Elevated Water Storage Tanks
Elevated water storage tanks serve dual purposes: storing water for fire protection and providing potable drinking water to a designated area or community. By leveraging gravity, these tanks ensure uniform water pressure across the system. They come in diverse shapes, sizes, and materials tailored to the specific requirements and distribution area needs.
Here are four proven advantages of placing Elevated Water Storage Tanks:
1. It creates more water pressure.
The elevated placement of a water storage tank enables the delivery of water with increased force. It’s a basic principle of physics: water moves in the direction of gravitational force, resulting in higher pressure with greater height. Various studies indicate that for each foot the unit is positioned above a hundred feet, there’s a notable increase of approximately 0.43 pounds per square inch in pressure.
2. It eliminates the expense and installation of a pump.
For the typical household utilizing a stainless steel water storage tank for drinking water, a water pump is often unnecessary. If the tank is positioned at an adequate height relative to the plumbing of the house, it can generate sufficient pressure. Moreover, elevating the tank is likely to supply ample pressure for a water tank designated solely for garden and other external purposes. In essence, abstaining from using a pump can result in significant cost savings.
3. It prevents contamination.
Tanks are often situated in elevated positions for practical purposes. This measure helps prevent the entry of excessive sediments and other foreign objects into the system. It’s important to note that the longer sediments linger in a water tank, the greater the likelihood of contamination and the growth of pathogens.
4. It provides convenient access for repairs.
Having fixtures installed above ground significantly facilitates routine maintenance access. If leaks arise, they are relatively easy to identify and fix. This is why many tank providers, like Firstank Philippines, include a complimentary ladder with their units.
It’s not mandatory to position your water storage tanks at the highest level of your home or building; they can also be installed on the ground floor. However, directing water flow through the pipelines will likely require external assistance.
Choosing an Elevated Water Tank
When choosing the ideal elevated water tank for your needs, it’s essential to consider factors such as height, construction, capacity, size, shape, and cold protection requirements. A well-planned installation of an elevated water tank guarantees reliable and efficient water flow across the distribution area.
HeightThe height of an elevated water storage tank directly impacts the water pressure experienced by the community. Towers should consistently deliver a minimum of 20 psi of water pressure to users within the distribution system, although the standard pressure is often higher, typically ranging between 60 and 70 psi. It’s crucial that the height of the elevated tank is adequate to sustain a consistent minimum pressure level across all points within the distribution area.
Size and Capacity
When choosing a water storage tower, it’s essential to consider both the tank’s storage capacity and anticipated usage. Water usage projections, which account for factors like community growth and emergency usage, are necessary to determine whether the elevated water storage tank has sufficient capacity to meet demand.
Design and Construction
Engineers must take into account various factors such as the 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 including the soil quality and consistency of the area, potential seismic activity, high winds, and extreme temperatures. It’s important to consider the installation site and the potential challenges that field-erected tanks may present.
Importance of Cold Resistance
In subzero temperatures, an elevated water tank is susceptible to freezing, which could result in the community losing access to a dependable water source. To mitigate the risk of freezing, various heating methods for water tanks can be employed, including gravity circulation, steam coils, and/or direct steam discharge.
Elevated Water Storage Tank Applications
Apart from municipal water storage, elevated storage tanks provide a dependable solution for a diverse range of other applications, such as:
- Fire protection
- Process water
- Emergency cooling
Elevated Water Storage Tank Maintenance
Regular maintenance of elevated storage tanks is essential to ensure optimal tank performance and water quality. Industry standards set by AWWA, as well as federal, state, and local regulations, typically recommend inspecting water tanks every 3-5 years.
During inspections, professionals examine the tank’s coating, joints, fixtures, surfaces, and foundation to verify stability and functionality. Any identified flaws or irregularities should be promptly addressed to prevent exacerbating issues such as leaks, pressure loss, and water contamination. To prevent sediment buildup and potential contamination stemming from loose, leaking, or damaged tank components, it’s advisable to regularly test water quality.
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