Advanced Fuel Storage Solution for Woodlands Power NHS Project

Woodlands Power, a leader in the power generation sector, recently installed new generators to enhance the hospital power supply capabilities. Recognising the critical need for clean and reliable fuel to power their generators, Woodlands Power commissioned OTS Group to provide a comprehensive fuel storage solution complying with the requirements of the Department of Health - Health Technical Memorandum 06-01.

- Ensure the cleanliness and quality of the fuel supply to generators.
- Implement a robust system for continuous fuel monitoring transfer and polishing.
- Integrate advanced control systems for remote monitoring and management of fuel storage.
The advanced fuel storage solution provided by OTS Group has significantly enhanced the operational efficiency and reliability of Woodlands Power’s generator systems. By ensuring high fuel quality and providing robust monitoring and control mechanisms, OTS Group has delivered a solution that meets the high standards and demands of the power generation industry.

Contact OTS

Solution provided

The preference for this project was that existing bulk fuel storage tanks used for the storage of fuel as back up to the gas boilers were to be utilised. This was due to the lack of space for separate bulk fuel storage for the generators. The first thing to be ascertained was if the existing fuel and storage facilities were suitable for continued use. Fuel sampling was carried out and it was deemed the fuel required polishing to be suitable for use. All fuel was removed from the tanks (in stages, to maintain resilience of the boilers back-up) and the tanks fully inspected and tested. The fuel was polished to a suitable standard and returned to the tanks.
To address the need to maintain the now clean fuel, OTS Group installed an advanced fuel polishing system designed to maintain the integrity and purity of the fuel stored in the two existing 80,000-litre diesel tanks. This system periodically circulates and polishes the fuel, removing contaminants and ensuring optimal fuel quality.
In addition to the Bulk Tanks, a remote Day Tank was installed. Fuel from the Bulk Tanks is transferred to the Day Tank and polished as part of the transfer.
This tank is equipped with its own smaller fuel polishing system, dedicated to maintaining the cleanliness of the fuel within the Day Tank. This setup ensures that the fuel feeding into the generators and boilers is of the highest quality.
A central control panel was implemented to manage the entire fuel system. This PLC-controlled panel monitors and controls the following:
- Fuel levels in both Bulk and Day Tanks.
- Operation of all valves and filtration systems.
- Periodic fuel polishing processes.
- Transfer of fuel from the Bulk Tanks to the Day Tank.
- Integration with generator systems for seamless fuel supply management.
The control panel also supports remote monitoring allowing for a future implementation of real-time oversight and management of the fuel system, ensuring immediate response to any issues that may arise.
The project required the installation of extensive pipework to connect the various components of the fuel system. This included:
- Dual contained Durapipe: Ensuring safety and reliability in fuel transfer.
- Mapress stainless steel pipework: Providing durable and corrosion-resistant pipework.
- Lagging of pipes: Insulating the pipes to maintain fuel temperature and prevent condensation.
The fuel storage solution was designed to work in harmony with the generator systems. The control panel ensures that fuel levels and quality are meticulously controlled before the fuel is utilised by the generators, thereby guaranteeing efficient and uninterrupted power generation.

Benefits

The continuous fuel polishing system ensures that the fuel remains free from contaminants, significantly reducing the risk of generator and boiler malfunction due to poor fuel quality.
The use of dual contained Durapipe and stainless-steel pipework enhances the overall reliability and safety of the fuel storage and transfer system.
The PLC-controlled central panel allows for precise control and monitoring of the entire fuel system, facilitating efficient fuel management and quick response to potential issues.
The integrated system works seamlessly with the existing generator systems, ensuring a continuous and reliable fuel supply for power generation.