Elevated Water Storage Tanks
Elevated water storage tanks serve a dual purpose: they store water for fire protection and provide potable drinking water to a designated area or community. By utilizing gravity, these tanks ensure consistent water pressure throughout the system. They come in various shapes, sizes, and materials tailored to specific requirements and distribution area needs.
Here are Four Established Advantages of Installing Elevated Water Storage Tanks:
- Enhanced Water Pressure is Achieved
The elevated positioning of a water storage tank allows for the delivery of water with greater force. It’s a fundamental principle of physics: water moves in the direction of gravitational force, resulting in increased pressure with greater height. Numerous studies indicate that for each foot the unit is elevated above a hundred feet, there’s a significant increase of approximately 0.43 pounds per square inch in pressure.
- Eliminates the Need for a Pump and Associated Costs
For the average household utilizing a stainless steel water storage tank for drinking water, a water pump is often unnecessary. If the tank is positioned at a sufficient height relative to the plumbing of the house, it can generate adequate pressure. Furthermore, elevating the tank is likely to provide ample pressure for a water tank designated solely for garden and other external purposes. Essentially, foregoing the use of a pump can lead to substantial cost savings.
- It Minimizes the Risk of Contamination
Elevating tanks serves a practical purpose by reducing the likelihood of excessive sediments and foreign objects entering the system. It’s crucial to recognize that prolonged sediment presence in a water tank increases the risk of contamination and the proliferation of harmful pathogens.
- It Facilitates Convenient Access for Maintenance
Installing fixtures above ground level greatly simplifies routine maintenance access. Any leaks that occur are relatively easy to detect and repair. This is why many tank providers, such as Firstank Philippines, include a complimentary ladder with their units.
Positioning your water storage tanks at the highest level of your home or building is not obligatory; they can also be installed on the ground floor. However, directing water flow through the pipelines may require external assistance.
Choosing an Elevated Water Tank
When selecting the appropriate elevated water tank to meet your requirements, it’s vital to take into account various factors including elevation, construction materials, storage capacity, dimensions, shape, and insulation needs. A well-executed installation of an elevated water tank ensures dependable and effective water distribution throughout the service area.
Elevation: The height of an elevated water storage tank directly influences the water pressure experienced by the community. Towers should consistently provide a minimum of 20 pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure to users within the distribution system, although standard pressure levels often range between 60 and 70 psi. It’s essential that the elevation of the elevated tank is sufficient to maintain a consistent minimum pressure level across all points within the distribution area.
Capacity and Size
When selecting a water storage tower, it’s crucial to assess both the tank’s storage capacity and the expected usage. Projections of water usage, accounting for factors such as community expansion and emergency needs, are essential for determining whether the elevated water storage tank can adequately meet demand.
Design and Construction
Engineers must consider multiple factors, including intended use, water quality, pressure requirements, and environmental impact, when determining the appropriate design and materials for a water tank. The choice of materials and design elements will be influenced by factors such as soil quality, seismic activity potential, high winds, and extreme temperatures. It’s vital to assess the installation site and anticipate any challenges that may arise with field-erected tanks.
Significance of Cold Protection
In subzero temperatures, elevated water tanks are at risk of freezing, potentially disrupting access to a reliable water supply for the community. To mitigate this risk, various methods of tank heating can be utilized, including gravity circulation, steam coils, and direct steam discharge.
Applications of Elevated Water Storage Tanks
In addition to municipal water storage, elevated storage tanks offer a reliable solution for various other purposes, including:
- Fire suppression
- Supplying process water
- Emergency cooling
Elevated Water Storage Tank Maintenance
Regular upkeep of elevated storage tanks is vital to ensure optimal tank performance and water quality. Industry standards established by AWWA, alongside federal, state, and local regulations, typically advise inspecting water tanks every 3-5 years.
During inspections, professionals meticulously assess the tank’s coating, joints, fixtures, surfaces, and foundation to confirm stability and functionality. Any identified flaws or irregularities should be promptly addressed to prevent the escalation of issues such as leaks, pressure loss, and water contamination. Regular testing of water quality is recommended to prevent sediment buildup and potential contamination resulting from loose, leaking, or damaged tank components.
For truly localized service, look no further. Our knowledgeable and friendly customer service team is at your disposal! We offer proven and reliable services in Houston, Texas, and Long Beach, California.
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