Oil containment tank for transformer

An oil containment tank is a critical component in managing and storing oil, particularly in industries such as electrical power generation and renewable energy. These tanks are designed to prevent environmental contamination by securely containing oil and other hazardous substances, thereby ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and promoting operational safety. 

Summary

Understanding oil containment tanks

Oil containment tanks are engineered to store oil safely, preventing leaks and spills that could lead to soil and water pollution. They are essential in various applications, including:

  • Electrical transformer stations: transformers often contain large quantities of dielectric oil. In the event of a leak or maintenance activities, containment systems are necessary to prevent environmental contamination. Akhelec is specialized in providing tailored containment solutions for such scenarios.
  • Industrial facilities: industries that utilize oil in their operations require robust storage solutions to manage both fresh and used oil, ensuring safe handling and disposal.

Key features of effective oil containment tanks

Oil containment tank for transformer

When selecting an oil containment tank, consider the following features:

  • Secondary containment: a tank-within-a-tank design offers an extra layer of protection, capturing any leaks from the primary tank preventing from reaching the environnement. Akhelec’s Containment Bunds provide a total dielectric liquid retention capacity. Sealing checked and approved by the independent control body, APAVE.
  • Space efficiency: modular and compact designs optimize floor space and adapt to various site constraints. The BAFX® modular containment bunds by Akhelec offer scalable configurations, making them ideal for facilities requiring flexibility and easy installation.
  • Durability: tanks and bunds must withstand harsh environmental conditions and chemical exposure. Akhelec’s Containment Bunds are made of hot-dip galvanised steel, ensuring long-term reliability in industrial and electrical applications.
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Benefits of implementing oil containment tanks

  • Environmental protection: by preventing oil spills, these tanks safeguard soil and water sources, aligning with environmental conservation efforts.
  • Regulatory compliance: proper containment solutions help businesses adhere to environmental regulations, avoiding potential fines and legal issues.
  • Operational safety: reducing the risk of spills enhances workplace safety, protecting personnel and equipment.

Akhelec's oil containment solutions

Akhelec provides a comprehensive range of containment solutions tailored to industrial and electrical applications : oil containment solutions for transformer stations, including customized containment bunds, rainwater filter system of oil polluted under electrical transformers, and temporary storage solutions with oil-resistant membranes.

1. Permanent containment bunds with integrated fire suppression system

For power and traction transformers, BAFX® modular containment bunds with fire suppression system:

  • Modular design for flexible installation,
  • Integrated fire suppression system,
  • High-efficiency containment to prevent oil leaks and fire risks.
BAFX - Modular containment bunds fitted with a fire extinguishing system
BAF - Containment bund fitted with a fire extinguishing system

For distribution transformers (up to 10 MvA), BAF® fire suppression containment bunds:

  • Bunds with fire extinguishing system for electrical transformers,
  • Total dielectric liquid retention capacity,
  • Ensures environmental safety and compliance.

2. Permanent containment bunds without integrated fire suppression system

For power and traction transformers, BRX® modular steel containment bunds:

  • Scalable containment solution,
  • Made from high-strength steel,
  • Ideal for large-scale industrial applications.
BRX – Steel modular containment bunds-1
Multi-shape welded containment bunds

For distribution transformers (up to 10 MvA), BWR® multi-shape welded containment bunds:

  • Fully welded bunds for high-retention capacity,
  • Customizable shapes to fit various installations,
  • For outdoor applications.

3. Temporary containment solutions: for storage only – not to be used for transformers in operations

BSTUB® tubular temporary containment bunds:

  • Rapid deployment for short-term containment,
  • Oil and chemical-resistant materials,
  • Ideal for maintenance and temporary storage.
Temporary containment bunds
BCAM - Storage bunds for lorries

BCAM® containment bunds for lorries:

  • Mobile containment for transportation of oil and hazardous liquids,
  • Designed to fit lorries and heavy-duty vehicles,
  • Prevents leaks and spills during transport.
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4. Accessories: rainwater treatment

F5, F15, F ULTIME filters:

  • Designed to filter hydrocarbon-polluted rainwater,
  • These products are made of an oleophilic and hydrophobic polymer that permanently absorbs the hydrocarbons,
  • Ensures compliance with environmental regulations.
  • F5: flow rates of up to 5 litres/min, (Learn more)
  • F15: flow rates of up to 15 litres/min (screw or seal type), (Learn more)
  • F ULTIME: flow rates of up to 1500 litres/min. (Learn more)
FILTRELEC F5 - Filter system for oil-polluted water with repleacable cartridge
bundguard

Bundguard® water and oil monitoring system:

  • Automated monitoring of water and oil levels,
  • Facilitates maintenance operations,
  • Prevents accidental discharge of pollutants.
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5. Accessories: anti-vibration devices

Noise reduction pads:

Made from nitrile rubber, the panels are resistant to almost all types of oils used in the transformer industry.

Silent blocks: 

High-performance noise absorption capacity: At least 90% of the vibrations generated by the electrical transformers.

NOVIB - Anti-vibration pads for transformers

Conclusion

Investing in a high-quality oil containment tank is essential for industries that handle oil, particularly in the electrical and industrial sectors. By choosing the right containment solutions, businesses can protect the environment, comply with regulations, and ensure safe operations. Akhelec offers specialized expertise to meet these needs, providing tailored solutions that address specific operational requirements.