Case Study with Phillips 66 – Water Filled cover balls 2017
Phillips 66 had the age-old problem of large water tanks used to store fire water in case of an emergency at one the largest UK Oil refineries.
These tanks measure 27.5 metres in Diameter with a surface area of around 650m2. Typically, algae growth and duckweed clog up the filtration systems, and as the water stays still, it also stagnates.
Following a conversation with the lovely folk at P66, the Water-Filled™ balls were the best viable option to prevent growth. After sending evidence on the wind tests (these babies do withstand speeds more than 100 mph), they seemed pretty happy to order from us.
What did they want?
- Shade balls to prevent Duckweed and Algae growth
- Cover for Firewater storage tank 90ft (27.5m) diameter with an open top
- Single layer, 10% overage/spares
- Contents – potable water, static, ambient temperature, say down to -11degC for freezing in winter etc
- Design wind speed across the top of the water in the tank at 100mph (only on rare occasions)
- Interested in HDPE Self-Filling™ hollow balls and/or Water-Filled™ balls (for wind resistance)
- UV resistant to some extent
Installation day
With our latest investment into new machines and capacity for the Water-Filled™ Balls, our factory managed to get these produced well within the time scales with just a 3-day turnaround. Then the balls are delivered in large bulk bags which means they can hook up with a crane and simply tip them up into the tank.
Low maintenance
Another happy customer reported there has been no further duckweed growth since using the balls and they are looking forward to a maintenance-free solution for many years to come. Shade Balls have proven to be a great solution for protecting emergency water tank suppliers and any open water surfaces.