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SECTION 15450 - POTABLE-WATER STORAGE TANKS

PART 1 - GENERAL

0.1 RELATED DOCUMENTS

A. Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including Conditions of Contract and
Division 1 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.

0.2 SUMMARY

A. This Section includes potable-water storage tanks and related specialties and accessories for
indoor installations.

B. Related Sections include the following:

1. Division 15 Section "Basic Mechanical Materials and Methods" for dielectric fittings.
2. Division 15 Section "Equipment Insulation" for field-installed tank insulation.

0.3 DEFINITIONS

A. The following are industry abbreviations for plastic materials:

1. FRP: Fiberglass-reinforced plastic resin.

2. HDPE: High-density polyethylene plastic.
3. LDPE: Low-density polyethylene plastic.
4. GRP: Glass-reinforced plastic resin.

0.4 PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

A. Pressure Rating of Pressure-Type Water Tanks: At least 860 kPa, unless otherwise
indicated.

B. Pressure Rating of Specialties and Accessories for Pressure Systems: At least 860 kPa,
unless otherwise indicated.

C. Pressure Rating of Piping for Pressure Systems: At least 860 kPa, unless otherwise
indicated.

D. Pressure Rating of Other Tanks and Piping Components: At least equal to system operating
pressure.

0.5 DELIVERY AND STORAGE

A. Handle and store water storage tank systems, components, and parts to prevent distortions
and other damage that could affect their structural, mechanical, or electrical integrity.
Replace damaged items that cannot be restored to original condition.

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B. Store items subject to deterioration by exposure to elements, in a well-drained location,

protected from weather, and accessible for inspection and handling.

C. Deliver paint in unopened containers with unbroken seals and labels showing designated
name, specification number, color, directions for use, manufacturer, and date of
manufacture, legible and intact at time of use.

0.6 SUBMITTALS

A. Product Data: Include rated capacities; shipping, installed, and operating weights; furnished
specialties; and accessories. Indicate dimensions, wall thicknesses, insulation, finishes and
coatings, required clearances, methods of assembly of components, and piping connections.

B. Manufacturer Certificates: For shop inspection and data reports as required by ASME
Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. Confirm successful pressure and leak testing.

C. Manufacturer Certificates: Confirm successful pressure and leak testing.

D. Field Test Reports: Indicate and interpret test results for compliance with performance
requirements specified in "Field Quality Control" Article.

E. Water Samples and Reports: Specified in "Cleaning" Article.

0.7 QUALITY ASSURANCE

A. ASME Compliance for Steel Tanks: Fabricate and stamp steel, pressure water storage tanks
to comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Section VIII, "Pressure Vessels."

B. ASME Compliance for Plastic Tanks: Fabricate and stamp plastic, pressure water storage
tanks to comply with ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code: Section X, "Fiber-
Reinforced Plastic Pressure Vessels."

C. NSF Compliance: NSF 14, "Plastics Piping Components and Related Materials," and
NSF 61, "Drinking Water System Components-Health Effects." Include appropriate NSF
marking.

D. Follow requirements of local authority: <INSERT AUTHORITY>.

PART 2 - PRODUCTS

0.1 STEEL, PRESSURE WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Description: Steel, horizontal, pressure-rated water tank.

B. Description: Steel, vertical, pressure-rated water tank.

C. Construction: ASME code, steel, constructed with nontoxic welded joints, for 860 kPa
minimum working pressure, and as required to suit actual system working pressure.

D. Tappings: Factory-fabricated steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

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E. Tappings: Factory-fabricated stainless steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: ASME B1.20.1, with female thread.

2. DN65 and Larger: ASME B16.5, flanged.

F. Manhole: Watertight, for tank more than 900 mm in diameter. Include same pressure rating
as tank.

G. Specialties and Accessories: Include relief valve; pressure gage and thermometer; air-
volume-operated control; air-charging connection; and gage glass, brass fittings,
compression stops, and gage-glass guard.

H. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles.

I. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles, welded to tank before testing
and labeling.

J. Vertical Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel legs or steel skirt, welded to tank before
testing and labeling.

K. Tank Exterior Surface Finish: Manufacturer's standard, unless finish is indicated.

L. Tank Interior Finish: Materials and thicknesses complying with NSF 61 barrier materials
for potable-water tank linings. Extend finish into and through tank fittings and outlets.

