Posted by Callum Vallance-Poole, on September 3, 2024.
Engineering, construction, and finishes specialists, Colorado Group, faced a significant challenge when tasked with helping a whisky bottling plant in the West of Scotland meet stringent environmental regulations. The plant required a large underground holding tank to manage potential leaks and spills from tankers, preventing pollution of the local watercourse. An above-ground tank was not feasible due to space constraints and the specific demand for large storage volumes, amounting to 110% of a tanker’s volume. Additionally, the location presented difficult ground conditions and a high water table.
Recognising the unique needs and challenges of this project, Colorado Group turned to GRAF UK, believed to be the only manufacturer capable of delivering shallow-dig tanks over 15,000 litres. With the assistance of frequent GRAF UK specifiers, Design Engineering Workshop, a 30,000-litre Platin XXL underground holding tank was selected for the project. This tank, made from durable polyethylene, featured a shallow-dig design ideal for challenging ground conditions and provided the substantial volume required for the plant’s operations.
The installation process required precise coordination due to space limitations between silos and perimeter fencing. A 50-tonne crane with a 32.5-metre jib was utilised to safely lift and position the tank over an existing building into its designated spot. The tank was securely placed on a well-compacted hardcore base and backfilled with sand, culminating in a concrete slab casting to complete the new and improved tanker loading bay.
The supply of the 30,000-litre Platin XXL underground holding tank by GRAF UK brought about several significant benefits for the whisky bottling plant. Firstly, it ensured the plant’s compliance with stringent environmental regulations. The tank provided the essential bunding required to prevent spills and leaks during loading operations, thus safeguarding the local watercourse and ensuring that the plant met all relevant environmental standards.
Moreover, the tank facilitated operational efficiency at the plant by enabling the efficient transfer of liquids necessary for the bottling processes. This made the tank an integral part of the plant’s logistical operations. The installation process was remarkably straightforward due to the tank’s lightweight design, which made lifting, positioning, and installation easier to execute. The connection to the existing drainage route, complemented by a gate valve, added operational flexibility.
GRAF UK’s excellent support throughout the delivery and installation stages further enhanced the project’s success. The business development manager, Ewan McMillan, was particularly accommodating and provided prompt assistance for any queries that arose. Additionally, the extensive technical expertise and readily available data from GRAF UK reinforced their position as Colorado Group’s preferred supplier for various applications, including rainwater harvesting systems, package sewage treatment plants, and septic tanks.
Simon Grant, site manager for Colorado Construction and Engineering, remarked: “The GRAF UK tank plays a crucial role in our client’s compliance with environmental regulations. Its installation has not only mitigated environmental risks but also streamlined our logistical operations.”