GIANT FUEL TANK

Evening Post, Volume CXXV, Issue 151, 29 June 1938, Page 21

GIANT FUEL TANK

COMPLETED AT AUCKLAND

A simple solution of soap and water is among the items needed for testing the new 2,000,000-gallon petrol tank erected for the Vacuum Oil Company Pty., Limited, in Freeman's Bay, Auckland, by the Steel Construction Com-pany,-Limited, states the <'New Zealand Herald." The tank is the largest gasometer-r6of petrol tank in New Zealand, and the largest petrol tank of any kind in Auckland. Electricallywelded throughout, the tank was submitted to final pressure tests on Saturday. A thick solution of soap and water was smeared liberally over the joints, and engineers watched in vaift for bubbles, denoting a leak, to Each joint was tested individually, before the whole unit was passed. Among the most important tasks on Saturday was the "riding" of the roof. The big, dome-shaped lid of the tank is carried on a water-seal, and pumps forced Into the tank thousands of gallons of sea water, until the air inside the tank, compressed at the top, lifted the roof bodily. Sliding on massive roller-bearings, the roof was lifted over 4ft, turning as it rose. This test was necessary to give the engineers an opportunity of trying the various pressure-release valves, in addition to making sure, that the roof would lift smoothly and evenly under the expansion of the gases when the tank is used for its normal purpose. It will receive petrol to be discharged from the British motor-tanker Henry Dundas, due from Sumatra on July 5. Automatic fire-flghting equipment Is included in the design of the tank, and there is also full provision for safety in the remote chance of the structure being struck by lightning. The tank cost in the vicinity of £20,000,