Background
One of the largest hospitals in the Midwest operates as a leading Level 1 Trauma Center with around 1,000 beds. As a Level 1 Trauma Center, the facility must maintain continuous operations 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, while supporting at least 1,200 annual trauma admissions and delivering highly specialized medical care.
Surrounding communities and regional hospitals rely on the facility for critical, lifesaving services, making uninterrupted operations and reliable backup power essential.
Challenge
As a Level 1 Trauma Center, the hospital required a backup generator fuel oil supply system supported by a proven and reliable provider capable of meeting the demands of continuous operation. System availability was critical, requiring equipment and infrastructure that could perform without interruption during both routine operation and emergency events.
In addition to reliable equipment, the hospital needed confidence in long term serviceability, supported by an established network of trained technicians, installers, and technical support personnel to ensure rapid response, proper installation, and ongoing operational readiness.
Implementation
To support the hospital’s critical backup power infrastructure, Franklin Electric’s Critical Power Solutions equipment was selected to monitor and manage multiple diesel storage and generator fuel supply systems throughout the facility. Combined, the system supported fuel delivery to seven emergency generators, supplied by four underground storage tanks (USTs) ensuring reliable operation during power interruptions.
Several EVO™ fuel management consoles were deployed to monitor for leaks, track fuel levels, and control the submersible turbine pumps within the fuel storage and distribution network, with one console dedicated to the hospital’s emergency helicopter fueling infrastructure.
Because the hospital spans multiple floors, the system required pressurized fuel transfer rather than positive displacement pumping. The fuel needed to travel vertically through the building to supply generator day tanks before returning to a transition sump and ultimately back to the USTs.
Submersible Turbine Pump
FE PETRO® Submersible Turbine Pumps were installed in USTs and connected through an APT® XP flexible pipework network to deliver fuel across the system. The APT® XP pipework provides a durable, UL-certified, corrosion resistant underground transfer path between fill points, USTs, pumps, and generator supply infrastructure.
Additionally, the hospital used a separate EVO™ console that monitored multiple storage tanks supplying the primary generator fuel system. This EVO™ performed static tank testing, monitored underground piping for leak detection, and controlled the submersible pumps responsible for moving fuel throughout the facility.
APT® XP Pipework & EVO™ Series Console
Franklin Electric’s Critical Power Solutions Provide:
Scalable System
The modular design allows the fueling and monitoring infrastructure to be expanded or replicated across additional buildings on the hospital campus, supporting future growth without requiring a complete redesign.
Established and Trusted Solution
The system relies on widely deployed fueling technologies supported by experienced installers, service providers, and readily available replacement components. This established ecosystem helps ensure long term serviceability and reliable uptime.
Monitoring and Operational Visibility
EVO™ consoles provide continuous insight into tank conditions, piping integrity, and pump operation. This centralized monitoring helps maintenance teams quickly identify issues and maintain confidence in backup fuel readiness.
Reliable Fuel Delivery for Critical Backup Power
Pressurized fuel transfer using submersible turbine pumps allows fuel to be efficiently moved throughout the building to supply generator day tanks. This design ensures consistent fuel delivery to all seven emergency generators during power interruptions.
Conclusion
By implementing Franklin Electric’s Critical Power Solutions monitoring and fuel transfer technologies, the Level 1 Trauma Center established a reliable fuel storage and delivery infrastructure to support its critical backup power operations. Integrated monitoring, pressurized fuel transfer, and durable underground piping help ensure fuel is available and delivered where it is needed during power interruptions.
With continuous oversight of fuel conditions and dependable delivery to seven emergency generators, the hospital can maintain confidence in its backup power readiness and continue providing uninterrupted care to the communities that depend on it.
