The name Braithwaite is synonymous with water storage worldwide.

During its ninety year period of storage tank manufacture and installation,
Braithwaite has gained an enviable reputation for the quality and reliability
of its products.

The Hot Pressed Steel Sectional Tank is perhaps unique for an industrial
product – the design although refined over the years, is still essentially the
same product that was originally patented in 1901. Its continued use
provides ample testimony to the virtues of the Braithwaite Hot Pressed
Steel Sectional Tank.

Throughout the intervening period the tank has given sterling service all
around the world. With current examples ranging from the intense heat of
Africa and the Middle East, to the extreme cold of Siberia and Antarctica,
it continues to be a market leader in many countries providing cost
effective engineered solutions to water storage problems.

The Braithwaite Hot Pressed Steel Tank is easily recognised by the

distinctive star pressing in the centre of the panel, which in addition to
providing strength and rigidity is also the Company logo and a registered
trade mark.

QUALITY & COMPLIANCE
Braithwaite ensures quality control through the rigorous
application of best working practices and current
international standards, confirmed by its accreditation
with an EN ISO 9001: 2000 Quality System approved
and audited by the Loss Prevention Certification Board
(LPCB).
Braithwaite has been endorsed by many government
bodies, blue chip companies, contractors, consulting
engineers, finance institutions and aid agencies.
SERVICES OFFERED
Braithwaite offers a full design, fabrication, protective
treatment, shipment & erection service for tanks, towers
and ancillary items. Design work is in accordance with
BS449 or BS5950, including the incorporation of any
specified seismic, wind and snow loading to be
accommodated.
Qualified engineers can be provided to survey & prepare
reports on existing tanks & structures, to undertake
feasibility studies, to supervise erection or to fully
manage construction sites.

Braithwaite Hot Pressed Steel Tanks are approved by:
ƒ WRAS for use with water stored at ambient
temperature.
ƒ BS1564: 1975 Type One.
ƒ WRAS and LPCB for use on automatic sprinkler
installations.
Braithwaite can supply their own teams of trained sub-
contractors to carry out all forms of erection, modification
or refurbishment. The labour force is fully conversant with
the working and safety procedures relating to large
construction projects, time constraints imposed by plant
shutdowns and the requirements of particular industries.
Braithwaite offer their services through the UK and world-
wide.
ENSURE A CLEAN SUPPLY OF WATER…

