on steel skids, making them easier to transport, position, and remove from job sites. They’re perfect for mobile operations or sites that require frequent relocation of equipment. These tanks can be used for oil, water, or chemical storage and are a go-to choice for many Alberta oilfield operators. Their design minimizes setup time and allows for safer, more efficient handling. Benoit Rentals provides skidded tanks that meet all Alberta safety and operational requirements.
Double-Walled Tanks
Double-walled tanks are built with two layers of protection, making them ideal for storing diesel, fuel, and other potentially hazardous fluids. The secondary containment layer helps prevent leaks or spills, offering an extra safeguard against environmental damage. In Alberta, where environmental compliance is a top priority, double-walled tanks are often required for fuel storage applications. These tanks also help reduce liability and simplify inspection processes. Benoit Rentals offers fully compliant double-walled tanks ready for use on demanding worksites.
What to Consider When Choosing Oilfield Tanks in Alberta
What’s Being Stored?
The type of fluid you plan to store plays a huge role in determining the right oilfield tank for your operation. Oil, produced water, chemicals, or fuel each come with unique storage requirements. Corrosive fluids like acids or certain wastewater byproducts will need tanks lined with specialized coatings or made from fiberglass or corrosion-resistant alloys. Storing volatile or flammable substances may also require vapour-tight tanks to contain emissions safely. Benoit Rentals can help you choose the right tank based on your fluid profile to ensure compliance and site safety.
Capacity and Site Requirements
Understanding how much you need to store on a daily or weekly basis is key to selecting the right tank size and configuration. Take into account your site’s layout, access points, and the frequency of fluid removal or delivery. Choosing a tank that’s too large can tie up budget and space unnecessarily, while one that’s too small can cause delays and logistical headaches. It’s also important to plan for backup storage or overflow containment if production unexpectedly increases. Benoit Rentals offers a range of tank capacities to meet both large and small-scale oilfield needs.
Environmental and Regulatory Compliance
Alberta’s oil and gas industry is governed by some of the most rigorous environmental standards in Canada, especially under the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER). Choosing tanks that meet or exceed these regulations isn’t just smart—it’s mandatory. Vapour-tight and double-walled tanks help minimize emissions, prevent ground contamination, and simplify the inspection process. These features are especially important if your operation is located near water sources, wildlife zones, or residential areas. When you rent from Benoit Rentals, you can trust that every tank complies with provincial and federal guidelines.
Weather-Readiness
Alberta’s weather can swing from -40°C winters to scorching summers, so your tanks must be able to handle it all. Tanks should be insulated or built from materials that resist cracking and expansion due to temperature changes. Winterized fittings, heated options, and secure venting systems are also essential for maintaining safety and preventing downtime. Weather resilience isn’t just about avoiding damage—it also protects your fluid integrity and minimizes costly leaks. Benoit Rentals ensures all tanks are Alberta-weather ready, so you don’t have to worry about unexpected breakdowns.
Benefits of Renting Oilfield Tanks Instead of Buying
Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of renting oilfield tanks is the flexibility it offers. Projects can change scope, experience downtime, or shift locations unexpectedly. Owning tanks can tie up capital and leave you with idle equipment, whereas rentals let you scale up or down as needed. You can return unused units or request more based on real-time project demands. Benoit Rentals makes it easy to adapt to your site’s evolving needs without the burden of long-term ownership.
No Maintenance Costs
When you rent from Benoit Rentals, maintenance becomes one less thing to worry about. Our tanks are regularly inspected, cleaned, and maintained to meet Alberta's oilfield safety standards. If there’s a problem, we handle the repairs or replacements—fast. This not only reduces downtime but also lowers your overall operating costs. You focus on your job; we take care of the tanks.
Immediate Availability
Unexpected production spike? Spill response? Emergency need? Rental tanks are available far more quickly than purchasing new equipment. Instead of waiting on procurement approvals or custom fabrication timelines, you can call Benoit Rentals and have tanks delivered and set up in no time. This is especially helpful for Alberta operators with remote sites that need dependable logistics and minimal disruption.
Cost-Efficiency
Purchasing tanks outright requires significant upfront investment, not to mention the hidden costs of transportation, storage, insurance, and maintenance. Renting lets you reallocate those funds toward higher-priority parts of your operation—whether it’s staffing, drilling, or new technology. You only pay for what you need, when you need it. Benoit Rentals offers competitive rates to help Alberta oilfield teams stay lean without compromising on quality.
