Modular steel bunds fitted with a fire extinguishing system for high-voltage transformers. For transformers (between 10 and 100 MVA), neutral position 300 and 1000 A solenoid valve coils, etc. Alternative solution to concrete pits when the ground is unsuitable or an urgent solution is required: areas where digging is difficult, rising ground water, tight completion deadline, etc.
Bunds for electrical transformers allow for rapid disposal of the dielectric substances into the bund and the natural extinguishing of the flames. For transformers (between 10 and 100 MVA), neutral position 300 and 1000 A solenoid valve coils, condensers, compensated impedance transformers, auto-transformers, auxiliary transformers and frequency injection transformers.
Multi-shape steel welded containment bunds for electrical transformers. Customised steel containment bunds for low-voltage appliances. Full retention of the dielectric oil.
Storage of small, medium or large oil transformers. Patented model, tubular structure that is easy to assemble and disassemble. Retention capacity: up to 117 m3. For inside and outdoor use. Geomembrane fitted to the dimensions of the structure requested by the customer. Fitted with sleeves into which are inserted the tubes and the straps, which are attached to the legs.
For all types of wheeled vehicles: lorries, forklift trucks, tractors, etc. Recovery of accidental oil leaks while the vehicles are parked or being maintained. Quick to assemble. High-frequency welded tarpaulin. Stretched over easy-to-assemble metal struts.
Steel modular containment bunds for high-voltage transformers. For long-term storage of the transformer or to use the transformer when energised if no passive fire extinguishing system is required.
The simple retention bund are nonetheless essential equipment for the industry. They play a crucial role in the prevention of human and environmental risks. By containing various liquids, stationary or in motion, they protect professionals and the environment. They also make it possible to strictly comply with the water law.
The choice of a retention bund is made according to the use of it. This determines the materials that are used for its construction as well as its type of structure. Each type of retention bund has advantages as well as disadvantages. The compatibility between the material used for the bund and the liquid retained must be respected.
Many industrial processes involve the use of more or less toxic or even dangerous liquids. The retention bund serves as an artificial barrier which avoids any contact with the natural environment. It has the capacity to retain different types of fluids for a more or less long duration. Liquids are stored more or less temporarily. They are pumped and then transported to a storage or final treatment area.
You can use the retention bund as a preventive safety system. It then serves to prevent any leakage of dangerous liquid both for humans and for their environment. This is particularly the case for the retention bund which equip electric transformers. These contain a polluting liquid: dielectric oil which must not spill.
The retention bund can be a fixed or flexible structure which allows its movement. Independently of the configuration, the security standards are just as important.
In the case of electrical transformers, the standards NF C13-200 and NF C13-100 regulate in particular the aspects of environmental protection including the retention of the dielectric. The long-term effects of dispersing certain liquids can be catastrophic. This is why the quality of the retention bund is essential to guarantee total containment.
The manufacturing as the installation of the retention bunds cannot present any defects. Compliance with applicable regulations is essential to validating your retention solution. In the event of an incident, access to specific insurance is guaranteed. It demonstrates your respect for the law. By bringing yourself into compliance, you also strengthen your company’s reputation among your customers.
Each retention tank installation is subjected to a so-called “Water Law” declaration. It applies to all human activities that can affect the quality of water. This legislation is motivated by the marked deterioration in the quality of water throughout France.
The basic legislation is the same for all regions. It is however reinforced in some fragile areas. More populated, the impact of industrial activities on aquatic environments is even more closely monitored.
The “Water Law” requires a declaration procedure which takes place in four main stages:
The use of a retention tank with a transformer is a special case. It clearly illustrates the precautions to be taken when selecting this type of equipment. Here is some important information about transformer bunds.
If your transformer is under voltage, choose an inflammable metal or concrete retention bund. The retention of liquids used in energized devices poses obvious safety concerns. This use case is very demanding in terms of choice of materials and structure of the tank. It is therefore a question of guaranteeing the retention of electric oils (hydrocarbons). Indeed, this type of liquid is likely to leak from the device but also to catch fire.
The European regulation (EN 61936-1), requests to integrate a natural fire extinguishing device. The fire retention tank are thus used to extinguish the hydrocarbons collected in the retention and thus minimize the risk of fire spread.
If the transformer is not under voltage, the bund can be made of metal, concrete or flexible tarpaulin. In this case it is only used for the retention of the dielectric. If it is rather a retention tank intended for the transport or intended for a storage of material « short duration » it is preferable to choose a flexible or metal container.
When selecting your transformer tank, define your specifications precisely. Some non-metallic containers are modular and therefore comply with certain standardized dimensions. It is possible to have a retention bund tailored. This is also still the case for concrete retention tanks.
All these industrial devices can be fitted with accessories that guarantee optimized operation. A metal or concrete retention bund, for durable storage, can benefit from a filtration and purging system. Do not hesitate to consult a professional in order to consider all the options available. They will make your device more efficient and in compliance with the « Clean Water Law« .
Installing a retention tank is a job for professionals. Here we explain the different steps required to install a modular containment bund with fire-extinguishing system.
Our modular containment tank fitted with a fire-extinguishing system provide a quick-to-install and cost effective solution for your high voltage transformers. A real alternative to concrete pits, they ensure total containment of dielectric oil. Dielectric oil drains quickly into the bund and, should fire break out, flames are extinguished naturally thanks to the baffle plate system. The modular system comprising 2, 3 or 4 (or more) fire-suppression bunds connected together is designed to distribute fluids across the entire available capacity.