2
HOT PRESSED STEEL TANKS
THE CONCEPT
Braithwaite Hot Pressed Steel Tanks are formed using mass-
produced tank plates and prefabricated cleats and stays
bolted together on site, to give an infinite range of sizes and
capacities, in accordance with British Standard BS1564:
1975 Type One.
Though generally square or rectangular in construction, tanks
can be provided in a variety of forms to suit particular site
conditions or project requirements. The most common
deviations are “l” or “T” shaped tanks (plan or elevation) and
tanks “noteched” to avoid obstructions.
Through a variety of flanging arrangements Braithwaite tanks
can be designed to be supported on concrete rafts or
consolidated foundations (where headroom is restricted), on
grillages at ground level or in plant rooms (providing access
to the underside for inspection and maintenance) or elevated
on steel or concrete towers (providing a static head of water).
Where site access is severely restricted a completely
internally flanged tank can be designed, providing access to
all connections from within the tank.
THINK TANK – THINK BRAITHWAITE
3
The modular concept and bolted construction allows for
high speed assembly utilising semiskilled labour. This
provides obvious client advantages and cost benefits
associated with reduced site duration’s when considered
against traditional concrete or welded steel construction.
Refurbishment is relatively straightforward as individual
components can be inspected and replaced as required.
Similarly, dimensional and capacity alterations can be
accommodated with minimal downtime, indeed if requested
at concept stage, tanks can be designed for extension in
length without interruption to the water supply.
Although best known for the storage of potable water, a
wide range of liquids can be stored in Braithwaite tanks and
the sectional method is also well suited to the storage of
solids in granular or flake form.
In addition to the construction of storage tanks, the tank
plate has provided our engineers with solutions to a variety
of challenges and has been used in the construction of
bund walls, blast walls, retaining structures, access shafts,
baffles, weirs, pontoons, jetties and even a floating heliport!
FEATURES & BENEFITS
Modular bolted construction provides:
ƒ Infinite range of sizes and configurations.
ƒ Excellent flexibility to adapt as storage
requirements change.
ƒ Ability to be installed in areas with restricted
access.
ƒ Quick and simple assembly using hand tools.
ƒ Highly economical transportation.
Hot pressing of tank plates using matched tools
ensures:
ƒ Close control over quality of product.
ƒ Consistency of tank plate size.
ƒ No requirement for welding corners of plates.
ƒ No distortion as heat treatment dissipates
stress.
All steel construction provides:
ƒ Inherent strength and durability of the raw
material.
ƒ High resistance to damage during transit and
assembly.
ƒ Excellent substrate for a wide range of
protective finishes.
ƒ Long term life expectancy.
TANK COMPONENTS
TANK PLATES
The standard tank plates are 1000 or 1200mm square, hot
pressed from mild steel plates in one piece and embossed with
the distinctive star pressing. Thickness of panel ranges from
4mm to 6mm, determined by tank depth and contents.
Non standard plates can be fabricated to provide full versatility
for specific requirements.
COVERS
Covers can be provided for either interior or exterior conditions
and are designed to withstand superimposed loadings in
accordance with the requirements of BS449 and loading
imposed by maintenance personnel. Suitable jointing materials
ensure covers are dust or weatherproofed to suit their
application.
Standard covers are
fabricated from 3mm
thick steel plate and
are not designed to
withstand pressures
other than those
described above.
Special covers can be constructed from flanged tank plates to
allow for pressure differentials and advice can be provided to
ensure suitability for each application.
DIVISIONS
To enable maintenance of the tank without interruption of the
water supply, tanks can be fitted with divisions. Divisions are
constructed from standard tank plates and are designed to
operate with either compartment empty. It is advisable for all
tanks storing 5000 Litres and above to be fitted with a division.
FLOAT VALVE CHAMBERS
In order to obtain added capacity in covered tanks or to provide
a type ‘A’ air gap for compliance with the WRAS, preventing
back siphonage, float valve chambers can be supplied. Theses
are fixed to the cover plates and enable the normal allowance
for freeboard to be reduced. Where supplies to the tank are
derived from more than one source, multi-float valve
assemblies can be mounted in a single box. It is possible that
the use of a ball valve box will necessitate increasing the
minimum distance between the cover and the ceiling above it.
4
CLEATS & STAYS
All internal fittings are fabricated from steel and carefully
designed to ensure the strength and rigidity of each tank
size. Where special applications make the use of internal
staying impossible, angle and channel stiffeners can be
provided externally.
BOLTS, NUTS & WASHERS
All bolts used in the construction comply with the
requirements of BS.1564. For export contracts, a
complete set of spanners is provided, together with a
percentage of spare bolts, nuts and washers.
JOINTING MATERIALS
A simple type of strip jointing material is used between
the flanges of the tank plates, under the tank cleats and
for sealing the cover plates. Standard jointing materials
are available for a variety of tank contents, including
potable water and fuel oils. Full information is required at
the enquiry stage to ensure complete satisfaction. When
the normal jointing materials cannot be used it is possible
to seal weld the internal seams of Braithwaite tanks.
INSULATION
Tanks can be site insulated using the unique BelTherm
70 system.
PROTECTIVE TREATMENT
Braithwaite offer two standard shop finishes:
ƒ Hot dipped galvanising to BS EN ISO 1461: 1999.
ƒ Blast clean to BS 7079 second quality followed by one
coat of two pack epoxy zinc phosphate primer.
Non standard finishes can be provided on receipt of
specific requirements, including sprayed zinc or
aluminium, G.R.P. and hot applied bituminous enamel.
Site applied paint systems can be provided to BS 5493,
which give typical times until first maintenance in excess
of 20 years. For drinking water applications Braithwaite
use WRAS approved products.
The key to maximising the life of a pressed steel tank is
the choice of its protective coating system and an
effective maintenance programme. Braithwaite can offer
advice on the most suitable system for a given
application.
MODEL SPECIFICATIONS AVAILABLE
TANK FITTINGS
STANDARD FITTINGS PIPE CONNECTIONS
Braithwaite Hot Pressed Steel Sectional Tanks fitted with Three basis types of pipe connection are used on
covers feature the following fittings as standard: Braithwaite tanks:

