Elevated Water Tank
An elevated water tank, also known as a high-level water tank or rooftop water tank, is a common water supply equipment, mainly used to store and distribute drinking water and domestic water. It is usually installed on the top of a building or on an elevated structure, and uses gravity to transport water to various water use points, thereby ensuring stable water pressure. The following are some main introductions to elevated water tanks:
Functions and uses
Pressure regulation: Due to its high position, gravity can be used to provide sufficient water pressure for low-rise buildings.
Water storage function: It can store excess water when the water supply is sufficient and use it when needed (such as at night, during peak water use hours or in emergencies).
Stable water supply: It helps to alleviate pressure fluctuations in the urban water supply network and ensure that users receive a relatively stable water flow.
Elevated Water Tank Structure
Elevated Water Tank Details
Basic structure of elevated water tank
Water tank body
Material: mainly corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel (long life, high hygiene standards), fiberglass (lightweight and anti-aging), galvanized steel plate (economical and practical), etc., to ensure long-term stability.
Modular design: easy to install quickly.
Multi-functional integration: combined with solar power generation and rainwater collection system to improve resource utilization
Support structure
Supported by steel frame or load-bearing structure on the top of the building, it must meet wind and earthquake resistance requirements.
Inlet and outlet system
Water inlet: usually located at the top or upper side of the water tank, connected to the water pump or water supply network, usually equipped with a float valve or liquid level sensor to control the water level.
Water outlet: located at the bottom of the water tank, supplying water to the user end by gravity.
Overflow pipe: installed at the top of the water tank, automatically drains when the water level exceeds the safety limit to avoid structural damage or waste of water resources caused by excessive water pressure.
Sewage outlet: used to regularly clean the sediment in the water tank.
Ancillary facilities
Manholes (manholes), vents (to prevent negative pressure), level gauges, insect-proof nets, insulation layers (cold areas), etc.
Working principle
The elevated water tank works by converting gravitational potential energy into water pressure:
The water pump lifts the water to the high-level water tank for storage.
When the user uses water, the water in the water tank naturally flows downward due to the height difference, forming a stable water pressure.
After the water level in the water tank drops, the float valve or automatic control system starts the water pump to replenish water and circulate to maintain the water level.
Main application scenarios
Urban water supply system
Adjust the supply and demand balance during the peak water use period and stabilize the pipe network pressure.
As a backup water source, respond to sudden water outages or pipe network failures.
Industrial and fire water
For cooling water circulation and fire water storage in factories (to ensure water pressure in emergencies).
Rural and mountainous water supply
Solve water supply difficulties caused by terrain height differences, such as centralized water supply systems in mountainous areas.
Temporary emergency water supply
Temporary water storage needs at disaster relief sites, construction sites, etc.
Advantages and Disadvantages Analysis
Advantages:
No need for additional energy: Relying on gravity water supply, energy saving and environmental protection.
Stable water pressure: Reduce pipe network pressure fluctuations and protect pipeline equipment.
Water storage buffer: Respond to water outages or water use peaks and improve water supply reliability.
Easy maintenance: Simple structure and low failure rate.
Disadvantages:
Depend on height: Water pressure is determined by the height of the water tank, and high-rise buildings may still require a booster pump.
Large footprint: The support structure needs to occupy space and may affect the urban landscape.
Water quality risk: Long-term water storage may breed microorganisms and requires regular cleaning and disinfection.
High initial cost: Construction of support structures and water tanks requires a certain investment.
Key points of design and selection
Capacity calculation
The volume of the water tank is determined according to the number of users, average daily water consumption, peak demand, etc., and is generally designed based on 6~24 hours of water consumption.
Height selection
The bottom of the water tank is usually required to be more than 10 meters above the highest water point (about 1 bar pressure).
Material selection
Stainless steel: suitable for small water tanks or places with high hygiene requirements (such as hospitals and food factories), with high cost but simple maintenance.
Glass fiber reinforced plastic (FRP): lightweight, corrosion-resistant, suitable for temporary projects or corrosive environments, but weak UV resistance.
Galvanized steel plate: economical and affordable, requires regular rust prevention treatment, mostly used for industrial water storage.
Environmental adaptability
Climate conditions: In cold areas, it is necessary to add insulation layers or electric heating systems to prevent freezing; in high temperature areas, it is necessary to shade and prevent sun exposure to avoid excessive water temperature and algae breeding.
Structural safety:
Wind load: The wind pressure of the high-altitude water tank needs to be calculated, and the supporting structure is reinforced with a triangular steel frame.
Earthquake-resistant design: Flexible connecting pipes, shock-absorbing bearings, etc. need to be set up in earthquake-prone areas.
Installation site: evaluate the load-bearing capacity (especially the roof water tank) to avoid overload and damage to the building
Safety and protection
Lightning protection measures, earthquake-resistant design, antifreeze insulation (cold areas), anti-algae coating, etc.
Maintenance and management
Regular cleaning: Clean once every six months to one year to prevent sediment and biofilm.
Water quality testing: Monitor indicators such as residual chlorine and microorganisms to ensure that the water quality meets the standards.
Structural inspection: Regularly check the support structure for rust, cracks and other problems.
Elevated Water Tank Accessories
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