Objective/Goals

Inspect, test and repair a 10,000L underground fuel tank that was over 30years old which supplies site emergency power generation to a data centre requiring uninterrupted power for its clients.

Problem/Issues

• During our scheduled annual fuel system analysis, water was identified within the underground bulk fuel tank.
• Further testing concluded that the underground steel tank did not meet integrity standards and therefore, was not suitable to remain in service.

Solutions

• Upon discovery of the contamination, PGS was able to immediately safeguard the fuel supply to the sites generators by isolating the existing contaminated tank and providing a temporary bulk fuel facility.  This allowed the site to continue to operate with minimal inconvenience, whilst rectification works were undertaken.
• Initial non-invasive tank integrity testing was performed to ascertain the contaminant source entering the fuel system.
• Primary testing identified further problems requiring excavation to expose the top of the fuel tank providing access to isolate all external underground lines allowing the tank to be tested individually. This test concluded that the existing fuel tank was not compliant and therefore not suitable to remain in service. Options were presented to the client, this included an alternate above ground bulk fuel storage system or the replacement of the underground system.

Outcomes

• Armed with a choice of options, the client was able to choose a solution that fit their budget, and their longer-term plans.
• The existing underground tank was replaced with a new modern underground  fibreglass wrapped tank.  All underground fuel lines were replaced with fusion welded Durapipe and all above ground lines were replaced with crimped stainless steel.
• Full excavations, tank removal, soil analysis and remediation, preparation and installation of new fuel tank and associated fuel lines.
• A new digital fuel monitoring system was installed to enable the client to closely monitor their fuel asset and provide reporting to integrated building information systems.
• All work accommodated an adjacent and busy built-up area and main road with full remediation and reinstatement of carpark space above the excavation area.
• The client now has a reliable, compliant and clean underground fuel storage facility that will further solidify the integrity of the emergency power systems whilst being compliant with EPA guidelines and standards for contamination to ground water and surrounding areas.
• Our compliant and thorough reporting system, and advice from the PGS team also supported the client with the preparation of cost-recovery from their insurance provider as the ultimate failure was caused by external influences.