FEEDING THE NATIONAL GRID
A
new energy farm in Northamptonshire has turned to fuel systems specialists,
Forecourt Installation Services, to install a reliable fuel transfer network
for its bank of new diesel-powered generators.
The
new 5MW power plant is designed for short-term operation, as a back-up function
for the National Grid, to provide instant electricity during peak times. With
the National Grid requiring approximately 20GW of reliable standby generation,
it is crucial that all energy farms can perform as expected when called upon.
As
a result, it was important that the new power plant in Northamptonshire
installed high performing equipment and systems that could ensure a reliable
operation when needed. With power generated from 12 new diesel generator sets
designed and installed by main contractor Makpower, a reliable fuel transfer
network was required to feed the generators. Makpower tasked fuel systems
specialists, Forecourt Installation services, with designing an effective
solution.
Supplying
and installing all tanks, gauging and fuel transfer systems, Forecourt
Installation Services installed three 16,000 litre bulk storage tanks in front
of the generators to hold the diesel. Requiring a reliable pipework system to
feed the generators, Forecourt Installation Services selected Durapipe PLX, a
purpose-designed fuel conveyance pipework system.
Secondary
contained close-fit PLX in size 50mm#63mm was used for three main feed lines to
transfer diesel from the bulk tanks, before splitting into four branch lines to
feed each generator. As a safety measure, single wall PLX in size 63mm has been
installed for overflow lines to transfer fuel back from each generator to the
bulk tanks if needed.
One
of the main challenges for Forecourt Installation Services was not being able
to lay the pipe underground. The planning permission for the farm only granted
a small space, so working in a confined area meant that once the necessary
electric cables had been laid underground, there was no space for the fuel
lines. As a result, a complex configuration of bracketing was required to
install the PLX pipe at eye level.
Forecourt
Installation Services worked closely with the technical team at Durapipe UK to design
the correct positioning and number of brackets to ensure the pipework remains
secure. Working outdoors, at height and in confined spaces to fit the pipework,
the lightweight benefits of Durapipe PLX offered significant benefits for
Forecourt Installation Services, as it was much easier to handle than metal
alternatives, helping to reduce the installation time.
With
the pipe only being used for back-up supply to support the main transmission,
it is crucial the fuel can be efficiently delivered to the generators when
called upon. While the corrosion of steel pipe can cause the pipe to clog over
time, subsequently restricting the flow of fuel, the smooth bore of Durapipe
PLX ensures consistent flow rates over the lifetime of the system.
Commenting
on the project, Andrew West, Managing Director at Forecourt Installation
Services said: “While we have delivered fuel systems for energy farm projects
previously, this was a complex configuration due to the height of the pipework
installation and so we needed to work with trusted partners.
“There
was a strict timeframe on this project so utilising Durapipe PLX not only
benefited the end client due to the performance characteristics of the system,
but also offered advantages to us as installers with ease of handling on site
contributing to ensuring we completed the project on time.”
PLX is manufactured as a multilayer pipe utilising the superior
mechanical characteristics of polyethylene as a base material, which enables
the pipe to be permanently welded using electrofusion technology. Providing
exceptional resistance to rapid crack propagation and long term stress
cracking, PLX comprises a protective liner, which increases permeation
resistance against many types of fuel blends ensuring there is no permeation of
fuel through the pipe wall into the environment.
For further information on Durpaipe PLX
or any other products within the Durapipe UK portfolio please call 01543 279909
or visit www.durapipe.co.uk. For
further information on the services offered by Forecourt Installation Services
please visit www.forecourtinstallationservices.co.uk.
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