Drax Power Station Emergency Fuel Infrastructure: Deploying a Custom 13,000L StoraFUEL System

Partnering with G&M EUROTEX to Secure Critical Power Generation Backup

Atlantis Tanks recently collaborated with specialist generator set manufacturers G&M EUROTEX. Together, our engineering teams delivered a high-capacity bulk fuel storage solution for Drax Power Station.

Specifically, we engineered and supplied a custom 13,000 Litre Steel Bunded Diesel Tank from our heavy-duty StoraFUEL range to support critical standby power generation.

Major utility and power generation sites demand uncompromising resilience to protect grid operations against unexpected outages. To ensure operational readiness at Drax, Atlantis Tanks manufactured a turnkey bunded diesel tank integrated with digital telemetry, dual-pump transfer assemblies, and marine-grade protective coatings.

Engineering Specifications: 13,000L StoraFUEL System

The unit was designed for harsh operating environments, meeting strict UK environmental standards and site-specific structural mandates.

  • Capacity Metrics: 13,017 Litres Nominal (13,702L Brimful / 13,014L Useable with Overfill Prevention)

  • Outer Dimensions: 3850mm (L) x 2500mm (W) x 2000mm (H) (including cabinet)

  • Inner Dimensions: 2864mm (L) x 2414mm (W) x 1997mm (H)

  • Structural Material: High-grade S275JR steel to BS EN 10025-2:2004 standards with internal tank bracing and BS799 Part 5 compliance

  • Secondary Containment: Integrated outer bund providing 115% fluid capacity, fully compliant with Control of Pollution Regulations and SEPA/EA guidelines

  • C5 Marine Paint Finish: SA2 1/2 shot-blasted steel with Promastic primer and a high-performance two-coat finish (280-micron average dry film thickness in BS 06 C 39 Saddle Brown)

  • Weight Profile: 1,727 KG (Dry Weight) / 12,963 KG (Estimated Wet Weight)

Industrial Automation, BMS Integration, and Fuel Transfer

Power generation infrastructure requires continuous, high-accuracy monitoring. To meet this requirement, the bunded diesel tank incorporates a 230V O.L.E T5020 continuous electronic gauge delivering readout accuracy. The gauge transmits real-time level data directly to the site’s Building Management System (BMS) via 4-20mA and Modbus RS485 outputs.

Fuel distribution is handled by a floor-mounted 230V 90LPM Duplex Pump Set. Housing twin 0.75 kW self-priming liquid ring pumps, this arrangement provides mechanical redundancy to ensure uninterrupted fuel flow. An inline 1″ BSPF flow switch monitors liquid line pressure to safeguard against dry-running or line disruption.

Automated Fuel Polishing and Enclosure Architecture

Long-term stored fuel is susceptible to water condensation and particulate contamination. To maintain fuel quality to ISO 4406:2017 cleanliness standards (particle count < 200ppm water content), we installed a 230V 50LPM automated fuel polisher. The system utilizes a two-stage filtration path (10-micron water/particulate filter and 3-micron absolute filter) governed by a 7-day multi-function control panel with BMS alarm outputs.

  • Cabinet Design: Full-size 650mm deep front cabinet featuring a space-saving steel roller shutter door and top lockable bund box.

  • Overfill Protection: Aluminum 2″ Mechanical Overfill Limiter threaded into a 2″ BSPP full socket.

  • Maintenance Access: 610mm gasketed manway access hatch, dual 2″ vents (tank and bund), and top-access covers for internal isolation valves.

Turnkey Delivery and Standards Compliance

Atlantis Tanks managed the complete mechanical assembly and electrical installation to certified 18th Edition standards, including dedicated multi-core terminal box connections. Backed by our standard 10-year tank warranty, this installation highlights our ability to deliver technical fuel storage assets for demanding energy environments.

If you want to view similar custom engineering projects across the public sector, explore our commercial fuel storage case studies.

Planning a standby power or critical infrastructure project?

Speak directly with the Atlantis team for fast-turnaround fuel storage solutions, technical support and bespoke systems designed around your project requirements from enquiry through to delivery.
Call our team today on 0330 999 1100 or email [email protected]