What is a Bund?

A bund is a secondary containment system that serves the purpose of capturing any leaks or spillages from a primary containment, such as a storage tank. It is composed of an impermeable floor and a set of impermeable walls, creating a watertight area around the storage tank. The bund effectively retains any liquid that escapes from the primary containment, preventing it from spilling onto the site or escaping into the environment.

Bund maintenance

Bund maintenance often overlooked, but it crucial for the longevity and effectiveness the infrastructure. Over time bunds wear and become unfit for their if not properly maintained.ing a maintenance and inspection is important to identify necessary repairs prevent further damage.

Removing water

An effective bund should collect and contain all substances that enter it, including rainwater and other unwanted debris. Neglecting proper maintenance can lead to a build-up of unwanted materials, reducing the bund's capacity and potentially causing it to fall below requirements. It is essential to regularly remove rainwater and test it for contamination before disposing of it. Contaminated water must be disposed of in accordance with waste regulations or treated using appropriate control measures.  For oil bunds, automatic bund water control units can be installed to separate oil and water, pumping out only the water.

Bund Surveys

In addition to regular rainwater removal, periodic inspections should be conducted to assess the condition of the bund walls, floor, penetration seals, and linings. Any defects or damage should be promptly repaired to prevent further deterioration. Even minor cracks can lead to liquid leakage, and structural issues can significantly weaken the bund walls, risking failure under dynamic loads. Hydrostatic testing, filling the bund with water and monitoring for any loss, can also be performed to determine if the bund is watertight.

Bund Repair

If a bund experiences any issues, it is crucial to address and fix them promptly. Defective bunding can be even worse than having no bunding at all, as it can mask leaks and create a false sense of security. Over time, chemicals or oil leaking from faulty bunds can cause serious contamination of the surrounding ground and groundwater. Cracked bunds need to be repaired to ensure not only water-tightness but also structural integrity to withstand potential catastrophic failures. If the bund lining fails, relining or patch repairs should be undertaken.