CHAPTER 5
Storage Operations
Section I
STORAGE OPERATIONS AT PURIFICATION SITES
DS STORAGE
In DS operations, maintain water storage at water production sites in 3,000-gallon collapsible fabric bags called onion tanks. A combination of stored water and available raw water provides the estimated command water reserve stock. Storage facilities must be large enough to meet the daily peak demands. This helps to eliminate long waits at the water point by consumers and allows water production units to remain operating for extended periods of time. Having sufficient storage capability also avoids frequent time-consuming and inefficient start-ups and shutdowns of the water purifiers.
Site Selection
Choose a site that is free from sharp objects (for example, rocks, sticks, and glass) which could cut or puncture the tank. The collapsible fabric water tank may be installed on a slope of up to 10 percent (1-foot rise in 10 feet of distance), but the tank base should not rest over abrupt drop-offs of greater than 4 inches.
Equipment Unpacking
When unpacking the tank, inspect for damage incurred during movement. Check the equipment against the packing slip to see if the shipment is complete. Report all discrepancies according to the instructions in DA Pamphlet 738-750. Also check to see whether the equipment has been modified.
Installation Instructions
Use care when unpacking the tank. The tank can be easily damaged by tools, packing box nails, or other sharp objects. Each tank is provided with suitable packing.
If this is the first time you are using a new tank, carefully open the shipping container and remove the tank and packing material. If you are exchanging a tank, package the unserviceable tank in the empty container in the same manner that the new tank was packaged.
Set the tank on the ground with the three carrying handles up. Remove the four straps from the D-rings to release the bundle. Unfold the cover from around the tank. Then lift the tank from the cover and set it in the center of your cleared site. Unroll the tank and unfold the sides. Remember to perform the before-operation PMCS prior to filling the tank. Fully spread out the tank, open end up, in the installation area.
Remove the foot bellows and hose from the repair pouch, and connect the hose to the foot bellows. Thread the foot bellows hose into one of the inflation valves in the tank collar. Open the inflation valve by turning the center part of the valve clockwise. Close the remaining inflation valves. Operate the foot bellows to inflate the collar until it is firm, but do not overinflate as the collar may be damaged if overinflated (maximum air pressure is 0.5 psi). You may inflate the tank collar by attaching a standard automotive pump to the automotive valve on the collar. Once you inflate the collar to the proper pressure, close the inflation valve by turning the center part of the valve counterclockwise. Now unthread the foot bellows hose from the inflation valve on the collar, and thread it onto the inflation valve in the cover float. Open the inflation valve on the float, and inflate it with the foot bellows. Inflate it to 0.5 psi. Overpressure may cause damage. Once both are inflated, disconnect the hose from the foot bellows, and store these items in the repair pouch.
Remove either the dust plug from the filler fitting or the dust cap from the discharge fitting. The filler fitting provides a 2-inch female coupling end, and the discharge fitting provides a 2-inch male end. Use either, or both, for filling the tank. Connect the water supply line from the water purifier to the fitting and begin filling the tank. Do not exceed the capacity of the tank. If you do not have a metering gauge available, the tank is full when the water level reaches the lower edge of the tank's collar. A maximum of 3,000 gallons of water may be put into the tank.
While the tank is being filled, place the cover (float side down) in position on top of the tank. Turn off and remove the supply line when the tank is full. You may wish to install a gate valve on the filler/discharge ports of the tank. This will allow you to remove or add hoses without loss of the product water. When placing the cover over the top of the filled tank, align the 10 handles around the edge of the cover with the 10 handle toggles around the tank. Loop the cover handles over the handle toggles, pull the handle toggles down over the handles, and tuck the ends under the rope to secure the cover into position. This provides protection to the product water from incidental or deliberate contamination.
Initial Adjustment and Daily Checks
You do not need initial adjustments for the water tank. You should check the tank collar and cover float daily for adequate inflation. Adjust air pressure as required, remembering not to overinflate (0.5 psi maximum).
