Firetainer® (OP50) Rectangular Fire Water Storage Tank Installed in a Challenging Environment
Introduction
In early 2022, Franklin Hodge was tasked with designing, manufacturing, and installing a fire water storage tank for an industrial site in Scandinavia, near the Arctic Circle. The project posed unique challenges, including limited site area, height restrictions, andextreme weather conditions. Leveraging decades of expertise, Franklin Hodge delivered a tailored solution to meet the client’s needs and overcome the environmental hurdles.
Client Background
The client, operating in a critical industrial sector, required a fire water storage solution to support fire sprinkler systems. Due to the location close to the Arctic Circle, the project faced specific constraints such as:
Space limitations: The site area and height restrictions prohibited the use of atraditional cylindrical tank.
Severe environmental conditions: High annual snowfall, extreme wind gusts, andlow temperatures necessitated special design considerations.
Compliance requirements: The design needed to meet a combination of Europeanand international standards
Franklin Hodge Solution
To address these challenges, Franklin Hodge proposed their rectangular Firetainer® tank. This design was chosen for its adaptability to constrained spaces and its structural integrity in challenging conditions
Key Design Features
Structural enhancements:
- Larger steel section ‘I’ beams and reinforced purlins on the tank cover to support snow loads four times the usual design requirement.
- Diagonal supports fabricated from galvanised steel to bolster the tank’s shell and foundation against wind loads.
- Flat ties installed on the tank floor under the internal liner to connect wall support columns for additional stability.
Insulation:
- Pre-insulated trapezoidal profile cladding material was used on both the cover and walls to withstand the extreme cold. This cladding was fitted between the curved wall sheets and support columns for maximum efficiency.
Foundation bolting:
- Collaborating with a specialist anchor bolt supplier, Franklin Hodge applied advanced mechanical and chemical anchor solutions to ensure secure and effective bolting of the tank to the concrete foundation.
Results
The Firetainer® tank was successfully designed, manufactured, and installed within the agreed timeline. The final specifications included:
- A reinforced rectangular tank capable of withstanding extreme snow loads and wind gusts.
- Fully insulated walls and cover, ensuring operational reliability in sub-zero temperatures.
- Seamless integration with the client’s fire sprinkler system, now operational at the industrial facility.
Challenges Overcome
Geographic challenges: The site’s remote location required meticulous planning of material deliveries to align with the project’s overall schedule. Despite this, all materials arrived on time, and the installation was completed without delays.
Design adjustments: A late-stage redesign was required due to unforeseen constraints on the foundation’s footprint. Franklin Hodge quickly adapted the tank layout without impacting the project’s timeline.
Environmental factors: Franklin Hodge’s extensive experience in designing for harsh climates ensured the tank could endure high snowfall and wind loads while maintaining structural integrity and efficiency.
Conclusion
This project highlights Franklin Hodge’s ability to deliver bespoke fire water storage solutions, even in the most challenging environments. With a commitment to agility, innovation, and customer satisfaction, Franklin Hodge provided a reliable and robust solution tailored to the client’s specific needs.
