Elevated Storage Tanks Research Articles

Low-profile solar water heaters: The mirror booster problem revisited

We discuss the use of a plane mirror, attached to the elevated storage tank of a thermosiphon solar water heater, in order to lower the total profile of the system. The discussion includes a critical review of some of the simplifying assumptions that have been made by previous authors who have proposed the use of mirror boosters in order to enhance the energy collection of flat-plate receivers.

Reducing Power Costs for Pumping Water

This article discusses the adjustment of pumping procedures as water usage rates change as a method of reducing power costs for pumping water. In general treated water is stored in ground‐storage tanks and then transferred to elevated storage tanks, by pumping, when the water level in the elevated storage tank falls below a preset point. The key idea in the cost‐cutting procedure is to lower the preset points during periods of low water consumption so that the pump is activated fewer times but runs longer. Research shows that it is more expensive to have the pump activated frequently for short periods of time than it is to have it activated less often but run longer.

Water Utility Makes Use of National Weather Service Radar

The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) has tied into the National Weather Service radar system to take measures against the disruptions in water service caused by power outages during frequent severe summer thunderstorms. Advance warnings of potential outages enable the utility to fill elevated storage tanks to maximal capacities, and pumping can be done during offpeak periods when electric rates are lower. In addition, repair crews can be stationed at strategic locations in advance of storms so that they do not have to travel long distances to reach affected facilities. The WSSC purchased receiving equipment for the weather information, but the information itself is furnished free of charge by the National Weather Service.

Energy Conservation in Municipal Water Systems

Many utilities control the operation of their raw‐ and finished‐water pumps according to the water levels in their ground storage or elevated storage tanks. The practice of keeping storage tanks full or nearly full may not be necessary in terms of energy consumption, though. This article provides a case study of two distribution systems with differing hydraulic, pressure, and flow constraints. By modifying water storage levels and pump use patterns, each utility could save significant amounts of energy. A discussion of electric rates and special power service contracts is included. The first part of this two‐part article appeared in the July 1984 issue of Opflow (type DIALOG AN 0011114).

Tank Leg Splits from Water Buildup

On January 7, 1979, one of the legs on an elevated water storage tank containing 150,000 gallons (568,000 L) of water split due to ice buildup in the bottom section. This paper describes the action taken by utility officials in Wellington, Ohio to repair the split and prevent a similar occurrence at the town's other storage tank.

A simplified method for designing elevated water storage tanks

A simplified method for designing elevated water storage tanks

Certification Corner

This month's “Certification Corner” covers hypochlorite stock solution preparation, chlorine solution calculations, molecular weight of hydrated lime, causes of permanent water hardness, and volume calculations for cylindrical tanks, elevated storage tanks, and water mains.

Cleaning, Recoating Water Storage Tanks

This article presents a procedures plan developed from questions asked about cleaning and painting an average size (100,000‐gal) elevated storage tank exceeding AWWA standards and about coating the interior of the tank with a two‐coat, high‐build epoxy system (AWWA interior system No.1).

Interior Maintenance of Elevated Storage Tanks

A review of the history of paint protection for metal water tanks includes information on approximating costs.

Elevated Tank Controls Need Special Care

Several types of control systems for elevated storage tanks are evaluated. Transmission of information from pumps to the water tanks and the ways such transmission can be accomplished are also discussed.

Elevated Water Tank Freeze‐Ups

This joint discussion on elevated storage tank freeze‐ups was presented at the 1965 AWWA North Central Section meeting at Fargo, North Dakota. John R. Branch of the Minnesota Water Company, Inc., St. Paul, Minnesota, reports on a freeze‐up experience, the facilities of the water system involved, the events and conditions preceding the freeze‐up, and the corrective measures taken. George J. Toman, a consulting engineer of Mandan, North Dakota, reviews the concept and precept of water storage tank freeze‐ups and suggests several devices to prevent freezing.

Storage Tank Location

This article discusses the proper location of water storage tanks connected with a water distribution system for distribution storage, including elevated, standpipe, or ground storage tanks. In addition to engineering requirements, which will designate the desirable location, the article discusses other issues including: governmental zoning regulations; elevation and technical requirements of the connecting distribution system; esthetic aspects which may affect public relations; architectural quality, crowding, and the availability of sufficient land for landscaping; and, the effects of a tank on adjoining properties.

