Substation GRP Bund Flooring – Transformer Bund Flooring

At a Glance

Relinea was entrusted to design, supply, and install a raised bund flooring system for a substation within a new data centre project. The primary goal was to prevent environmental contamination by containing oil leaks or spills from the transformers. Relinea’s expertise ensured a robust and adaptable solution tailored to the client’s unique requirements.

Client

Confidential

Location

London
, UK

Services

Design, Supply and Install

Products

GRP Re-Grid Open Mesh Grating

Explain your needs

Problem/Challenge

Data centres are critical infrastructure where operational reliability and environmental safety are paramount. Within the substation, transformers containing insulating oil posed a risk of leaks or spills that could harm the environment and disrupt operations. To mitigate these risks, the client needed a bunding system capable of safely containing liquids while complying with strict environmental and safety standards.

The design had to be durable and adaptable, capable of withstanding long-term use and future modifications. Additionally, the flooring system needed to enable clear visibility of the substructure to allow early detection of leaks or maintenance issues. As the substation is a high-risk environment, the flooring material also needed to meet several safety criteria: it had to be anti-slip to ensure personnel safety, non-conductive to minimise electrical hazards, and fire-resistant to meet fire safety regulations.

Solution

Relinea developed a comprehensive transformer bund flooring system that addressed all the client’s requirements while ensuring ease of installation and maintenance. The solution included the design and installation of four raised bunds and a GRP grating flooring system.

The bund structure was created with adjustable pedestals that raised the system to a height of approximately 410mm. This height was carefully calculated based on the volume of insulating oil in the transformers and the potential water discharge from the fire protection system. By ensuring sufficient containment capacity, the design provided a robust solution for worst-case scenarios. GRP angles reinforced the perimeter, delivering structural stability and ensuring seamless integration with the substation environment.

For the flooring, Relinea used its Re-Grid 38 x 38mm mesh GRP grating with an embedded grit finish. The open mesh design improved visibility of the substructure, allowing for quick and easy detection of leaks or maintenance issues. The embedded grit finish provided an anti-slip surface, significantly enhancing safety for personnel working in the area.

The GRP flooring system was modular and lightweight, allowing individual panels to be easily removed and repositioned. This feature ensured straightforward access for maintenance and facilitated future modifications to the substation layout. The choice of GRP also ensured compliance with all safety requirements, as it is inherently non-conductive and fire-resistant.

Benefits of GRP for Substation Transformer Bund Flooring

The application of GRP technology provided numerous advantages for this project. GRP is highly resistant to corrosion, ensuring long-term durability and the integrity of the bund system. This property is particularly valuable in environments where exposure to oil or other contaminants could compromise traditional materials like steel or concrete..

The safety benefits of GRP were crucial in this high-risk environment. Its non-conductive properties reduced electrical hazards, while its fire-resistant nature ensured compliance with fire safety standards. Additionally, the anti-slip surface reduced the risk of workplace accidents, creating a safer environment for personnel.

The lightweight, modular nature of GRP allowed for quick and efficient maintenance, reducing downtime and associated costs. This adaptability also ensured that the system could accommodate future upgrades or layout changes, making it a sustainable and future-proof solution. Finally, the low maintenance requirements and long lifespan of GRP made it a cost-effective choice over the system’s lifecycle.

Relinea’s GRP bund flooring system successfully met the client’s operational and environmental needs, delivering a safe, adaptable, and durable solution for the substation. By addressing both immediate requirements and future adaptability, the project highlighted the unique advantages of GRP technology in critical applications. This project set a benchmark for reliability and innovation, showcasing how GRP systems can enhance safety, durability, and efficiency in high-stakes environments like substations and for transformer bunds.

Talk to the experts:

At Relinea, we are proud to offer high-quality, custom GRP solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of your project. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you implement the best solutions for your environment. Call us today on 02894470010, email info@relinea.com or fill in our contact form and we’ll get back to you.