Problem encountered in connection of 2 water tanks with different volume

[darren72]

Hi All,

I have a doubt on the water level balancing between 2 water tank of different volume which i sincerely hope that you can enlighten me on that.

In view of additional water demand in one of my upgrading projects, I have to increase the effective water storage capacity of the existing water tank from 84 m3 to 136 m3. Current tank size is 10m(L) x 4m(W) x 3m(H) with center partition. However, in view that the operation requirement of the building, existing water tank need to be in operation for 24/7. Hence, a new tank is to added on beside the existing tank to meet the new water demand.

A tank size of 5m(L) x 5m(W) x 3m(H) will be sufficient to meet the new effective water storage capacity.

My question are as follows:

a. If the 2 tanks are linked up by a balancing pipe , will this cause overflow at the smaller tank? If yes, how to mitigate this problem as both tank will need to be connected to a set of water pumps before going out to the fittings.

b. Alternatively, if the tanks are not linked up, will there be any problem if the outgoing pipes from the 2 tanks be linked up together before connection to the pumps.


Your help is very much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[TGor]

Hi Darren,
Question 1 .. Yes they will reach equilibrium with a connecting pipe linking them together. To ensure the full capacity the balancing pipe should be connected to the bottom of each tank or as close to as possible .. the pipe should also be of sufficient diameter to ensure the required flow rate is maintained.

Question 2 . second option .. increase the incoming flow rate to the existing tank to more closely match the outgoing flow. i.e. 2 or 3 inlet valves .. Ballvalves.
good luck!

 

[LegionellaSlave]

I'm sure that there's serious rules and regs on minimising the risk of legionella from cooling towers.
I'm no expert mate but i'd definitley get some expert advice on this one.

If someone gets legionaires disease within a 10 mile radius, H&S will be all over your plumbing system asking for logbooks, records of regular maintenance etc.

 

[stani]

sorry for the humourous effort earlier but most people thought this was a small additional water tank, this system should be designed,constructed and signed off by people who actually have all the relevant design features at there finger tips. As legionellaslave has stated there are numerous H+S issues with cooling towers and water storage. The system should be designed to take into account everything you have asked.

 

[tamz]

Trying to do it on the cheap. Designers cost a fortune lol

 

[LegionellaSlave]

Trying to do it on the cheap. Designers cost a fortune lol

lol :cowboy:

 

[darren72]

Hi TGor,

Thanks for the advice.

Just to further clarify with this arrangement,i.e small tank couple with the bigger tank via balancing pipe, can i consider both tank to be one big tank and rely on the ball valves at the existing tank to control the water level of both tank to achieve the desired capacity? Will there be any possiblity of overflow problem at new tank due to one tank is smaller than the other?

Hi Darren,
Question 1 .. Yes they will reach equilibrium with a connecting pipe linking them together. To ensure the full capacity the balancing pipe should be connected to the bottom of each tank or as close to as possible .. the pipe should also be of sufficient diameter to ensure the required flow rate is maintained.

Question 2 . second option .. increase the incoming flow rate to the existing tank to more closely match the outgoing flow. i.e. 2 or 3 inlet valves .. Ballvalves.
good luck!

 

[PlumbBobBob]

no the small tank will not over flow because the two tanks are the same height the water in the tanks will find it's own level

 

[darren72]

Hi Steveb,

Thanks. In another words, the two tanks is working as though they are one big tank with the help of the balancing pipe right?

no the small tank will not over flow because the two tanks are the same height the water in the tanks will find it's own level

 

[PlumbBobBob]

yes correct

 

[darren72]

Thanks alot bro.

Hi Steveb,

Thanks. In another words, the two tanks is working as though they are one big tank with the help of the balancing pipe right?

 

[PlumbBobBob]

no probs mate