Light fuel oil transfer pumps for power generation facility
PUMPS CASE STUDY
NORTH RIDGE PUMPS
Light fuel oil transfer pumps for power generation facility
In our latest case study , we ’ re discussing a recent project for the supply of two pumps for a large power generation business with operations overseas .
A potential client got in touch with us about two light fuel oil pumps to be used for the transfer of light fuel oil , also known as diesel oil . It was to be pumped from main storage tanks to day tanks at their sizeable power generation facility abroad .
Light fuel oils or diesel oils are high value distillates that can be used to drive diesel engine power plants , both in stand-by operation and baseload applications .
There are various grades available depending on use , with low fuel duty variants of diesel known as red diesel due to the red dye incorporated in its mixture .
Red Diesel is often used in the forestry , rail and agricultural sectors .
It is often employed in back-up power plants and installations on remote islands or in arctic conditions where it ’ s difficult and costly to supply cheaper alternatives . Light Fuel Oil requires less processing and produces a higher percentage of petrol and diesel than heavy oil . Its viscosity can range between 1 and 7cst , so it can be comfortably handled by a variety of technologies .
In a power generation plant , bulk fuel is usually stored in a large tank and then transferred to a smaller day tank near the engine .
The day tank is positioned between the bulk storage tank and the diesel engine , and the fuel is delivered from the bulk storage to the day tank by a bulk storage delivery pump .
The benefits of a day tank
• Uninterrupted power supply In critical applications such as hospitals , industrial plant and data centres , even a very short power interruption can have disastrous , even fatal consequences . Day tanks fill the gap between the main fuel storage tank and the generator . They ensure that there ’ s a continuous fuel supply so that the generator can kick in straight away if the main power source fails even briefly .
• Cost effectiveness Day tanks minimise downtime and cut the risk of equipment damage caused by power interruptions . This all helps to boost overall plant efficiency and reduce the cost of unplanned power cuts .
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