A 500-barrel oilfield frac tank holds 80,000 liters of flowback, produced water or drilling fluids at a well site and moves empty behind a semi truck. In the US, the EPA's SPCC rule requires a spill plan above 1,320 gallons of aboveground oil storage. Get a quote from Basanlo.
At oil wells, flowback, produced water and drilling fluids need temporary storage until they are treated, reused or disposed of. A frac tank handles that step with no civil works. This guide explains what each fluid is, when a frac tank beats a fixed tank and what to check before you buy.
On location, one frac tank can work as a flowback tank for returning fluid or as a mud tank for drilling fluids. This table sums up the three most common fluids and what to consider with each one.
Definitions follow the American Geosciences Institute, the USGS and Mosul University.
A frac tank is a portable steel tank on an axle with a fifth wheel. It needs no foundation and connects to pumps and hoses in minutes. If you need a permanent petroleum storage tank, the comparison changes.
For hydrocarbons such as diesel, the tank must be compatible with the product. Basanlo offers its frac tanks for water, flowback, mud or diesel depending on the model, and each listing states the fluids. For a diesel fuel storage tank, see how to choose a frac tank for diesel. For crude oil or another hydrocarbon, confirm compatibility and permits before you buy.
In the United States, the SPCC rule requires a spill prevention plan when total aboveground oil storage exceeds 1,320 gallons, according to the EPA overview. A 21,000-gallon frac tank is far above that threshold. In Mexico, NOM-143-SEMARNAT-2003 sets the environmental specifications for handling produced water (agua congénita) associated with hydrocarbons, and its definition of handling includes storage. In December 2025, the Official Gazette (DOF) published for public consultation the draft PROY-NOM-024-ASEA-2025 on produced water and flowback, which would replace it. Confirm with ASEA or a specialist which rule applies to your project.
Also plan containment: The US EPA notes that onsite transfer and storage of fracking wastewater can lead to accidental releases. Define secondary containment, location and responsibilities before the tank arrives.
Industrial Basanlo has four used 500-barrel (80,000-liter) frac tanks available, imported from the United States: Two Dragon units, from 2014 and 2016, and two Herring units, from 2007 and 2014. All are delivered inspected and tested, and sales cover all of Mexico, with service for customers in the United States as well.
To compare every option, see our frac tanks and industrial storage tanks guide.
Among crude oil storage tank options for a well site, the right oilfield frac tank depends on the fluid you will store, the volume and the rules that apply. Confirm the lining and the compatibility with your product, and plan containment before delivery.
If you want to keep reading about heavy equipment, visit our guides and articles on the blog.
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