ƒ 460mm diameter access manway with hinged lid. ƒ BSP tapped sockets for screwed pipework up to 76mm
bore.
ƒ Screened cowl ventilator.
ƒ Internal access ladder for tanks deeper than 1220mm. ƒ Pads with studs for pipework flanged to BS 4504.
ƒ BSP tapped flanges for screwed pipework.
OPTIONAL FITTINGS
Pipe connections are normally fitted to the tank plates prior
ƒ External ladders and handrails to BS 4211. to despatch.
ƒ Float valve chambers. PIPEWORK & VALVES
ƒ Contents gauges.
ƒ Sumps. The selection of suitable pipework and valves for
ƒ Access manways to suit a variety of different applications. Braithwaite Pressed Steel Tanks should always be
considered at the planning stage so that they can be
ƒ Anti-vermin screens for overflow and warning pipes to ordered with the tank, ensuring that they are available in
comply with Water Byelaw 30.
good time and suitable for the tank concerned.
ƒ Spill over weir boxes to provide type ‘A’ air gaps, in
accordance with BS 6281: Part 1. The Rising Main (1). This may enter the tank by a right
angled bend passing through a tank plate (at the top).
Alternatively, a vertical standpipe fixed to the bottom of the
tank can be used.
Control of Flow (2). This can be affected by an equilibrium
float valve or other suitable device.
Outlet Services (3). These should be taken from the
bottom of the tank, preferably via a rose strainer.
Overflows (4). A bellmouth fitted to a vertical standpipe
fixed to the bottom of the tank is recommended.
Alternatively, a right angled bend passing through a tank
plate is suitable. Either should be positioned below the
level of the supply valve.
Washout (5). This is not essential but is recommended. An
external pipe connection should be used, the pipe being
arranged to join the overflow pipe. A sluice valve must be
incorporated in the short pipe run before joining the
overflow.
Pipework, Valves etc. These should be grouped as near
together as possible for ease of operation. Such grouping
for tanks supported on towers enables control to be made
from the access ladder or a purpose made platform. Pipes
should be supported at or below ground level on duck foot
bends (6) which are in turn supported on concrete footings
(7).
Close grouping of pipework and valves is recommended for
tanks divided into two compartments so that a single control
point can serve both. It is not good practice for pipes to
pass through the cover plates of tanks.

5
TANK CONFIGURATIONS
EXTERNALLY FLANGED TANKS (1)
(1)
Wherever possible externally flanged tanks should be utilised
because:

ƒ assembly bolts in the tank sides and base are external for
ease of assembly, maintenance and inspection.
ƒ the majority of the tanks contents can be drained by using a
washout connection in the base of the tank.

Tanks of externally flanged construction require: Tank with

external flanges
ƒ 500mm clearance all around and underneath the tank for throughout
assembly and maintenance.
ƒ 700mm clearance above the cover for access into the tank.
INTERNALLY FLANGED BASE TANKS (2) (2)
Where head room within a building is restricted, Braithwaite
offer the option of a tank with externally flanged sides and an
internally flanged base. Due to the base plates being inverted:

ƒ the contents of the bottom 82mm of the tank cannot be used.

ƒ the flange bolts in the tank base are accessible from within
the tank.
ƒ maximum height of tank is 3 panels i.e. 3660mm or 3000mm
high. Tank with
internal flange to the
Tanks of this type of construction require: base and external
flanges to the sides
ƒ 500mm clearance all around the tank for assembly and
maintenance.
ƒ 700mm above the cover for access into the tank.
(3)
TOTALLY INTERNALLY FLANGED TANKS (3)
Tanks which are totally internally flanged can be used where it
is essential to make full use of a confined site. Due to the flange
arrangement:

ƒ the contents of the bottom 82mm of the tank cannot be used.

ƒ All the flange bolts are accessible from within the tanks.
ƒ The maximum height is 3810mm or 3150mm, i.e. 3 panels
plus 150mm. Tank with
ƒ The overall length and width of the tank is increased by Internal flanges
300mm. throughout

Tanks with this flange arrangement require:

ƒ A minimum of 25mm clearance on 3 sides, with 500mm Note: vertical walls in detail (3) show typical site restrictions
clearance on the fourth side.
ƒ 700mm above the cover for access into the tank.
6
TANK SUPPORTS
EXTERNALLY FLANGED TANKS (A) & (B) Walls are to be levelled to +/-3mm
(A) with no local high spots over 1mm
Dwarf walls in brick or concrete form the most economical
supports and should be built in one direction only beneath
each seam of the tank. They should exceed the length or
width of the tank by 300mm overall (see detail A).
For tanks exceeding 2440mm in height a galvanised mild
steel capping flat should be provided between the top of the
wall and the base of the tank.

An alternative method of support is by universal beams

positioned on top of cross walls running in the other direction
(see detail B).

(B) Steel beams are to be levelled to +/-3mm

Allowable deflection 1/500th of span

Floor to be levelled to +/-3mm

(C) No local high spots over 1mm

Externally
flanged tank
supported on Tank with external
flanges to the side
steel grillage
and internal
Steel beams are to be levelled to +/-3mm
Allowable deflection 1/500th of span flanges to the base.