Uses of Epoxy Resins

This article discusses the suitability of epoxy resins for use in the protection of steel and concrete used in water facilities. The article provides a brief overview of the properties and characteristics of resins, plastics, epoxy compounds, and liquid and solid resins. Classes of epoxy coatings, different applications, and an example of epoxy compounds used for repairs on an elevated water storage tank at the Lansing (Michigan) Board of Water and Light are discussed.

Planning Capacity for Elevated Storage Tanks

Planning Capacity for Elevated Storage Tanks

Tentative Recommended Practice-Repainting Elevated Steel Tanks and Water Storage Tanks

Tentative Recommended Practice-Repainting Elevated Steel Tanks and Water Storage Tanks

Three Million Gallon Elevated Storage Tanks at Sacramento

Journal AWWAVolume 30, Issue 3 p. 402-415 Article Three Million Gallon Elevated Storage Tanks at Sacramento Henry D. Dewell, Henry D. DewellConsulting Structural Engineer, San Francisco.Search for more papers by this authorCarl M. Hoskinson, Carl M. HoskinsonChief Engineer, Division of Water, Sacramento.Search for more papers by this author Henry D. Dewell, Henry D. DewellConsulting Structural Engineer, San Francisco.Search for more papers by this authorCarl M. Hoskinson, Carl M. HoskinsonChief Engineer, Division of Water, Sacramento.Search for more papers by this author First published: 01 March 1938 https://doi.org/10.1002/j.1551-8833.1938.tb14024.x AboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume30, Issue3March 1938Pages 402-415 RelatedInformation

Reducing Unaccounted‐for Water

One of the essential factors in maintaining adequate service pressure is to preserve as nearly as possible the original tightness of a water distribution system. To accomplish this purpose the town of Cicero has organized a crew consisting of 2 engineers and 6 assistants who are specially trained in the technique of measuring and locating underground pipe leakage. District surveys are made regularly and the principal methods for locating leaks involve the use of the rod meter, 1-inch and 2-inch meters, aquaphone leak detectors, and a geophone. In addition to the underground leakage survey, a careful examination of all inside piping, plumbing and meters is being made by a master plumber employed by the department. Underground leakage surveys, resulting in an average water saving of 3,000,000 gallons daily, have not only afforded an appreciable and immediate financial return, but also play an important part in helping to meet the financial program because of the recent waterworks extension project completed with P.W.A. assistance. This program included 20 miles of new mains ranging in size from 8-inch to 30-inch, a 1,000,000 gallon elevated storage tank, the placing of 580 new hydrants, and the installation of an automatic pumping station of the latest design. The cost of the improvement ran upwards of $1,300,000, so that any saving in unaccounted for water tends to lessen the burden of the department. In addition, regular maintenance costs are reduced because every leakage survey includes an inspection of all valves, hydrants and service pipes on the mains tested and thus defects may be located and the necessary repairs made.

Electrification of the Lafayette, Indiana, Water Supply

The principal business section of Lafayette is located on the low table land adjacent to the Wabash River. The city has gradually grown, however, until a large part of the residential district is located on the high table land and known as the Columbian Park section. Many years ago two steam driven pumps each of 6,000,000 gallons daily displacement were installed in what is known as the Canal Street pumping station, pumping by suction from wells located in the channel of the Wabash River, serving the customers on the lower level of Lafayette. The surplus water from these pumps supplied a reservoir of four and one-half million gallons capacity and located at Columbian Park, therefore, furnishing adequate pressure at all times to the principal section on the lower levels of the city. The upper level of Lafayette was served by a steam operated pump in the Columbian Park pumping station located adjacent to the reservoir. There being no elevated storage tank on the Columbian Park system it was necessary that this pump be operated continuously. In 1912 the writer recommended that the city sink wells near the Canal Street pumping station and install an air lift pumping system. These wells and the air lift pumping system were installed, the water being delivered from the wells into a receiving basin constructed some forty feet in diameter and located on the same level and near to the Canal Street pumping station. A short time after the steam driven air lift system was installed three of the wells were equipped with motor driven deep well pumps of the impeller type for the purpose, if possible, of reducing the cost of pumping.