1. Lining Material: Copper.

2. Lining Material: Cement.
3. Coating: Epoxy resin.
4. Coating: Galvanized.
5. Coating: Nickel.
6. Coating: Glass.

M. Exterior Coating: Galvanized.

N. Exterior Coating: Primer paint.

O. Exterior Coating: Manufacturer's standard enamel paint.

0.2 STEEL, NONPRESSURE WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Description: Steel, horizontal, nonpressure-rated water tank.

B. Description: Steel, vertical, nonpressure-rated water tank.

C. Construction: ASME code, Steel, constructed with nontoxic welded joints.

D. Cover for Open Tank: steel, with lining same as or similar to tank lining and with shape
that encloses top of tank.

E. Tappings: Factory-fabricated steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

F. Tappings: Factory-fabricated stainless steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: ASME B1.20.1, with female thread.

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2. DN65 and Larger: ASME B16.5, flanged.

G. Manhole: Watertight, for tank more than 900 mm in diameter.

H. Specialties and Accessories: Include vacuum relief valve; free air vent with insect screen;
thermometer; and gage glass, brass fittings, compression stops, and gage-glass guard.

I. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles.

J. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles, welded to tank before testing
and labeling.

K. Vertical Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel legs or steel skirt, welded to tank before
testing and labeling.

L. Tank Exterior Surface Finish: Manufacturer's standard, unless finish is indicated.

M. Tank Interior Finish: Materials and thicknesses complying with NSF 61 barrier materials
for potable-water tank linings. Extend finish into and through tank fittings and outlets.

1. Lining Material: Copper.

2. Lining Material: Cement.
3. Coating: Epoxy resin.
4. Coating: Galvanized.
5. Coating: Nickel.
6. Coating: Glass.

N. Exterior Coating: Galvanized.

O. Exterior Coating: Primer paint.

P. Exterior Coating: Manufacturer's standard enamel paint.

0.3 STEEL, PRECHARGED WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Description: Steel, vertical, pressured-rated water tank with air precharge.

B. Operation: Factory-installed, butyl-rubber diaphragm.

C. Operation: Factory-installed, butyl-rubber bladder.

D. Construction: ASME code, steel, constructed with welded joints, for 860 kPa
minimumworking pressure, and as required to suit actual system working pressure; factory
precharged to system operating pressure at tank.

E. Tappings: Factory-fabricated steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

F. Tappings: Factory-fabricated stainless steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: ASME B1.20.1, with female thread.

2. DN65 and Larger: ASME B16.5, flanged.

G. Specialties and Accessories: Include air-charging connections, pressure relief valves, and
pressure gages.

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H. Vertical Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel legs or steel skirt, welded to tank before
testing and labeling.

I. Tank Exterior Surface Finish: Manufacturer's standard, unless finish is indicated.

J. Tank Interior Finish: Materials and thicknesses complying with NSF 61 barrier materials
for potable-water tank linings. Extend finish into and through tank fittings and outlets.

1. Lining Material: Copper.

2. Lining Material: Cement.
3. Coating: Epoxy resin.
4. Coating: Galvanized.
5. Coating: Nickel.
6. Coating: Glass.

K. Exterior Coating: Galvanized.

L. Exterior Coating: Primer paint.

M. Exterior Coating: Manufacturer's standard enamel paint.

0.4 INSULATED, STEEL, WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Description: Steel, vertical, pressure-rated water tank.

B. Construction: ASME code, steel, constructed with nontoxic welded joints, for 860 kPa
minimum working pressure, and as required to suit actual system working pressure.

C. Construction: Steel, constructed with nontoxic welded joints, for 860 kPa working pressure.

D. Tappings: Factory-fabricated steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

E. Tappings: Factory-fabricated stainless steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: ASME B1.20.1, with female thread.

2. DN65 and Larger: ASME B16.5, flanged.

F. Manhole: Watertight, for tank more than 900 mm in diameter. Include same pressure rating
as tank.

G. Insulation: Factory-installed, fiberglass, polyurethane foam, or manufacturer's standard;

surrounding entire tank except connections and other openings; suitable for tank operating
temperature; and complying with ASHRAE 90.1.

H. Jacket: Steel, with manufacturer's standard baked-on enamel finish, unless otherwise
indicated.

I. Specialties and Accessories: Include relief valve; pressure gage and thermometer; air-
volume-operated control; air-charging connection; and gage glass, brass fittings,
compression stops, and gage-glass guard.