Water Issuance
Issue water from the tank from either the filler or the discharge port. Remove the dust cap or plug, connect a 2-inch line that goes to either a nozzle or a distribution pump (such as the 125-GPM diesel or the 65-GPM electric), and you are ready to issue water. Remember, if you are using a pump, you must use a hard-walled, 2-inch hose connection from the tank to the pump.
PREPARATION FOR MOVEMENT OF DS STORAGE
Several factors are involved in moving DS water operations. Take the following actions when preparing to move DS storage.
To prepare for moving the tank, first drain all water from the tank by opening either the filler or the discharge port. Disconnect the 10 handles around the edge of the cover from the 10 handle toggles. Next, remove the cover and deflate the float and the tank collar. When the tank is being taken out of service, make sure that the inflation valves remain open. You may damage the tank collar and cover float if the valves are closed during movement or storage. Clean the outside of the tank, cover it with a mild detergent/water solution, and rinse it thoroughly with clean water. Allow the cover and outside of the tank to dry thoroughly. Using the inside lift handles, suspend the tank, inside out. Do not lift or move the tank with the lift handles if there is any water remaining in the bottom of the tank. Damage to the handles or tank fabric may occur. If needed, clean the inside of the tank with a mild detergent/water solution, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. Keep the tank suspended until dry.
When possible, make sure the tank is completely dry before beginning to fold it. Water will mildew, decreasing the life of the tank. Brush off stones, grass, or other debris that may accumulate on the tank. Lay the tank out flat on the ground, with the tank collar up. Grasp one side of the tank (not with a filler/discharge port), and fold inward, toward the center. Grasp the opposite side of the tank and fold inward, over the first fold. Fold any overhang of the second fold back on top of itself. Starting at one end of the tank, tightly roll up the tank. Use two soldiers for this job to ensure that a tight bundle results. Lay the cover out flat, float side up. Lay the rolled-up tank on the cover, with its length perpendicular to the two-fold line. If the fold lines have worn off the cover, the length of the tank should run parallel to the ends of the cover. Fold one side of the cover, along the fold line, in and over the tank. Fold the other side of the cover, along the fold line, in and over the first fold. Fold the end of the cover with the D-rings up and over the tank. Fold the other end of the cover in so that the straps are brought to the underside edge of the fold. Grasp the enclosed tank, and tightly roll the bundle over onto the protruding end of the cover. Pull the straps under the D-rings. Bring back over the first D-ring and under the second D-ring. Pull snug to secure the bundle. The resulting bundle should be tightly packed, with the three carrying handles up.
REPAIR
There are two types of repairs to the tank: emergency and unit repair. Perform emergency repair when cuts or punctures occur in the tank when it is in use. Emergency repair items consist of wood plugs and sealing clamps and are stored in the repair pouch on the outside wall of the tank. Unit maintenance repair consists of patching cuts and punctures in the tank fabric.
Emergency Repair
In emergency situations, you can use wood plugs or sealing clamps for repair. The use of each is described below.
Wood plugs. In emergencies, as an immediate temporary measure, use the wood plugs for sealing small holes or punctures. The size of the hole or tear will determine the size of the wood plug to be used. For holes or tears up to 1/2 inch in size, use the 3-inch plug. For holes or tears up to 1 1/2 inches in size, use the 5-inch plug. Select the size plug needed to fit (seal) the tank puncture, dip the plug in water, insert it in the hole, and twist clockwise until the leak is either stopped or slowed. Make follow-up inspections of the wood plug, as possible tightening may be necessary if the leak does not stop. If a leak is not stopped with the plug, use a small sealing clamp.
