What Size Water Tank Do I Need?

If you are asking yourself “what size water tank do I need?” then you have come to the right place. In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors influencing tank sizing, what tank capacities are available, and we’ll share an easy formula for calculating your tank size.

Why Storage Tank Sizing Matters

Choosing an appropriately sized tank impacts multiple aspects of a site’s functionality, including operational efficiency, water availability, and costs. Additionally, tanks must comply with strict standards to ensure safety, reliability, and meet industry requirements.

Operational Efficiency, Water Availability, and Cost

Proper sizing helps avoid the time and cost involved in frequent refilling and reduces the risk of downtime due to water shortages. It also ensures that water resources are used optimally.

For sites with varying demands, sizing calculations also take peak usage into account to accommodate times of high demand without interruption.

From a cost perspective, an appropriately sized tank minimises both initial investment and ongoing expenses. Larger tanks come with higher upfront costs for materials, installation, and potential maintenance, while smaller tanks may incur ongoing costs if frequent refills are necessary.

Compliance with Australian Standards

In Australia, industrial and mining sites are subject to strict regulations to ensure that storage tanks are safe, environmentally friendly, and meet industry requirements.

This is especially important when comes to building tanks in cyclonic region that are exposed to high winds, heavy rainfall, and other severe weather event. Storage tanks in these areas must meet specific requirements in terms of anchoring, wall reinforcements, and roof design.

Factors Influencing Storage Tank Size

Several key factors influence tank size, from site-specific water demands to physical constraints of the installation location. Here’s an in-depth look at the main factors that should be considered when sizing a mining or industrial water tank.

1. Water Demand: Calculating average daily usage helps determine the minimum storage capacity needed to support operations without interruptions. Sites with high water demands will naturally require larger tanks to meet their daily needs and avoid frequent refilling.
2. Peak Usage vs. Average Usage: Some sites experience fluctuating water needs depending on weather conditions or specific tasks. A tank sized only for average usage may fall short during these peak periods, leading to operational delays. Therefore, it’s important to add a buffer to account for peak usage and emergency situations.
3. Nozzle Diameters: The size of the tank’s nozzle controls the inflow and outflow of water. Selecting a nozzle that is too small may limit the speed at which water can be supplied or discharged, potentially impacting the overall operational efficiency.
4. Inlet Flow Rates: The inlet flow rate is the speed at which water can be fed into the tank and this affects the rate of replenishment. If the water supply to the tank is slow, a larger tank may be required to store an adequate supply for sustained usage. For sites with higher inlet flow rates, a smaller tank could suffice, as it can be refilled more rapidly when levels are low.
5. Available Footprint: The physical space, or footprint, available for a storage tank also influences its size. In some confined or crowded sites, a large horizontal tank may not fit within the available footprint. In such scenarios, vertical tanks might be a better option, as they provide adequate storage capacity with a smaller base area.
6. Available Headroom: This refers to the vertical space above the tank’s installation area, which is crucial when opting for taller, vertical tanks. Some sites may have overhead restrictions due to other structures, machinery, or power lines. Limited headroom may necessitate the use of a shorter, broader tank or require custom design solutions to maximise capacity within the height constraints.

Storage Tanks Capacity Options

Storage capacities for industrial and mining applications can vary significantly, from compact tanks for small operations to massive tanks that serve as the primary water storage source for large-scale sites. Here’s a look at common capacity ranges and applications.

• 10,000 to 50,000 Litres: Suitable for smaller industrial applications or sites with moderate water requirements. These tanks often serve as backup water supplies, emergency reserves, or as daily use tanks for smaller-scale operations.
• 50,000 to 500,000 Litres: Mid-range capacities are widely used across mining and industrial sites, as they offer a good balance between storage volume and space efficiency. These tanks can support larger daily water demands, making them ideal for dust suppression, cooling, and other high-usage processes.
• 500,000 to 2 Million Litres: These larger tanks are designed to meet high water demands, such as those found in remote mining locations or large-scale industrial sites. With a capacity to store significant volumes, they are often used where water delivery is infrequent, requiring a substantial buffer to support continuous operations.
• 2 Million Litres and Above: Mega-capacity tanks are typically required for remote or isolated sites where the water supply is extremely limited or intermittent. They provide ample storage for large-scale operations, supporting extensive industrial processes, emergency preparedness, and long-term water needs.

Calculating the Right Tank Size

To calculate what water tank size you need, start by estimating daily water demand. Once you have the total daily demand, consider the frequency of refilling. The formula to estimate minimum tank size can be as simple as:

Tank Size (Litres) = Daily Demand (Litres) × Days Between Refilling

For example, if your site requires 20,000 litres of water per day and water is refilled every 7 days, you will need a minimum tank capacity of 140,000 litres. However, this minimum calculation assumes no additional capacity for emergency or peak usage. Therefore, it’s recommended to add a buffer. Speak with an expert to find out how much buffer your water storage tank requires.

Explore Our Mining and Industrial Water Tanks

Allied Pumps offers a comprehensive range of water storage tanks designed to meet Australia’s toughest environments, including cyclonic regions. Our tanks are engineered for durability, using materials like Galvanised Steel, Glass Lined Steel, Hot-Dip Galvanised Steel, and more.

With capacities ranging from 10,000 to over 2 million litres, Allied Pumps has the ideal solution for your site’s unique water storage needs. Explore our water storage tanks to find the perfect fit for your project, with expert support every step of the way. Follow the link to explore our range of water storage tanks.