Increasing longevity: Steel tank refurbishment
Stonbury refurbished a steel potable water tank to prolong its length of service by two decades.
Refurbishments were required on the 0.9 trillion-cubic-metre tank due to degradation of the side panels and instability of the roof. The refurbishments, which have eliminated the requirement for a new tank, have increased the lifespan of the asset by twenty years, saving Stonbury’s client over two million pounds.
Externally, the tank was prepared using high-pressure water jetting (HPWJ) to remove all debris and laitance before applying a zinc-rich phosphate primer and two coats of Durashield solar reflective coatings to help reduce temperatures inside the tank and prevent further degradation of the panels.
Internally, new grade-316 stainless steel angle supports were installed to the underside of the tank roof to increase its strength and rigidity. The metalwork was designed to be installed without welding or drilling to preserve recently applied interior coatings and avoid internal hot works.
Additional access improvements were completed, including installation of new supports on the access ladder and a self-closing gate at the top. To complete the programme, the tank underwent a clean and chlorination.
The collaborate decision to refurbish the current asset not only resulted in financial savings but also significantly decreased the potential carbon footprint of new build replacement. Additionally, it enabled delivery in a considerably shorter timeframe, extending the period that the essential asset could remain in service.
The programme was completed successfully within the allotted timeframe, despite delays due to a nesting bird.
