Fires can easily occur at anytime due to a multitude of reasons and sometimes without any notice. As such, it is important to safeguard human life and assets from the disruptive effects of fires. In case of a fire, easily accessible water proves to be extremely useful. One way of ensuring access to water to safeguard against fires is with a fire water tank.
In this article, we’re going to look at what fire tanks are, what they’re made from, and the unique benefits they offer.
Let’s get started.
What is a Fire Water Tank?
A Fire water tank stores water which is pumped directly into a sprinkler system in the case of a fire mishap.
These tanks serve as an extremely valuable source of water that is vital in the safeguarding of people, product, and property.
Now that we know what a fire tank is, let’s look at what they’re made from.
What is The Shell of The Fire Tank Made From?
In a South African 1st, Aquadam’s fire tank utilises a PosMac steel shell – this is the highest corrosion resistant steel material available.
PosMac steel base is covered by a Zinc, Magnesium and Aluminium alloy, forming a protective a protective barrier called Simonkolleite, covering the entire tank shell.
PosMac is 10x more corrosion resistant than standard galvanized steel; using the intense Salt Spray test method, it’s easy to see the difference between PosMac steel and standard galvanized steel’s condition after 100 days.
Check out the results of the Salt Spray test on PosMac versus standard galvanized steel in the video below:
Using PosMac steel for the shell of the tank provides a design life of 50 years.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the benefits of fire water tanks.
What Are the Benefits of a Fire Water Tank?
A Fire protection tank offers numerous benefits for both individual and industrial users:
Compliance with fire regulations
Companies are required by law to ensure certain provisions are put in place to protect against the risk of fire. A vital part of this is stocking adequate water for emergency situations.
Fire tanks offer immediate assistance in the face of a fire disaster.
Accessibility
If a fire had to break out, it is important that water is always accessible. Fire tanks are not affected by damage to water pipelines and water shortages, as such, businesses will have access to water at all times.
Fire tanks serve as an immediate response to fires, safeguarding property, products, and lives.
Easy Integration
One of the biggest advantages when it comes to fire tanks is their ability to be easily integrated with current fire protection systems.
With fire water tanks, you can reduce your total costs and increase reliability.
Why Don’t Aquadam’s Fire Tanks Need a PVC Liner?
Aquadam is able to install a fire tank with PosMac steel sheets. Once the corrosive-resistant sheets have been placed in a concrete base, the fire tank is sealed using a highly water-resistant polymer coating.
No liner required means less maintenance, as well as a particular safety advantage over more common Zincalume steel water tanks used to store emergency water.
When Do You Need a Fire Water Tank?
A fire water tank is needed whenever you need a fire sprinkler system. Generally, it is required to have two fire water tanks on property so that if one is under maintenance, the other remains operational.
When it comes to insurance, many insurance companies demand that there be a fire water protection system on premises.
It is pertinent to ensure safety and compliance by installing a fire water tank at new and existing facilities in a water scarce country such as South Africa.
Aquadam’s Fire Tank is ASIB Approved
Although Aquadam’s engineered design and approved tanks have adhered to AWWA, NFPA and international standards, Aquadam’s recent approval by ASIB is a huge step forward. It allows Aquadam to supply their fire tanks to the local fire protection industry.