Posted on 24th July 2017 by Paul King
Protecting Emergency Water Tank at Phillips66 became a priority in 2017 when algae and duckweed began clogging filtration systems. As one of the UK’s largest oil refineries, Phillips66 relies on massive firewater storage tanks to ensure safety in emergencies. One key tank spans 27.5 metres in diameter, covering around 650m² of exposed surface. Without protection, the still water stagnated, encouraging algae growth and reducing water quality.
To tackle the issue, Phillips66 reached out to Euro-Matic. After reviewing several options, they chose our Water-Filled™ Shade Balls, proven to withstand extreme conditions—including winds over 100 mph. The solution needed to reduce plant growth, limit UV exposure, and resist freezing temperatures down to -11°C.
Phillips66 specified:
Full surface coverage for a 90-ft open-top firewater tank
UV-resistant material suitable for potable water
Durable design for high wind and cold weather exposure
Easy installation with low long-term maintenance
A 10% overage of shade balls for spares
They considered both HDPE Self-Filling™ balls and Water-Filled™ balls. Due to their added weight and wind resistance, Water-Filled™ balls were selected for optimal performance.
With recent upgrades to our production line, Euro-Matic delivered the order within three days. The Water-Filled™ Balls arrived in bulk bags and were installed easily by tipping them directly into the tank using a crane.
The results were immediate and effective. Since installation, no duckweed or algae has returned. The tank remains clean, and maintenance has been drastically reduced. Protecting Emergency Water Tank at Phillips66 with Shade Balls has proven to be a practical, cost-effective, and sustainable solution for open water surfaces.
