Fire Sprinkler Water Storage System Upgrade for a Major UK Energy Supplier
Introduction
A major UK energy supplier needed to enhance the water storage system for their site’s fire sprinkler system. The project involved replacing aging glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) tanks with modern, compliant solutions. Franklin Hodge successfully delivered a seamless upgrade, ensuring compliance with LPCB fire tank standards and meeting the client’s requirements.
Client Background
The client, a leading UK energy supplier, required an upgrade to their fire sprinkler water storage system. The existing GRP bolted tanks were outdated and no longer compliant with current fire safety standards. Key challenges included:
- Limited space within the site for dismantling and installing new tanks.
- Ensuring safe removal of the old tanks without disrupting surrounding infrastructure.
- Maintaining strict compliance with safety regulations throughout the project.
Franklin Hodge Solution
1. Tank Replacement
The project replaced two GRP bolted tanks (6.0m x 2.0m x 4.0m) with Franklin Hodge Firetainer® tanks (6.168m x 2.418m x 3.95m), each with a capacity of 45m³.
2. Dismantling and Preparation
Tank infills were isolated, old GRP tanks drained, and immersion heaters disconnected. Thermal insulation lagging was removed, and the tank infrastructure was safely dismantled.
3. Installation and Upgrades
New sections of test return and infill pipes were installed, along with electrically trace-heated cables to improve reliability. Immersion heaters were wired and installed, and thermal insulation with a class ‘O’ finish was applied. Weatherproofing was completed using aluminium cladding.
4. Final Commissioning
The new heating system was tested and commissioned, and the tanks were refilled to complete the installation.
Results
- Compliance: The upgraded system now meets the latest LPCB design standards (LPS1276 Issue 2.0), ensuring full compliance with fire safety regulations.
- On-time delivery: The project was completed safely and within the scheduled timeline.
- Enhanced system reliability: The new tanks deliver improved reliability, exceeding the client’s expectations.
Challenges Overcome
- Restricted space: The confined site required specialised planning for material handling and installation.
- Controlled dismantling: The old tanks were removed carefully to avoid damage to surrounding infrastructure.
- Safety standards: High levels of health, safety, and quality were maintained throughout the project, ensuring compliance at every stage.
Conclusion
This project highlights Franklin Hodge’s ability to deliver turnkey fire water storage solutions, even in challenging environments. By combining innovative design, collaborative planning, and expert execution, Franklin Hodge provided the client with a reliable, compliant, and efficient fire sprinkler water storage system.
For over five decades, Franklin Hodge has been a trusted provider of fire water storage solutions, offering tailored services to meet the unique needs of clients across industries.
