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Spark is one of New Zealand’s largest telecommunications provider and has been since changing its name from Telecom on August 2014. Spark New Zealand (known locally as Spark) provides fixed line telephone services, a mobile network, internet services, and ICT to NZ Businesses.
In 2012 discussions had begun on a Tier 3 (meaning Tier 3 international rating that means Spark’s customers would expect zero to a maximum 1.6 hours unplanned down time in a year when utilising Spark Digital’s service*) brand new, state of the art, data centre to be the flagship data centre for Spark New Zealand.
The hi-tech building (based in Takanini New Zealand) was an impressive project with key features of the facility incorporating: security controlled biometric access, a bullet-proofed and fire-proofed security centre complete with its own oxygen supply, and a data hall mounted on rubberised bearings to provide earthquake proofing (therefore IL4 rated).
The facility needed fuel tanks to power the generators to ensure multiple electricity sources could be backed-up and the electricity supply to the data halls which house the cooling systems (along with the electricity system are demand linked for sustainability and efficiency) would function.
Photo from Urban Partners
Advanced Fuel Tanks (now Fuelchief) was approached by OPUS who had been awarded the engineering contract for the job. The Principal Electrical Engineer collaborated with John Garside to supply two SwRI 95-03 certified, 4-hour fire rated fuel tanks to support the generators for the facility. Over the course of 8-12 months the tanks were revised with new design work completed by AFT and new requirements met for the tanks.
Two standard SuperVault SV4, 25,000L fuel tanks were sent up and installed by Stellar. The tanks were commissioned and have worked to service the data centre as anticipated. The much-anticipated building was opened by Prime Minister John Key in October 2014.
*Calculations based on 99.98% uptime for Tier 3. Source: ADC Telecommunications, Inc. TIA-942
(photos from Urban Partners)
Further information on the SuperVault and other customised fuel tanks below.
The SuperVault tank offers the best in fire-rated, bullet-proof, impact-resistant technology of tanks in the world.
The Vanguard tank range by Fuelchief is specifically designed to provide tough, reliable and low-cost-per-litre diesel storage for consumers. The Vanguard comes in 3 models and 30 size varieties
The Pyrotector Fire Tank is a SwRI 97-04 2-hour fire-resistant storage tank that offers a light-weight solution to your combustible fuel storage problems.
The Praxis is a single-skinned entry level tank that provides an effective solution for storing fuel and ensuring it is kept safe. It is customised and can be configured to cylindrical and rectangular designs based on its purpose.
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