Sealing clamps. You can repair small slits, tears, or cuts (not to exceed 6 inches in length) with sealing clamps. The size of the damaged area or opening will govern the size of the clamp needed. For holes or tears less than 2 inches in length, use the 3-inch clamp. For holes or tears 2 to 4 inches in length, use the 5-inch clamp. For holes or tears 4 to 6 inches in length, use the 7 1/2-inch clamp. It may be necessary to increase the size of the tear slightly in order to insert the bottom plate of the clamp. Loop the cord around your wrist to prevent the loss of the clamp into the tank. Slip the bottom plate of the clamp through the hole or tear, and rotate it until it is centered and its length runs with the tear. Pull the bottom plate up against the fabric of the tank and slide the top plate down the cord onto the threaded stud on the bottom plate. With both plates now aligned, tighten the wing nut to clamp the tank wall between the two plates. Tighten just enough to stop the leak. If pliers are used, do not overtighten, as you might strip the stud threads or damage the tank fabric.
Unit Repair
Do not proceed with unit repair of the onion tank until you read and understand the following definitions and general instructions. Repairs will not succeed if these instructions are not followed.
Definitions. The following definitions define the three states of the patching adhesive as referred to in this task. The definitions apply after the adhesive has been mixed and applied to the tank fabric.
Wet. Press one knuckle down into the adhesive. Lift slowly. If adhesive is left on the knuckle, it is wet. Knuckle may or may not lift the fabric briefly.
Dry. Press one knuckle down into the adhesive. Lift slowly. If the knuckle does not lift the fabric briefly and no adhesive is left on the knuckle, it is dry.
Tacky. Press one knuckle into the adhesive. Lift slowly. When knuckle lifts fabric briefly and no adhesive is left on the knuckle, it is tacky.
General instructions. The following are general instructions. For more specific repair procedures, refer to TM 5-5430-225-12.
Patching of the tank fabric must not be done if the temperature is less than 60°F. Patching must be done in an area which will remain dry and at a minimum surrounding temperature of 60°F for 48 hours.
Tank fabric should be completely dry before beginning repair.
Tank fabric which holds water must have two patches: one on the inside and one on the outside. Apply the inside patch (water side) first.
Tank fabric which does not hold water needs only one outside patch.
Do not mix adhesive before ready to begin repair. Maximum shelf life of mixed adhesive is eight hours.
If patch must be applied in an area where it will come into contact with a previously installed patch, use emery cloth to smooth down the edges of the existing patch. There must be a smooth transition to the tank fabric.
In areas where DS water systems are not capable of providing enough water supply, GSUs provide this capability. Purified water is introduced into the water distribution system from purification points located on- and off-shore. Water enters the system through the base terminal storage facility, where it is distributed to other terminals within the COMMZ and forwarded into the corps area by TWDS. The base terminal can vary in size from 800,000 to 1,600,000 gallons. These GS water terminals consist of 50,000-gallon collapsible fabric tanks. DS bulk water storage systems are designed to receive water from SMFTs that move water supplies from the GS water units in the corps /COMMZ into the division/brigade area. The 40,000- and 300,000-gallon PWS/DSs are intended for use by divisional water supply elements when required to issue potable water obtained from GS water supply sources. The 300,000-gallon system is equipped with sixteen 20,000-gallon collapsible fabric tanks configured either as one 300,000-gallon tank farm or as two 160,000-gallon tank farms. The 40,000-gallon system is equipped with two 20,000-gallon tanks.
General factors are involved in the movement of GS water storage operations. Review the following steps prior to moving GS storage.
Before moving a PWS/DS, you must develop a movement plan. First, find out how much time you need to prepare crews and equipment for the move. You should complete some tasks before the move. These include surveying the area into which you will move, coordinating with engineer units, and developing a flow plan. Make sure all personnel and necessary equipment are on hand when beginning the move.
Area Survey
Go over the area where you will locate the supply point. Look it over, and decide where to place the entire supply point. After choosing the area, consider what type of arrangement you need for the PWS/DS to ensure that the system will fit the situation and the terrain. Also, decide where to put the truck parking areas, the bulk storage areas (20,000-gallon collapsible tanks), and the distribution equipment areas.
