Overview
When a leading construction and civil engineering company completed a major project to upgrade the fuel storage and delivery systems on a large number of standby diesel generators for Thames Water, Shenton Group was enlisted to undertake a detailed survey of the 80 sites, followed by the installation of new DEFRA-compliant fuel pipework from each generator’s base frame to the engine.
Problem
The fuel supplies at all 80 locations throughout the Thames Valley area had to meet the latest DEFRA Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001. Shenton Group’s Technical Director, Derek Barry explained: “Under DEFRA’s regulations, all pipe work carrying fuel above ground must be well supported, protected from corrosion and in positions where the risk to damage is minimised”.
Due to the sheer scale of the project, a great deal of planning and timely execution was required to ensure that all 80 locations were visited and fitted and with minimal disruption to Thames Water operations.
Solution
Because Shenton Group was able to demonstrate to the client, Dyer and Butler, that it had accrued sufficient experience and understanding in the field of generator management, the company was asked to undertake a detailed multi-site survey and carry out the work on approximately 80 different sites throughout the region.
The work involved the installation of new DEFRA compliant fuel pipework from each generator’s base frame to the engine. In addition, cabling and control solenoids were installed between the generators’ mains failure panel and the new tanks in order to monitor and control the diesel levels, to prevent pollution in the event of fuel supply or generator fault.
Finally, each site was individually tested and commissioned. They were then each certified as being compliant with the DEFRA regulations and certificates were issued to Thames Water.
Outcomes
Not only do the fuel supply systems to the generators on all 80 sites comply to DEFRA Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001, but in meeting this standard, Thames Water’s standby power solution is more robust, posing a far smaller risk to the wider environment, with the chances of fuel leaking and finding it’s way into water courses minimal.
About Shenton Group
Shenton Group is the UK’s leading technical expert in standby power, uninterruptible power supplies, and combined heat and power supplies. The company provides power solutions to organisations spanning a broad array of industries that rely on continuous power supplies and includes; finance, telecoms, healthcare, IT, manufacturing, education, government, military, utilities, retail, and sport and leisure.
Shenton Group’s PowerPipe is a bespoke pipework system specifically designed for diesel generator fuel systems. A robust solution for interconnecting generators and fuel tanks, PowerPipe consists of a zinc-coated, carbon steel outer skin, providing secondary containment and mechanical protection to DIN EN 10305. This houses an inner flow and return pipe of high pressure reinforced nitrile rubber to BS3492.
The company also showcases a range of DEFRA-approved bulk fuel tanks, including plastic fuel tanks and double-skinned steel fuel tanks. Polyethylene bulk fuel tanks are maintenance-free, fully-bunded and are OFTEC and DEFRA certified. Shenton Group’s steel bulk fuel tanks are purpose built and double skinned. They are manufactured to BS799 part 5 and comply to both statutory pollution prevention PPG2 and DEFRA regulations.
Because diesel is an organic compound and therefore liable to deteriorate, leaving sediment in a generator’s tank, Shenton Group undertakes fuel polishing for clients. Fuel polishing restores valuable diesel supplies to optimum condition, removing any contaminants and promoting better generator functionality. Without regular fuel cleaning, generator power can be reduced, the filters and pistons can become clogged and the prospect of complete generator failure is more likely; something that can result in expensive generator repairs.
About Dyer and Butler
Dyer and Butler is a large Construction and Civil Engineering company that builds, maintains and renews infrastructure within both the public and private sectors. Since 1979, the company has built a solid reputation for quality and service delivers projects of all sizes throughout England and Wales.