Back in May this year, we reported the arrival of the first section of a bulk storage tank, the largest that will go into our SIXEP Continuity Plant (SCP). Since then, progress continues to be made as welding of the tank sections gets underway.
Each tank measures 7.6 metres in diameter and stands 14.8 metres tall. Due to their large dimensions, unlike smaller vessels, the tanks can’t be delivered to the site fully built. Instead, they are transported in sections and assembled on-site.
The assembly is being carried out by Mammoet using a “top-down” construction method. This involves suspending the tank from above and building it downward, starting with the top dished head.
The contract for the two BSTs was awarded to Altrad Motherwell Bridge. The top dished heads were manufactured by König in Germany and completed by Bendalls Engineering in Carlisle, who fitted 36 nozzles and 3 large chimneys.
The BSTs are essential to the SCP’s operations. They will store intermediate-level waste (ILW), including spent sand and ion exchange materials. This waste is produced during the effluent treatment process, which removes radioactive substances from liquid waste streams. Once treated, the purified water is safely discharged to sea.