Why Alberta Oilfield Operators Trust Benoit Rentals
Local Experience
Benoit Rentals isn’t just another equipment provider—we’re born and bred in Alberta’s oilfields. Our team understands the unique terrain, extreme weather, and regulatory landscape that comes with operating in this province. This local insight allows us to recommend and supply tanks that truly suit your site’s needs. Whether you're near the foothills or deep in the patch, we’ve seen it, supported it, and helped it run smoother. That’s the kind of trust you can’t buy—you build it tank by tank.
Wide Inventory
Benoit Rentals carries a broad range of oilfield tanks to match virtually any operational need. From vapour-tight tanks for emissions control to skid-mounted frac tanks for short-term storage, our inventory is curated for flexibility and readiness. Each tank is available in different sizes and configurations to match your space, fluid type, and duration of use. And because we focus on rentals, our equipment is always in rotation, inspected, and ready to perform.
Delivery & Setup
Coordinating logistics is often one of the most stressful parts of an oilfield project—but not when you partner with Benoit Rentals. We handle the full process from delivery to setup and eventual teardown, ensuring minimal interruption to your workflow. Our drivers and setup crew are trained in Alberta oilfield safety protocols and can operate independently alongside your team. This allows you to focus on drilling, production, or transport while we get your tanks up and running.
Safety & Compliance
Every oilfield tank that leaves our yard is inspected for safety, integrity, and full compliance with Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) standards. We proactively maintain our equipment to avoid last-minute issues or site shutdowns. Our tanks are equipped with features that support environmental protection, worker safety, and efficient operations. When you rent from Benoit Rentals, you're not just getting a tank—you’re getting peace of mind.
How to Match the Right Tank to Your Site
|
Consideration |
What to Ask |
|
Fluid Type |
Is it corrosive, flammable, or sensitive to temperature? |
|
Storage Duration |
Short-term job or long-term containment? |
|
Site Conditions |
How accessible is the site? What are the terrain and climate? |
|
Regulatory Requirements |
Do you need vapour control or secondary containment? |
|
Frequency of Transport |
Will tanks be moved often? Skidded options may help. |
Real-World Scenario: Avoiding a Costly Spill
Imagine an Alberta-based operator storing produced water in a non-vapour-tight tank. As temperatures drop, condensation and pressure changes cause a valve failure. That simple oversight leads to a costly cleanup—and a regulatory fine.
By renting the appropriate tank from Benoit Rentals, including proper venting and vapour control, that whole situation could’ve been avoided.
When to Upgrade to Vapour-Tight Tanks
Not all oilfield operations require vapour-tight tanks—but when they do, it’s not something to take lightly. These specialized tanks are essential when you're storing fluids with high levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can pose health and environmental risks if not properly contained. If your operation involves chemicals, hydrocarbons, or high-pressure liquids, a vapour-tight solution ensures you’re not releasing harmful emissions into the atmosphere.
Long-term storage is another factor. The longer your fluids sit on site, the higher the risk of vapour loss or pressure build-up. Vapour-tight tanks are engineered to maintain consistent internal conditions and prevent leaks, making them ideal for holding product for weeks or months at a time.
And let’s not forget geography. If your site is near residential zones, water sources, or environmentally protected areas in Alberta, local regulations may require vapour containment. In these cases, vapour-tight tanks aren't just a smart choice—they’re non-negotiable. Benoit Rentals carries a range of compliant, high-integrity vapour-tight tanks to help your site stay safe and regulation-ready.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Tank Rental
- Ask for regular inspection reports.
- Always review tank specs and safety certifications.
- Make sure your site team is trained on basic safety protocols.
- Plan your delivery schedule early to avoid delays.
- Combine rentals with secondary containment systems for maximum protection.
FAQ: Oilfield Tank Rentals in Alberta
Q: How quickly can I get tanks delivered to my site?
A: Most standard tanks can be dispatched within 24–48 hours across Alberta.
Q: Do you provide maintenance support during the rental?
A: Yes. All tank rentals from Benoit Rentals include ongoing maintenance and 24/7 support.
Q: Can I rent vapour-tight tanks?
A: Absolutely. We offer vapour-tight and standard configurations depending on your needs.
Summary: Your Next Step
Selecting the right oilfield tank isn’t just about capacity—it’s about safety, compliance, and efficiency. With Benoit Rentals, you get access to rugged, Alberta-tested tanks that keep your operations running smoothly—without the headache of ownership or compliance concerns.
Contact Benoit Rentals today to request a quote or speak to a rental expert. Let’s get your next job running safely and efficiently.
BENOIT RENTALS’ TOP RESOURCES ON OILFIELD TANKS:
Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) - Flaring and Venting
Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada (PTAC)
Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP)