Project Category: Electrical Engineering & Maintenance
Client: Bulk Storage Terminal Limited
Location: Tank Farm & Terminal Facilities
Completion: March 2024
Project Overview
Macma Power Engineering Limited was contracted to undertake earth system repair works and associated electrical installations at Bulk Storage Terminal Limited following an inspection that identified high resistance values at several earthing points within the tank farm.
The project involved comprehensive electrical improvement works across the terminal, including the earthing system, pumping area, guard houses, switch-room main incomer panel, and hydrant operational room. Our team implemented practical engineering solutions focused on improving electrical safety, system reliability, accessibility, and overall installation standards.
1. Earth System Rehabilitation.
A major component of the project was the rehabilitation and improvement of the terminal’s earthing system.
The works included the installation of 3-metre galvanized steel electrodes fitted with 10 mm pure copper bus bars to provide effective electrode connections.
Approximately 1.5-metre-deep pits were prepared, with the electrodes installed and surrounded by an earthing compound consisting of fine charcoal dust, industrial salt, and Marconite crystals.Pure copper tape was installed to interconnect the earth points and electrodes, while defective tank earth terminals were repaired through the installation of replacement stainless-steel nuts.
To improve long-term maintenance, concrete earthing inspection pits with covers were installed at the earthing points. A new earthing point was also introduced to directly bond the switch-room to the main panel using a 70 mm² pure copper cable. Protective plant grease was applied to earthing joints to help prevent corrosion and maintain reliable connections.
2. Improved Earthing Performance.
Following the repair works, earth resistance measurements were taken using a clamp earth tester. The recorded results showed a substantial improvement across the inspected earth points.
3. Pumping Area Electrical Works.
Macma Power Engineering Limited also carried out electrical improvement works within the pumping area.The scope included:
Installation of a 5-pin, 3-phase, 32A industrial socket.
Replacement of corroded cable trays.
Neat dressing and arrangement of cables on the newly installed cable trays.
These works improved the organization, accessibility, and condition of the electrical installation within the pumping area.
4. Guard Houses Electrical Installation.
Electrical improvement works were undertaken at both the front and back guard houses.
At the front guard house, the lighting system was repaired and the switch relocated to a more convenient position near the door.
At the back guard house, Macma installed a 2-way consumer unit, twin socket, lighting point, and associated switch.
The corroded pump switch shade behind the washrooms was also replaced with a steel powder-coated heavy-gauge meter box, complete with a 2-way consumer unit and 20A double-pole switch.
Additional works included installation of a twin blank plate on the open box behind the washrooms and repair of washroom lighting.
5. Switch Room Main Incomer Panel Works
The project also included corrective works on the switch-room’s main incomer panel.The main incomer cable was repositioned from inside the main panel to ensure that all panel covers could close correctly.
The circuits were identified and labelled to improve system identification and maintenance.
The terminal’s electrical loads were subsequently balanced, with phase currents measured using a clamp meter. The recorded measurements provided an assessment of the electrical system before and after the intervention.
6. Hydrant Operational Room
Electrical works were also completed within the hydrant operational room.The scope included:
a. Installation of a 5-pin, 3-phase, 32A industrial socket.
b. Removal of a redundant borehole panel to create a safer working area.
c. Installation of cable trays and neat dressing of cables.
d. Cleaning, painting, and secure fixing of the distribution board.
e. Installation of a new single socket and lighting switch.
7. Safety & Quality
Safety remained a key consideration throughout the project. The project was executed within the health and safety standards established at the terminal, with the report recording zero near misses during the execution of the works.
8. Project Impact.
Through the combination of earthing system rehabilitation, electrical repairs, equipment installation, cable management, panel improvements, and facility upgrades, Macma Power Engineering Limited delivered a comprehensive electrical improvement project for Bulk Storage Terminal Limited.
The project demonstrates our capability to undertake specialized electrical maintenance, earthing system rehabilitation, industrial electrical installations, panel works, and safety-focused engineering improvements in operational environments.
9. Engineering that Delivers Results.
At Macma Power Engineering Limited, we combine technical expertise, practical engineering, and a strong commitment to safety to deliver dependable solutions for industrial and commercial clients.
