Secondary Containment

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What is an Oil Solidifier?

Oil solidifiers, like BCI’s Oil Solidifying Polymers (formerly known as C.I.Agent), are composed of dry, high molecular weight polymers that have a porous matrix and large oleophilic (strong affinity for oil rather than water) surface area. Upon contact with oil, the oil solidifiers form a physical bond with the oil.

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One EVAC Filtration System Works Great, but How About 7?

An Illinois utility used the EVAC Filtration System to assist in the dewatering of vaults and manholes in the City of Chicago and surrounding suburbs. The EVAC System uses state-of-the-art filtration technology to remove suspended solids and light sheen from water discharge operations.

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EPA Uses Efficient, Inexpensive EVAC System for Dewatering Equipment

When a frac tank full of oily waste had to be emptied, the EPA used the EVAC Filtration System to dewater it. Not only were hydrocarbons captured and sediment removed, the EVAC System cost only a fraction of the use of a vacuum truck, saving thousands of dollars.

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Understanding Variables That Define Secondary Containment System Design

Throughout the years of providing secondary containment systems and solutions for utility companies, we’ve realized that the only constant in the design of Geomembrane Liner with Barrier Boom systems is that there is no constant. Each site is unique, and requires a customized solution.

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The Drivability of Secondary Oil Containment Systems

We hear this question often, generally regarding older substations that need to be retrofitted for secondary oil containment systems. Routine maintenance procedures allow workers to drive vehicles very close to the oil-filled electrical equipment on site. Ideally, the utilities prefer to incorporate oil containment systems that don’t require them to adjust standard maintenance processes. We understand, so on that note, the short answer is yes, our secondary containment solutions would accommodate frequent drive over use.

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Not All Secondary Containment Is Created Equal: Pros & Cons of Concrete Containment

Concrete containment is a fairly common permanent solution used by utility companies to prevent a transformer oil leak from polluting the ground, and offers some obvious benefits when used for secondary containment. It is strong and durable, and requires low maintenance. It has a long life expectancy and is fire-resistant.

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Not All Secondary Containment Is Created Equal: Tricks and Treats of Leaving a Smaller Footprint

We all want to do our part in taking care of this wonderful, sustainable eco-system known as Earth. As Halloween approaches and a kaleidoscope of colorful leaves slip toward the ground, we are reminded that our time wandering over her landscapes will be brief, in the grand timeline of the universe, but that doesn’t mean we should be inconsiderate as we pass through. As humans, limiting or minimizing the ecological footprints we create should be something we strive to do. After all, are we not but caretakers of our great-great-great-great grandchildren’s home?

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Not All Secondary Containment Is Created Equal: The Burdens of Earthen Berms

Another major drawback of earthen berms is that maintenance workers have to step over the mound or dike, and they can’t drive their trucks over them. For these situations, we recommend constructing a vehicle ramp of finely crushed, packed limestone on the earthen berm, so workers can easily drive up to the equipment. Driving over a berm without the ramp could crush the Barrier Boom panels and cause product failure. Just be sure to discuss this request with your engineer during the initial planning phase.

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A Goldilocks Design for Secondary Oil Containment: Walls, Floor, Drainage

Anyone with children is familiar with the story of "Goldilocks and The Three Bears," in which a young girl named Goldilocks stumbles into a house owned by three bears. She brazenly attempts to make herself comfortable by sitting in their chairs, laying in their beds, and even eating their food. In her quest, she finds the first and second choices are always too much in opposite extremes, but the third is always "just right."

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Preventing Transformer and Substation Fires with Below-Grade Secondary Containment

Below-grade secondary containment solutions are able to remove two of the three elements in transformer and substation fire situations. Transformer fires are of serious concern, as they seem to happen more and more. Perhaps this is in part due to aging equipment in older substations, but that’s not always the case.

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