Steel water tanks have long been recognized as reliable and durable storage solutions for various industries and applications. Over time, the manufacturing of steel tanks has evolved, with the establishment of standards that ensure consistent quality, safety, and performance. This article delves into the evolution of standards in water tank manufacturing, highlights key standards in the industry, and emphasizes the importance of these standards in ensuring high-quality tank construction.

The development of manufacturing standards for water tanks has been a gradual process driven by the need for uniformity and safety. Initially, there were no specific standards for tank manufacturing, leading to variations in design, materials, and construction practices. However, as the industry matured and the importance of consistent quality became apparent, standards organizations stepped in to provide guidelines and benchmarks.

The AWWA has played a significant role in establishing standards for water tank construction in the United States. The AWWA D100 standard, “Welded Carbon Steel Tanks for Water Storage,” outlines the design, fabrication, and construction requirements for welded tanks. It covers aspects such as material specifications, structural design, welding procedures, coatings, and inspection methods.

NFPA has developed standards for water storage tanks specifically focused on fire protection purposes. The NFPA 22 standard, “Standard for Water Tanks for Private Fire Protection,” guides the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of tanks used for fire protection systems. It covers areas such as tank sizing, materials, corrosion protection, and firefighting connections.

In South Africa, water tank manufacturing standards are primarily set and regulated by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). The SABS develops and maintains a range of standards related to water tank construction, materials, and performance. Here are some key South African standards relevant to water tanks:

SANS 1731: This standard specifies the requirements for polyethylene tanks used for the storage of water intended for human consumption. It covers aspects such as design, materials, construction, testing, and labelling of polyethylene water tanks.

SANS 10089-1: This standard focuses on the design and installation of underground tanks for the storage of flammable and combustible liquids. It provides guidelines for the design, construction, and installation of tanks that comply with safety regulations for underground storage.

SANS 10160: This standard deals with the structural use of steel, including tanks. It outlines the general design requirements, materials, fabrication, and testing of structural steel components, ensuring their strength, stability, and durability.

SANS 10252-1: This standard provides guidelines for the design, installation, and maintenance of water supply and storage systems. It covers various aspects, including the design of water tanks, materials selection, sizing, and installation practices.

SANS 10254: This standard focuses on the internal lining of storage tanks for the storage of water intended for human consumption. It specifies requirements for the lining materials, application methods, and testing procedures to ensure water quality and prevent corrosion.

Manufacturers and individuals involved in the water tank industry in South Africa need to familiarize themselves with these SANS standards. Adhering to these standards helps ensure that water tanks are designed, manufactured, and installed by recognised benchmarks, promoting safety, quality, and compliance with South African regulations.

Note: Please keep in mind that standards can be revised or updated over time. It is advisable to consult the latest versions of the standards from the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) or relevant authorities for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Water storage tanks in South Africa are often used for storing valuable resources, such as drinking water or firefighting water. Adhering to standards ensures that tanks are constructed to withstand environmental loads, seismic forces, and internal pressures. This enhances safety, mitigates the risk of tank failure, and ensures the reliable storage of liquids over an extended period.

Steel water tank users, whether individuals or businesses, value the assurance that their tanks meet industry standards. When customers choose water tanks manufactured according to recognized standards, they can trust that their tanks have undergone rigorous testing, comply with quality benchmarks, and meet their specific needs.

The evolution of manufacturing standards in water tank production has significantly influenced the industry, ensuring consistent quality, safety, and performance. Standards organisations such as AWWA, NFPA, and CEN have played a pivotal role in establishing guidelines for tank design, fabrication, and construction. Adhering to these standards is of paramount importance for manufacturers and customers alike.

Manufacturing standards ensure consistent quality, enhance safety and reliability, and promote compliance with regulations. They provide a framework for materials, design, fabrication techniques, inspection procedures, and testing methods, enabling the production of water tanks that meet stringent requirements.

By choosing water tanks manufactured by recognized standards, customers can have confidence in the durability, structural integrity, and longevity of their tanks. These tanks are designed to withstand environmental loads, internal pressures, and other demanding conditions, ensuring reliable water storage for various applications.

Moreover, adherence to manufacturing standards promotes interoperability and compatibility within water storage systems, simplifying installation, maintenance, and integration with other components.

Tank Connection’s hopper tank design is specifically designed to outperform in challenging applications.

• The NO LEAK bolted storage tank is designed to prevent any leakage by eliminating internal ledges that could potentially trap items or lead to contamination.
• Durable Construction: Engineered for large-scale storage, these tanks are constructed to endure substantial weight and challenging environmental circumstances.
• The unparalleled Fusion powder coating technique, part of our Advanced Coating technique, offers remarkable defence against corrosion and wear, significantly prolonging the tanks’ durability.
• Tank Connection utilises a highly efficient field construction method that involves installing jacks from ground level, hence improving safety and productivity during the assembly process.

Tank Connection’s commitment to innovation, excellence, and meticulousness in the creation and production of large-scale storage tanks establishes a benchmark in the industry. Our bolted RTP tanks not only satisfy but surpass the stringent criteria of contemporary storage needs, offering a dependable and durable solution for diverse applications.