In the early summer of 2009, the installation of a secondary oil containment system was completed at a nuclear generating plant. The system was designed for one transformer with a concrete perimeter.
Upon completion of initial site verification to ensure that pad and containment dimensions conformed with the original design, the installation of the Sorbweb system could begin.
The first sand layer is installed followed by a double layer of impermeable liner. The liner is attached to the concrete to seal around the perimeter. The impermeable liner is also installed around all concrete pads and intrusions with the use of plastic strapping and concrete anchor nails.
The first layer of the liner is sealed at all seams and corners allowing the oilmat to be installed and sealed to it. Loose copolymer is added at all edges of oilmat to maximize sealing.
The top layer of the liner is now lowered and sealed onto the top of the oilmat. Additionally any conduits and intrusions are also fully sealed.
The adsorbent layer can now be installed followed by the first layer of woven geotextiles, and the second sand layer.
The second layer of woven geotextile can now be installed allowing the addition of the fire quenching stone.
The final step prior to the containment being completely filled, is the sealing around the strapping and intrusions. This prevents any oil from escaping around the pads in the event of a catastrophic failure.
In conclusion, this project went smoothly and was completed in the required timeframe. It was warm and sunny for the full duration of the project. Upon completion, the client was happy with the system.
~ Maurice Quesnelle