J. Vertical Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel legs or steel skirt, welded to tank before
testing and labeling.

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K. Tank Interior Finish: Materials and thicknesses complying with NSF 61 barrier materials
for potable-water tank linings. Extend finish into and through tank fittings and outlets.

1. Lining Material: Copper.

2. Lining Material: Cement.
3. Coating: Epoxy resin.
4. Coating: Galvanized.
5. Coating: Nickel.
6. Coating: Glass.

0.5 STEEL, GRAVITY AND SURGE WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Construction: Nonpressure rated, factory fabricated from ASTM A 794 steel sheets, with
nontoxic welded joints.

B. Reinforcement: ASTM A 36/A 36M, structural-steel shapes, welded to tank as required to

maintain tank shape.

C. Tappings: Factory-fabricated steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

D. Tappings: Factory-fabricated stainless steel, welded to tank before testing and labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: ASME B1.20.1, with female thread.

2. DN65 and Larger: ASME B16.5, flanged.

E. Manhole: Watertight, for tank more than 900 mm in diameter.

F. Specialties and Accessories: Include vacuum relief valve; free air vent with insect screen;
thermometer; and gage glass, brass fittings, compression stops, and gage-glass guard.

G. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles.

H. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles, welded to tank before testing
and labeling.

I. Vertical Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel legs or steel skirt, welded to tank before
testing and labeling.

J. Tank Exterior Surface Finish: Manufacturer's standard, unless finish is indicated.

K. Tank Interior Finish: Materials and thicknesses complying with NSF 61 barrier materials
for potable-water tank linings. Extend finish into and through tank fittings and outlets.

1. Lining Material: Copper.

2. Lining Material: Cement.
3. Coating: Epoxy resin.
4. Coating: Galvanized.
5. Coating: Nickel.
6. Coating: Glass.

L. Exterior Coating: Galvanized.

M. Exterior Coating: Primer paint.

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N. Exterior Coating: Manufacturer's standard enamel paint.

0.6 PLASTIC, PRESSURE WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Description: Plastic, vertical, pressure-rated water tank.

B. Construction: ASME code, FRP, for 860 kPa minimum working pressure, and as required
to suit actual system working pressure.

C. Construction: Manufacturer's standard, non-ASME code, for 860 kPa working pressure.

D. Tank Material: Composite plastic complying with NSF 61 barrier materials for potable-
water tanks and according to the following:

1. Outer Shell Material: FRP.

2. Lining Material: LDPE.
3. Lining Material: HDPE.

E. Tappings: Factory fabricated of compatible materials, attached to tank before testing and
labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: With female thread.

2. DN65 and Larger: Flanged.

F. Manhole: Watertight, for tank more than 900 mm in diameter. Include same pressure rating
as tank.

G. Vertical Tank Support: Factory-fabricated steel stand, supporting bottom of tank where
indicated.

0.7 PLASTIC, NONPRESSURE WATER STORAGE TANKS

A. Description: Plastic, nonpressure-rated, horizontal water tank.

B. Description: Plastic, nonpressure-rated, vertical water tank.

C. Tank Material: Composite plastic complying with NSF 61 barrier materials for potable-
water tanks and according to the following:

1. Outer Shell Material: FRP.

2. Lining Material: LDPE.
3. Lining Material: HDPE.

D. Tappings: Factory fabricated of compatible materials, attached to tank before testing and
labeling.

1. DN50 and Smaller: With female thread.

2. DN65 and Larger: Flanged.

E. Manhole: Watertight, for tank more than 900 mm in diameter.

F. Cover for Open Tank: Plastic, same as or similar to tank material and with shape that
encloses top of tank.

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G. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles with steel insert for continuous
bottom support.

H. Horizontal Tank Supports: Factory-fabricated steel saddles.

I. Vertical Tank Support: Factory-fabricated steel stand, supporting bottom of tank where
indicated.

0.8 HOT PRESS GRP SECTIONAL PANEL WATER TANKS

A. Type: Hot pressed GRP (glass reinforced plastic) sectional panel, complete with tank
supports, piping and accessories as specified below. All internal metal parts to be
constructed from 304 grade stainless-steel.

