Tank Cleaning and Fuel Asset Decommissioning
The Task
LCM was appointed to deliver a full decommissioning programme of a Bulk Fuel Installation (BFI) on a UK military base for a defence client.
The project involved the safe removal of fuel, industrial cleaning, degassing and certification of multiple tanks and pipelines, followed by the identification and recovery of reusable infrastructure assets across the site.
Scope of Works:
Following security clearance and site-specific inductions, LCM established a controlled working compound, positioned welfare facilities, and segregated operational areas with fencing and safety signage.
All documentation was reviewed and approved prior to works commencing, including task-specific risk assessments, confined space procedures and health and safety controls. Fuel was uplifted from all tanks and associated pipelines and transported off-site in LCM ADR vacuum tankers for disposal at a licensed facility.
The Fuel Water Separator was drained and dismantled, with internal elements bagged and removed for compliant disposal.
All fuel lines were flushed and purged at multiple access points to eliminate residual product and ensure no dead legs remained within the system. This preparatory phase ensured the installation was fully cleared ahead of internal tank entry and final cleaning works.
The primary 1,250,000L bulk tank was vented and prepared for confined space entry. A seven-person confined space and rescue team completed a full internal clean, after which the tank was dried and certified gas free. Additional tanks, including a 30,000L back-flush tank, 5,000L slops tank and 7,500L gas oil tank, were cleaned using non-man entry methods, with all washings removed from site. Salvageable assets were then identified and removed for reuse across the Defence Estate, including pumps, ATEX-rated components, valves, generators and the complete control and tank gauging system.
Outcomes
The project was completed over several weeks with no reported incidents and full adherence to health and safety procedures.
The client was left with a fully decommissioned, certified installation and a structured recovery of reusable assets. The professional delivery of the works has led to further tender opportunities for fuel infrastructure projects across the wider Defence Estate.
