Fire Protection Tank Design Guide

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Step 1: Assess Local Regulations
First, check local regulations regarding fire protection tank systems. It’s crucial to ensure compliance with local codes.

Step 2: Tank Sizing
Let’s start with tank sizing! The tank should be sized based on your estimated water demand and the fire flow requirements outlined in local codes. Typically, the Authority Having Jurisdiction or sometimes the Insurance Underwriter, makes the final decision.
Do you have required tank volume?”

Step 4: Choose Tank Type
Now, consider the type of tank you will need. Common types include:
Above-Ground Tanks – Generally speaking, above-ground tanks are less expensive than underground tanks. However, they require freeze protection in most of the USA. Also, the tank size is significant, and require space and aesthetic considerations.
Welded Steel – These tanks are still the industry standard, but are becoming less common due to the rise in popularity of the corrugated steel liner tanks. Common complaints about welded steel tanks are the high cost, long lead times, relatively short warranty period, and maintenance requirements.
Bolted and Gasketed Steel – Another legacy product. These tanks generally meet all the approvals.
Corrugated Steel with Liner – Usually less expensive to buy and maintain, and also with a longer warranty, Corrugated Steel Tanks are quickly rising in popularity. However, the construction method does not meet the prescriptive aspects of the NFPA-22 and AWWD103 standards. Many local officials are are approving them.

Underground Tanks
Concrete – Unlimited in size and configuration, but relatively expensive to install and maintain.
Fiberglass – By far the most common underground tank type, but still expensive to install.

Step 5: Available Tank Sizes
Now let’s look at available tank sizes for all types:
Underground Fiberglass Tanks: https://georgiawatertanks.com/products/underground-water-tank-cistern/
Above-Ground Corrugated Steel Liner Tanks: https://georgiawatertanks.com/design/above-ground-steel-tanks-models-and-sizes/
Have you found a suitable tank size for your fire protection system?

Step 6: Tank Interconnection
Connect your tanks using flexible piping to ensure proper water flow and access for maintenance.

Step 7: Pump Selection
For fire protection systems, ensure you select a pump that meets the flow rate and pressure requirements for your specific application.”
Do you need assistance in choosing the right pump?

Step 8: Freeze Protection
If you’re in a region where temperatures may fall below 40°F, you will need to consider adding insulation or a heating element to prevent freezing. Local code officials will often waive the requirement, here it Georgia. Would you like more information on freeze protection options?

Conclusion
Thank you for your interest in fire protection tank systems! If you have more questions or need further assistance, just let me know!

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Sustainable Water Management at Chason Park: An Innovative Approach by Georgia Water Tanks

Cisterns, Final Filtration, Graywater, Irrigation, New Products, Toilet Flushing, Uncategorized / By

Introduction:

The Chason Park Project in Bainbridge, Georgia, USA, is a pioneering initiative led by TSW Design architects and Salas-O’Brien engineers, showcasing innovation and sustainability in water management. This project aimed to revitalize a beloved community park and included implementing an efficient gray water treatment and reuse system. In this article, we delve into the objectives, strategies, outcomes, and the seamless automation that defined this groundbreaking project.

Objective:

The primary objective of the Chason Park Project was twofold: to enhance the quality of community life by revitalizing the park and to teach the visitors about the natural resources in the community. A key component of the park is the splash pad, which helps tell the story of the adjacent Flint River. Implementing a water management system that treated and reused splash pad runoff water was also deemed critical to both the education and sustainability goals. This treated water was repurposed for irrigation and toilet flushing, aligning with Bainbridge’s  commitment to sustainable practices.

Strategies and Implementation:

Community Involvement and Input:

TSW engaged the community and leadership through extensive consultations to ensure the project aligned with the community’s needs and preferences, emphasizing the importance of sustainable water use.

Gray Water Treatment and Automation:

The heart of the project was the implementation of an Intewa Aqualoop system, certified to the NSF350 standard, for treating splash pad runoff water. The system operates in full automatic mode, eliminating monthly maintenance, as required for compliance with the NSF350 standard.

Multi-Use Application:

Treated gray water was repurposed for irrigation, significantly reducing the park’s reliance on fresh water and promoting efficient resource utilization. Additionally, it was used to flush toilets, showcasing a holistic approach to water conservation and reuse.

Outcomes:

Water Conservation and Efficiency:

The gray water treatment system significantly reduced the park’s water consumption by repurposing treated water for landscaping and toilet flushing, contributing to water conservation efforts and reducing any potential strain on local water resources.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Savings:

The automated system’s seamless operation reduced maintenance requirements, ensuring longevity and cost-effectiveness. This, in turn, resulted in cost savings for the park and protected the owners’ investment.

Community Pride and Environmental Responsibility:

The successful Chason Park Project elevated the community’s pride by showcasing their commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental stewardship. The initiative positioned Chason Park as a showcase of sustainable water management practices.

Conclusion:

The work by Georgia Water Tanks at Chason Park stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability, highlighting the successful integration of automated gray water treatment for community benefit. By embracing community input, leveraging innovative technologies, and achieving seamless automation, the project has set a remarkable precedent for future sustainable water management initiatives. This endeavor underscores the pivotal role of collaboration and innovation in promoting responsible water use and creating greener, more environmentally conscious communities.

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Booster Pumps & Pressure Tanks

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For years I’ve had to listen to my pump system manufacturer tell me that their systems work great without pressure tanks. All the while, having to supply pressure tanks on almost every system, in order to make the work correctly. Now I can finally tell you the truth: you need a pressure tank with a booster system! Your alternative is high pressure swings or wasted energy. This company gives you the high pressure swings. Look at these 2 videos.

Big pressure drop without a pressure tank, exacerbated by going into “Pipe Fill” mode.
Now with the pressure tank.

The fact is, you don’t want a pump to react as fast as the pressure can change, when there’s not a pressure tank. It causes pressure swings like you see in the video. Perhaps worse than the big pressure drops are when the pump overshoots, causing alarms. The only way that I have seen manufacturers avoid the pressure swings without using a tank, is to bypass some water back to suction header. This causes the pump to run almost continuously, and wastes energy.

This is why we always recommend a pressure tank, for best operation and efficiency. But if one isn’t specified, then we will supply without.

And the pressure tank that we recommend, is the one that took us 20 years to find. Here

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