Prep-Tec Systems recently supplyied 3 shop built and 2 site built stainless steel water tanks for Pulrose Power Station in the Isle Of Man: site tanks were constructed using a unique jacking system.

Prep-Tec Systems, a Bury, Lancashire based company have recently been involved in supplying 3 shop built and 2 site built water tanks for Pulrose Power Station in Douglas, Isle Of Man. The contract was part of a multi million pound development to transfer the existing oil fired power station to natural gas. The gas will be supplied direct from the Irish Sea.

The order to Prep-Tec Systems was awarded direct from the Isle of Man government who purposely formed a company PGT Ltd (Pulrose Gas Turbines) to oversee the development.

The tanks range from a 15 cubic metre horizontal cylindrical main cooling water system head tank, a 5 cubic metre cylindrical raw water break tank, and a 3 cubic metre vertical closed loop cooling water system head tank.

Each of the tanks was supplied in carbon steel with 15-year life paint finish to the internal and external surfaces.

The site built de-mineralised water tanks, each 225 cubic metre and 11.5 metres high, were manufactured in 316 quality stainless steel and erected one metre apart from each other.

The North tank was built with a spiral access stairway and the South tank with a hooped access ladder.

A bridge was fitted between each tank to join them together.

The components were shop formed and shipped to the Isle of Man on 3 articulated 12 metre trailers.

Due to the limited access the tanks were built using a unique jacking system where each of the top sections were erected and fully welded complete with lids, handrails etc and jacked up to allow the next course to be positioned under.

The tanks were progressively jacked up this way until all the sections were attached.

The staircase and ladders were also progressively attached this way.

The benefit of this method of construction is that all the work, welding etc can be completed at ground level, which eliminates the need for expensive crane hire and scaffolding.

Also the inside of the tanks are always closed off to the elements and the outside can be easily covered with a simple tent arrangement to allow welding to progress in any weather conditions.