Merits And Demerits Of An Above Ground Storage Tank
An above ground storage tank are those tanks that are constructed above grounds. For the case of water tanks they are mostly situated on top of buildings if they are small but the large ones are constructed on separate grounds. The regulatory body requires such tanks to hold up to a maximum of 10,000 liters when it comes to contents other than water. There are numerous reasons for and against these tanks.
The reasons for the choice of these designs are numerous. One of these is that they are relatively cheap when it comes to installation costs because it involves fewer activities. One needs to find a space where to construct their tanks of which the only costs involved include construction of a foundation of which it is not a must for those placing their tanks above their houses. This mostly applies to water tanks. For those that require raising the grounds, less cost is involved because there is no excavation cost.
They are also very easy to repair in case they are corroded or if they start leaking. All designs are susceptible to risks of corrosion and leaks but these tanks have a better advantage over the underground because their strategic location making them easy to repair. The fact that they are placed above and there are no excavation activities to confirm the results of exposure to risks is not a requirement gives it an added advantage.
The third advantage is that they can be easily monitored. They are visible and thus the owner can easily monitor any changes which may either call for repairs. This makes this type of tanks easy to maintain and also easy to use. This also ensures there is continuous maintenance process which increases the economic life of the tanks.
Another advantage worth mentioning is the fact that these tanks do not require energy to pump the stored content. The material can be easily extracted without energy because the tanks are set up the ground and thus can flow downwards naturally. All that one needs to do is set the extraction pipes bellow the tank. This is also an advantage as it contributes to the low costs required to establish and use such tanks.
They are also prone to accidents due to their location in the open space. They are often damaged by individuals either intentionally or accidentally. Sometimes they are also exposed to animals, wild and domestic, who when not observed can completely destroy this tanks resulting into loss of property.
They also require extra space where they can be situated. Unlike the underground tanks which leave the open ground free for any other activity, over the ground tanks are occupy their own space thus using up the space that would otherwise have been used for other beneficial use.
In conclusion above ground storage tanks have various pros and cons and needs critical analysis when deciding on their use. One will have to analyze both the advantages and the disadvantages and weigh the two so as to come up with a conclusive decision on whether to adopt it or not.
The reasons for the choice of these designs are numerous. One of these is that they are relatively cheap when it comes to installation costs because it involves fewer activities. One needs to find a space where to construct their tanks of which the only costs involved include construction of a foundation of which it is not a must for those placing their tanks above their houses. This mostly applies to water tanks. For those that require raising the grounds, less cost is involved because there is no excavation cost.
They are also very easy to repair in case they are corroded or if they start leaking. All designs are susceptible to risks of corrosion and leaks but these tanks have a better advantage over the underground because their strategic location making them easy to repair. The fact that they are placed above and there are no excavation activities to confirm the results of exposure to risks is not a requirement gives it an added advantage.
The third advantage is that they can be easily monitored. They are visible and thus the owner can easily monitor any changes which may either call for repairs. This makes this type of tanks easy to maintain and also easy to use. This also ensures there is continuous maintenance process which increases the economic life of the tanks.
Another advantage worth mentioning is the fact that these tanks do not require energy to pump the stored content. The material can be easily extracted without energy because the tanks are set up the ground and thus can flow downwards naturally. All that one needs to do is set the extraction pipes bellow the tank. This is also an advantage as it contributes to the low costs required to establish and use such tanks.
They are also prone to accidents due to their location in the open space. They are often damaged by individuals either intentionally or accidentally. Sometimes they are also exposed to animals, wild and domestic, who when not observed can completely destroy this tanks resulting into loss of property.
They also require extra space where they can be situated. Unlike the underground tanks which leave the open ground free for any other activity, over the ground tanks are occupy their own space thus using up the space that would otherwise have been used for other beneficial use.
In conclusion above ground storage tanks have various pros and cons and needs critical analysis when deciding on their use. One will have to analyze both the advantages and the disadvantages and weigh the two so as to come up with a conclusive decision on whether to adopt it or not.
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