Alternative Fueling Solution
The modular approach to emergency power fueling
In
recent years Belly tanks, also called Subbase fuel tanks, have
gained popularity with respect to emergency power fueling systems.
Belly tanks are steel fuel tanks with a generator bolted on top. In
emergency power refueling systems, however, simplicity in design is
not always the best route. A generator set mounted on top of the
tanks is subject to major vibration and in some cases lead to a
failure of the belly tank at the weld seams. A failure of the Belly
or Subbase tank can become a major environmental, logistical and
financial nightmare. Generator sets must be taken off-line, removed
with a crane, repaired and then placed back into place. Because of
the stress caused by vibration most belly tanks only come with 1 a
year warranty (as opposed to a 20 or 30 year warranty with a
ConVault aboveground storage tank). In addition, with many Subbase
fuel tanks a visual inspection of the entire unit is not possible
which may be a code violation (consult your local fire authority).
A
modular (and very common) approach to emergency power fueling uses a
standalone main tank along with a smaller day tank connected to the
generator system. This approach assures that neither tanks are
affected by the vibration of the generator. Should a repair be
needed, a temporary tank can be piped in to the existing piping
while the original tank is repaired and the generator set does not
need to remain off-line for more than a few minutes.
General Modular Approach Diagram
