Summary
IFC Inflow was approached by liquid fuels company Joe Energy to assist with their transition from top loading to bottom loading. Bottom loading significantly reduces the risk of falls from height, as it eliminates the need for workers to climb onto tankers during loading operations. IFC Inflow was delighted to support Joe Energy in their mission to improve employee safety while also enhancing loading efficiency.
Joe Energy operates from a fuel depot on the banks of the Sharpness Canal, delivering liquid fuels across the Gloucester area. Their goal was to install a fast, safe, and efficient skid that would allow them to transition to bottom loading while maintaining their existing site-mounted pumps. They also wanted to ensure their site was future fuel-ready, with the capacity to include Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) in their future operations.
Challenges
The project posed several challenges that needed to be addressed:
- Limited Space for Installation – The narrow loading area required the skid to be positioned tightly against a bund wall, restricting available working space.
- Future Expansion Requirements – Joe Energy wanted to minimise upfront investment while ensuring the system could be expanded to accommodate an additional product line in the future.
- Seamless Integration – The solution needed to integrate with the existing site infrastructure, including pumps, pipework, and power supply, while ensuring a smooth transition from top to bottom loading.
Solution
✅ Custom-Designed High-Speed Skid – IFC Inflow proposed the AD100-4/5, a high-speed four-arm skid capable of delivering flow rates of up to 1,600 litres per minute. The design also incorporated an oversized frame with space for a fifth loading arm, allowing Joe Energy to expand their capacity at a later date without significant additional investment.
✅ Turnkey Installation Service – IFC provided a full turnkey solution, including:
- Installation of the skid
- New pipework connections
- Electrical works to connect the skid to the site’s tanks and power supply
✅ Bespoke Design and Rapid Execution – IFC Inflow’s technical team produced a detailed skid design, incorporating all the required elements outlined in Joe Energy’s initial brief. Once the design was approved, the skid was built to their exact specifications and safely delivered to site. The installation process was completed within a week, with:
- Pipework and electrical connections finalised mid-week
- Commissioning completed by Friday, allowing immediate operational use
Results
🔹 Joe Energy can now complete all loading operations from ground level, eliminating the need for workers to climb onto tankers and removing fall risk entirely.
🔹 The site has seen significant efficiency improvements, as loading operations are now:
- Faster, thanks to high-speed meters
- Easier, due to the spring-balanced loading arms
- Cleaner, with the addition of dry disconnect couplers to prevent spills
🔹 The future-ready skid design allows Joe Energy to expand their loading capabilities by adding an extra product line when required.
Through a tailored, high-performance solution, IFC Inflow has helped Joe Energy enhance site safety, improve operational efficiency, and future-proof their fuel loading infrastructure.
