Fuel tank farm powers Moody into future

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Parker Gyokeres
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
The 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron here is currently undergoing a major fuel storage facility upgrade to improve public safety, fuel quality and delivery time for aviation fuel to Team Moody's aircraft. 

The year-long modernization project involves the complete restoration of the base's four tanks and the vehicle transfer off-load point, said Tech. Sgt. Ron Killen, 23rd LRS fuels storage element assistant NCO-in-charge. 

Restoration of two of the four tanks are already complete, said Sergeant Killen, referring to the $3 million project which began April 2006 and is scheduled to be completed in May. 

One of the reasons the facility needed to be modernized is the age of the pipes running from the transfer point to the existing pump shelter. They were installed in the 1950's and were not large enough to support the quantity of fuel needed to move through them, said Sergeant Killen. The pumps were also well past their prime, so both systems will be replaced. 

"With the improvements being installed here today, this facility is replacing old equipment with state-of-the-art technology," said Sergeant Killen. "It once took us more than 45 minutes to unload an 8,000 gallon supply tanker. Now we should be able to download one in 15 minutes." 

In addition to speeding up the process of receiving inbound fuel shipments, the fuel will be flowing into modified tanks, said Edd Hartman, site superintendent for TolTest Inc., the primary construction contractor. 

"The improvements to this storage system literally start from the ground up," said Mr. Hartman. "A new tank floor was built 18 inches above the existing base. Between the layers, we have installed a leak detection sump and a vapor extractor to detect the presence of even the smallest fuel leaks. This will bring the facility into compliance with the latest environmental rules." 

In addition to installing a new floor, all of the critical welds will be inspected for cracks with either an ultrasonic sensor or X-ray photography, said Richard Manzullo, quality assurance inspector for Robert and Company, the engineering firm responsible for the design of the tank repairs. The space beneath the tank is injected with helium to ensure the floor does not leak, then the tanks are filled with water for 24 hours in order to test their strength and check for any leaks. 

"There are checks upon checks, all intended to ensure the safety and environmental assurance of this system," said Mr. Manzullo. "These tanks are as safe as we can make them when we hand them back to the Air Force." 

Finally, after all construction work and safety inspections are complete, the tanks are wrapped in a cocoon of shrink-wrap plastic and sand blasted, said Mr. Hartman. The air inside is dried with an industrial-sized de-humidifier and everything is painted with a special fuel-resistant epoxy coating. 

"Once all four tanks are in use, the jet fuel will be stored under a floating interior roof made of an aluminum honeycomb," said Mr. Hartman. "This floating pan keeps a seal against the edges of the tank as the liquid level raises and lowers. The pan keeps explosive, polluting vapors from building up between the external roof of the tank and its fuel contents. 

"The ring seal also has a large damn that directs foam from a nozzle down the inside wall of the tank," continued Mr. Hartman. "If there is a fire, firefighters can use a single foam line to apply flame retardant where it is most effective and immediately snuff the flames." 

With all of the improvements being made, Sergeant Killen is very enthusiastic about the future of this facility. 

"These improvements allow us to get fuel out to aircraft that is cleaner than ever before - in a third of the time," he said. "We are stewards of this base, and by operating the safest equipment with the latest tools, we can ensure the base will remain clean for future generations of Airmen."

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