B. Construction: Tank to consist to an assembly of rectangular shaped, pressed GRP convex

panels bolted together in an arrangement of external flanges with a special rubber sealant to
ensure watertight joints. Tank to be provided from factory with reinforcing struts and roof
supports and reinforcing plats and washers.

C. Panels: Minimum 10 mm thick GRP tested to BS EN 13280. Panels to resist pressures of 6

times the working pressure.

D. Panel Color: Gray, completely opaque to prevent the growth of algae and micro organisms.

E. Panel Material Characteristics: GRP, 1.8 specific gravity. 30 percent min. glass content. 10
kPa tensile strength, 16.17 kPa flexural strength, 0.515 kPa impact strength, 29.5 kPa
compressive strength, 9.41 kPa shear strength, 2.16 x 10 -5/deg. C thermal expansion. 0.02
kecal/m.hr deg. C thermal conductivity.

F. Components Materials:

1. Joints Sealant: 50 mm synthetic rubber.

2. Joints Bolts and Nuts: Stainless-steel.
3. Reinforcement Roof Support: Stainless-steel.
4. Reinforcement Internal Tie Rod: Stainless-steel.
5. External Reinforcing: Structural steel galvanized.
6. Corner Angle: Hot press GRP.
7. Diagonal Struts: Stainless-steel.

G. Insulation: when specified, all tanks panel to be factory insulated with 25 mm thick
polyurethane of typical U value of 6 W/m2K.

H. Panels and Tank Accessories: To be shipped adequately packed in wooden crates for site
assembly complete with adequate quantities of bolts, nuts, washers, rubber sealant, etc.

I. Tank Top: to be provided with 610 mm round manhole with bolted cover and one 100 mm
diameter uPVC mosquito-proof cowled ventilator.

J. Tank: To be provided with all necessary piping connections of sizes as shown on the
Drawings Pipe connecting panels are to be specially designed at factory for that purpose and
shipped complete with pipe connections.

K. Ladders: 2 stainless-steel ladders are to be provided for each tank both inside and outside
the tank.

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L. Tank: To be provided complete with level indicator, ball valve, level switches, flanges, and
bell mouth connection, etc.

M. Tank: To be provided with steel footing channel beams as recommended by tank

manufacturer for size and man shape. Tank to be supported on reinforced concrete plinth
supports running in one direction beneath the tank and extending beyond the edge of the
tank on either side.

N. Tests: After erection, tank to be filled with water to the level of overflow and left to stand
for 72 hours. During this period, no drop in water level will be allowed. If signs of
dampness or traces of leakage are noticed, the Contractor shall repair and re-test the tank to
the entire satisfaction of the Engineer.

O. Tank installation shall be certified by the manufacturer’s representative.

P. Guarantee: Tanks are to be fully guaranteed against manufacturing defects and utility of
substandard material for a period of 10 years.

0.9 ACCESSORIES

A. Overflow: The overflow for the tank shall consist of an overflow weir and outside drop
pipe, adequately supported. The overflow pipe shall be steel, ASTM A 53 or equal, and
shall terminate 300 to 600 mm above grade and shall be fitted with a flapper valve or screen
to prevent ingress of birds and insects.

B. Vent: Vent shall be tank manufacturer's standard type, factory supplied, mushroom vent
with aluminum bird screen. The free area of the vent shall be sized 50 percent in excess of
the pump-in rate.

C. Float Valves: The float valves shall be full bore, equilibrium ball type, designed to
close tight against maximum pressure when half submerged, with renewable,
synthetic rubber, valve disc and balancing piston bucket. Float valves to be all
bronze construction including levers and arms, with copper float and suitable for
1034 kPa cold water working pressure.

D. Altitude Valve: The supply to the tank shall be controlled by a altitude valve, automatic in
operation and accurately set to prevent overflow. The valve shall be cushioned when
opening and closing to prevent water hammer or shock. Valves shall be provided with a
travel indicator.

E. Drain Valve: AWWA C500, iron-body, bronze-mounted, non-rising stem with indicator, for
minimum working pressure of 1034 kPa, clear waterway equal to full nominal diameter,
hand wheel operated, and open by turning counterclockwise.

PART 3 - EXECUTION

0.1 CONCRETE BASES

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A. Install concrete bases of dimensions indicated, or otherwise required, for water tanks. Refer
to Division 3 Section "Cast-in-Place Concrete" and Division 15 Section "Basic Mechanical
Materials and Methods."