(D)

TOTALLY INTERNALLY FLANGED & INTERNALLY

FLANGED BASE TANKS (C) & (D)
Generally these types of tanks are supported on consolidated
foundations or concrete rafts, levelled to +/-3mm, with no local
high spots over 1mm. The overall dimension of the slab should
be 300mm greater than the nominal plan size of the tank. A
layer of bituminous sand 50mm thick nullifies any unevenness
in the concrete raft and protects the base of the tank against
corrosion.

Tank with Alternatively they can be supported on universal beams

Internal flanges positioned in one direction only beneath each seam of the tank.
throughout If a totally internally flanged tank is supported in this manner
dual beams are required under division walls.

7
 TYPICAL TANK CAPACITY CHARTS
NOMINAL TANK CAPACITY IN LITRES – 1000mm PLATES NOMINAL TANK CAPACITY IN LITRES – 1220mm PLATES

HEIGHT OF TANK (mm) HEIGHT OF TANK (mm)

LENGTH BREADTH LENGTH BREADTH
1000 2000 3000 4000 1220 2440 3660 4880
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)
1000 1000 821 1,675 2,529 3,383 1220 1220 1,547 3,144 4,740 6,337
2000 1000 1,710 3,488 5,266 7,044 2440 1220 3,197 6,496 9,795 13,095
3000 1000 2,599 5,301 8,003 10,704 3660 1220 4,846 9,848 14,851 19,853
2000 2000 3,561 7,263 10,965 14,666 2440 2440 6,606 13,424 20,242 27,059
3000 2000 5,412 11,038 16,664 22,289 3660 2440 10,015 20,351 30,668 41,024
4000 2000 7,263 14,813 22,362 29,912 4880 2440 13,424 27,279 41,134 54,989
3000 3000 8,225 16,775 25,324 33,874 3660 3660 15,183 30,854 46,525 62,196
4000 3000 11,038 22,512 33,985 45,459 4880 3660 20,351 41,357 62,362 83,367
4000 4000 14,813 30,210 45,608 61,006 4880 4880 27,279 55,434 83,590 111,746
5000 4000 18,588 37,909 57,231 76,553 6100 4880 34,206 69,512 104,818 140,124
5000 5000 23,324 47,570 71,816 96,062 6100 6100 42,893 87,165 131,437 175,709
6000 5000 28,061 57,231 84,401 115,571 7320 6100 51,580 104,818 158,056 211,294
6000 6000 33,760 68,854 103,948 139,042 7320 7320 62,026 126,046 190,066 254,087
7000 6000 39,459 80,477 121,495 162,512 8540 7320 72,472 147,274 222,076 296,879
8000 6000 45,158 92,100 139,042 185,983 9760 7320 82,918 168,502 254,087 339,671
7000 7000 46,120 94,062 142,004 189,945 8540 8540 84,678 172,078 259,478 346,877
8000 7000 52,781 107,647 162,512 217,378 9760 8540 96,883 196,881 296,879 396,876
9000 7000 59,442 121,232 183,021 244,811 10980 8540 109,089 221,684 334,280 446,875
8000 8000 60,404 123,194 185,983 248,773 9760 9760 110,848 225,259 339,671 454,082
9000 8000 68,027 138,740 209,454 280,168 10980 9760 124,813 253,638 382,463 511,288
10000 8000 75,650 154,287 232,925 311,563 12220 9760 138,777 282,016 425,255 568,493
9000 9000 76,612 156,249 235,887 315,525 10980 10980 140,537 285,591 430,646 575,700
10000 9000 85,196 173,758 262,320 350,882 12220 10980 156,261 317,545 478,829 640,113

NOTES:
1) The nett capacities in these tables are based on actual internal
dimensions and assume the tanks to be full to the brim.
2) The capacities given in BS1564 are based on the nominal
dimensions
- the capacity of a metre cube being 1000 litres.
- the capacity of a 1220mm cube being 1815 litres.
3) For conversion to imperial gallons divide the figure shown in litres
by 4.546
4) The above represents a typical range only with many alternative
sizes being available.
5) To obtain the external measurements of the tank the following
allowances should be added to the dimensions shown above:

FLANGE ARRANGEMENT LENGTH BREADTH HEIGHT

EXTERNALLY FLANGED +88mm +88mm +44mm
INTERNALLY FLANGED BASE +88mm +88mm +82mm
TOTALLY INTERNALLY FLANGED +300mm +300mm +150mm

In line with our policy of continual improvement, the Company reserves the right
to change specifications without notice.

BRAITHWAITE ENGINEERS LTD

NEPTUNE WORKS, USKWAY, NEWPORT, SOUTH WALES, NP20 2UY. U.K.
Telephone: +44 (0) 1633 262141 Facsimile: +44 (0) 1633 250631
E-mail: tanks@braithwaite.co.uk
Braithwaite Engineers Limited is a member of the ROWECORD GROUP