The Northern Hemisphere is finally moving into spring after a record-breaking winter. Even areas that typically experience very cold temperatures, like the Northeast and Upper Midwest in the U.S, saw particularly life-threatening low temperatures this winter. February was the coldest month, during which many parts of the country didn’t experience temperatures above the single digits — if that high — for days at a time.
Severe bursts of cold weather brought about bitter winds and snow showers that created widespread havoc and damage throughout the United States. Schools, government offices, roads, and other critical facilities and infrastructure were closed for days, and homes and businesses across the country experienced heating and water issues caused by burst pipes and frozen power lines.
One of the most widespread sources of disarray during the repeated Arctic blasts over the past months was the buildup of frozen water in industrial water tanks. Frozen industrial water tanks were at the root of issues ranging from heating unit failures to potable water shortages.
With Arctic blasts paradoxically becoming more likely as climate change weakens the polar vortex, how can you safeguard against industrial water tank freezes in the future?
Why Do Industrial Tanks Freeze?
The American Waterworks Association outlines three reasons a water storage tank will freeze:
- Static water conditions
- Overflow
- Improper specifications
Static Water Conditions
Keeping water circulating in tanks prevents it from freezing. Under static conditions, the entire tank of water remains at the same temperature, which causes stronger bonds to form between molecules. In fire-protection tanks especially, water may sit in the tank for long periods of time.
Overflow
Tanks should never hold more water than their specifications designate. An overfilled tank prevents circulation and results in dangerous static conditions; large masses of water expand as they freeze, which risks damaging the tank and the surrounding environment.
Overfilled tanks can turn dangerous at night when temperatures drop, resulting in ice formation and potential overflow. These issues require extensive repairs or even replacement.
Improper Specifications
Tanks used during cold weather must be designed and outfitted for such conditions. Frozen tanks are not just an inconvenience — they also pose a safety threat. Any ice trapped inside of a tank can scrape away the interior lining, exposing steel to rust and corrosion risks and contaminating the water inside.
How to Prevent Your Tank From Freezing
While you can’t prevent the cold weather, industrial tank owners can take steps to prevent frozen water from affecting their operations. Depending on the tank’s needs and usage, there are several ways to protect it from freezing.
- Reduce the water level before cold weather hits. A lower water level prevents overflow and protects against damage caused by expansion.
- Install a mixing system to keep water circulating and prevent static conditions, eliminating the need to lower the water level. The turnover will also break up any surface ice that has formed.
- Install a tank heating and insulation system to maintain an above-freezing internal temperature. Alloy 800, a chromium-nickel-iron material that resists corrosion, is ideal for use in tank immersion heaters and performs well in low temperatures.
- Regularly inspect tanks for possible damages or leaks. Even a small trickle of water can quickly freeze an overflow pipe.
Don’t Let the Winter Months Affect Your Water Tanks
As the weather warms, it’s important to take advantage of the summer months to ensure your tanks are ready for the next winter. Many utilities across the U.S. suffered unexpected issues with their water storage systems over the last winter — but fortunately, data from last winter’s tank failures can provide next winter’s solutions.