Example of a retrofitting of three transformer pits for a key player in the railway sector. Three transformers presented a high risk of leakage and it was not possible to move them in order to install standard free-standing bunds.
Our Design Department therefore came up with an innovative and entirely custom-tailored solution, using fire-suppression covers combined with containment bunds with fire-extinguishing systems which were tarred and then buried in the ground, and with filters to remove hydrocarbons from water installed in a manhole specially-designed for the purpose.
The project was completed in just four weeks, from initial earthworks to final clean-up at the substation!
Installing a BAFX containment bund with a fire-extinguishing system for our client, Naturgy: this project involved installing a large custom-designed bund beneath a 40 MVA transformer at the huge wind farm sited between Salamanca and Valladolid, which is already home to several of our fire prevention bunds. To protect the environment, and especially the groundwater, all our bunds are equipped with FILTRELEC filters for absorbing hydrocarbons.
By nature, the transformer under voltage have very specific retention problems. The transformer tank are normally planned for the long term. It can be made of concrete as well as metal.
If the metallic solution is chosen it helps the modularity. The installation is also much faster. It is a preferred solution for equipment that must be deployed over a long period.
Concrete retention tanks have the advantage of being easily made tailored. They offer great resilience in the very long term. However, they may suffer from a sealing problem. Concrete pits are systematically victims of porosity. This means that a concrete retention bund must imperatively be coated with a waterproofing coating. This must be redone every 10 years. This maintenance is justified by the good level of retention of the concrete bunds and their low construction cost.
For the transformer without voltage, the requirements are lower since it is a temporary storage. However, it can last more than a year. In this case, the use of a steel retention bund is preferred.
The use of a flexible device is the best alternative for short or medium term storage. It is recommended for the removal of a transformer or for the repair of a substation for example.
When transporting a transformer equipped with a retention bund, certain rules must be observed. It is essential that the bund is higher than the conventional one. Indeed, this is the best way to avoid any risk of spillage during the movement of the assembly.
The European agreement relating to the international transport of dangerous goods by road (ADR) regulates these convoys. For most transportations not subject to ADR, it is possible to use a flexible retention bund. However, transport subject to these standards must use specific metal retention bunds.
Since February 1998, the authorities as well as the industry, have been aware of the importance of adapting the retention bunds to their contents. Whatever the volume, it is essential to avoid any polluting discharge to water and soil. Retention bunds must therefore have certain capacities which could be compared to their three functional dimensions:
Depending on the product to be stored, choose a polyethylene or a galvanized steel bund. Of course for very large quantities it is generally necessary to turn to a concrete bund solution.
Polyethylene bunds are not suitable for the storage of flammable products. We will rather use them for polluting and toxic products. They are also used for the storage of aggressive chemicals, for example acids.
Galvanized steel bunds are well suited for the storage of oils, paints and solvents. They are used for hydrocarbons, pollutants and even flammable products. However, they should not be used for the retention of corrosive chemicals.
Storage in one or more containers with a unit capacity of less than 250 litres takes place in drums, cans or jerry cans. However, everything depends on the nature of this content. They can be flammable, except lubricants, or they can be other liquids.
When it is necessary to store a content of more than 250 litres, the minimum retention is calculated precisely. For flammable liquids, except lubricants, if the capacity is less than 800 litres use 100% of the total capacity of the container. From 800 to 1600 litres, only 800 litres of this capacity will be used. If the volume is greater than 1600 litres use only 50% of the total capacity of the container.
With other types of liquids, for a volume of less than 800 litres, use 100% of the total capacity. From 800 litres to 4000 litres use only 800 litres. For a volume greater than 4000 litres use only 20% of the total capacity of the container.
In the particular case of electrical transformers, the standards impose a retention capacity of 100%. Note that in certain countries, it is mandatory to use 110% or even 120% bund capacity.
If you have to store different chemical liquids together, you must check their compatibility. By using the same retention bund for certain products you can expose yourself to problems. These include vapour release and changes in corrosion properties.
The decree of February 2, 1998, section 3, article 10 clearly states that: « Bunds or receptacles containing incompatible products are not associated with the same retention. » To ensure the compatibility of different retention products, consult the table of chemical incompatibilities below :
+ → they can be stored together
– → they cannot be stored together
o → they cannot be stored together except certain cases where particular dispositions are applied
It is a matrix for verifying the possibility of storing several products. They can be flammable, oxidizing, toxic, harmful or irritating. Certain products should only be stored together if certain conditions are applied.
For over 20 years, GMT International Group has worked alongside the major players in the rail sector, supporting them in managing and operating the rail networks, as well as in upgrading the railways. Our containment bunds, fire suppression solutions and filter systems for oil-polluted rainwater help ensure safety in the vicinity of electrical transformers at dozens of sites, in France and worldwide.
In the field of electrical transformers, our areas of expertise are:
Through our subsidiary, AKHELEC, and our network of approved suppliers, we provide international-class expertise for your projects. We support our customers all over the world in their international development.
As a world leader in our field, GMT International Group also provides a full range of services, covering civil engineering and public works, installation, maintenance, rental and spare parts.
Our design department conducts a detailed analysis of your requirements and tailors our standard systems to your operating needs. 40% of our production activity involves custom-design projects.
To protect the evironment against the risks associated with electrical transformers and to equip yourself well, you can contact us.
We offer environmental protection solutions for electric power transformer stations. Our services include: consultancy, design and assistance.
AKHELEC is a subsidiary of GMT International group, which has been providing support to businesses in the energy and environmental protection sectors for over 20 years.
Copyright © AKHELEC 2023