0.2 WATER STORAGE TANK INSTALLATION

A. Install water storage tanks on concrete bases, level and plumb, firmly anchored. Arrange so
that devices needing servicing are accessible.

1. Install horizontal tanks on concrete piers and factory-fabricated saddles.

2. Install horizontal tanks on fabricated steel supports and saddles.

B. Anchor tank supports and tanks to substrate.

C. Install tank seismic restraints.

0.3 CONNECTIONS

A. Install piping adjacent to water storage tanks to allow service and maintenance.

B. Install thermometers and pressure gages on water storage tanks and piping. Thermometers
and pressure gages are specified in Division 15 Section "Meters and Gages."

C. Connect water piping to water storage tanks with unions or flanges and with shutoff valves.
Connect tank drains with shutoff valves and discharge over closest floor drains.

1. General-duty valves are specified in Division 15 Section "Valves."

2. Valves DN50 and Smaller: Gate or ball.
3. Valves DN65 and Larger: Gate or butterfly.
4. Drain Valves: DN20 gate or ball valve. Include outlet with, or nipple in outlet with,
ASME B1.20.7, 3/4-11.5NH thread for garden-hose service, threaded cap, and chain.
5. Water Piping Connections: Make connections to dissimilar metals with dielectric
fittings.

D. Connect air piping to hydropneumatic tanks with unions or flanges and gate or ball valves.
Make connections to dissimilar metals with dielectric fittings.

E. Install the following devices on tanks:

1. Pressure relief valves.

2. Temperature-and-pressure relief valves.
3. Vacuum relief valves. Include on tanks with copper interior lining unless tank has no
valve.
4. Tank vents on nonpressure tanks.
5. Connections to accessories.

0.4 FIELD QUALITY CONTROL

A. Pressure Testing: Hydrostatically test ASME code, water storage tanks to ensure structural
integrity and freedom from leaks. Fill tanks with water, vent air, pressurize to 1-1/2 times
tank pressure rating, disconnect test equipment, hold pressure for 30 minutes with no drop

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in pressure, and check for leaks. Replace tanks that fail test with new tanks and repeat until
test is satisfactory.

B. Pressure Testing: Hydrostatically test non-ASME code, pressure water storage tanks to
ensure structural integrity and freedom from leaks at pressure of 345 kPa above system
operating pressure, but not less than 1035 kPa. Fill tanks with water, vent air, pressurize
tanks, disconnect test equipment, hold pressure for 2 hours with no drop in pressure, and
check for leaks. Repair or replace tanks that fail test with new tanks and repeat until test is
satisfactory.

C. Nonpressure Testing: Fill nonpressure water storage tanks to water operating level to
ensure structural integrity and freedom from leaks. Hold water level for 2 hours with no
drop in water level.

D. Repair leaks and defects with new materials and retest system until results are satisfactory.

E. Prepare written reports for specified tests.

0.5 CLEANING

A. Clean and disinfect water storage tanks.

B. Use purging and disinfecting procedure prescribed by the Engineer or, if method is not
prescribed, use procedure described in AWWA C652 or as described below:

1. Purge water storage tanks with potable water.

2. Disinfect tanks by one of the following methods:

a. Fill tanks with water/chlorine solution containing at least 50 mg/L of chlorine.

Isolate tanks and allow to stand for 24 hours.
b. Fill tanks with water/chlorine solution containing at least 200 mg/L of
chlorine. Isolate tanks and allow to stand for 3 hours.

3. Flush tanks, after required standing time, with clean, potable water until chlorine is
not present in water coming from tank.
4. Submit water samples in sterile bottles to the Engineer. Repeat procedure if
biological examination shows evidence of contamination.

C. Prepare written reports for purging and disinfecting activities.

0.6 COMMISSIONING

A. Perform the following final checks before filling:

1. Verify that tests of tanks are complete.

2. Verify that tests of piping systems are complete.
3. Check piping connections for leaks.
4. Verify that pressure relief valves have correct setting.
5. Test operation of tank accessories and devices.
6. Manually operate relief valves.
7. Adjust pressure settings.
8. Manually operate vacuum relief valves.
9. Adjust vacuum settings.

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10. Check for proper seismic restraints.

B. Filling Procedures: Follow manufacturer's written procedures. Fill tanks with water to
operating level.

END OF SECTION 15450

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