Engineer Support
When surveying the new location for the first time, take a member of an engineer unit with you. After choosing the sites for each part of the supply point, give this information to the engineer. With this information, the engineer unit can prepare individual tank sites, remove underbrush, clear truck parking areas, and build improved roads through the site, if they are needed. If engineer support is not available, your unit will have to prepare the site.
Flow Plan
After selecting the specific site for the actual parts of the water supply point, develop a flow plan. The flow plan will assist in determining whether personnel are handling the water and containers too much. The flow plan identifies steps that can be eliminated, combined, or changed to make the operation more efficient. It can also indicate unnecessary delays in handling and transporting of the product. When developing the plan, consider the location of the storage and distribution equipment. Consider the flow of traffic through the supply point. Permit only one-way traffic in the supply point. Study the area and make a flow plan before the supply point moves to the new location.
Personnel
Make sure that all personnel are on hand for the move to the new site. Since the PWS/DS is designed as an arid augmentation package, the unit will receive additional personnel.
Equipment
Make sure the PWS/DS equipment is on hand and ready for use. If any items are not working or are missing, repair or replace them before you move. List the major items of equipment in your system. Request sufficient transportation assets to move the equipment to the new site.
Loading Plan
A loading plan is a management tool used for moving equipment and personnel efficiently and effectively. The plan for loading equipment and personnel should apply to every type of transportation available. Complete the plan before the move to allow time for loading safely. When preparing the loading plan, base the contents on all the types of transportation; the number of personnel available; and the type, size, weight, and quantity of supplies and equipment to be loaded and in what sequence. Remember the last item loaded is the first item unloaded. Always consider the priority of loading and the safety of equipment and supplies in transit. Design the plan to permit quick and efficient unloading and regrouping of personnel and equipment.
Moving the PWS/DS consists of taking it down at one place, loading it on transporters, and moving it to a new site. There are two ways to do this: the one used depends upon the situation. The first method is to move the entire system in one move. The second way is to move the system by leapfrogging. Leapfrogging means that half of the system is moved to the new location, leaving the other half at the old site for limited support. In using this method, support to the consumer is not interrupted during the move. In either method, first transfer water into some type of transporter, such as a SMFT. Inform the drivers of the transporters where the new location will be or where to meet to transfer the load to other tank vehicles. Use the transporters to store and issue water on a temporary basis at the old and new supply points. Start to take down the supply point as soon as the storage tanks are empty. Base the sequence in which the equipment is taken down on the needs at the sites. Usually, dismantling of the PWS/DS comes first unless you use the leapfrog method. It is important to work quickly once the order is given to move. The primary concern is to become operational at the new location as soon as possible.
The next higher HQ will assign an area of operations. The section leader must choose a site within that area. Locate the water supply point as close to supported units as dispersion factors, sources of supply, and the tactical situation permit. Use vacated sites or available existing facilities. The site chosen should be reasonably level and well drained to prevent water damage to the equipment. Cover and concealment are important factors to consider when selecting a new site. Select a location that gives adequate cover from enemy observation and attack. The site should be large enough to meet the needs of water storage and distribution plans but not so large that handling operations become inefficient. The site should have easy access to road nets and have at least one road that runs through the supply point. Do not choose sites that are near important communication centers or near heavily populated areas that could be enemy targets. There should be two large areas for truck parking or staging areas. The site should be large enough to add more equipment if needed. When selecting the site for the supply point, the main items to consider are cover and concealment, road networks, dispersion factors, terrain, and site preparation.
Cover and Concealment
When considering cover and concealment, select a site that is in the woods or in a treeline where natural shadows disguise the shapes of the equipment. Always use camouflage nets whenever possible. When laying out the operation, make use of the natural terrain contours and vegetation to break straight lines.
Road Nets
The site chosen for the distribution and receiving points should be next to a road in the water supply point. Loading or unloading trucks and distribution to consumers can be done without leaving the road nets in the supply point. Ensure that there is only one-way traffic.
Dispersion Factors
Consider the distance between pieces of equipment when selecting the location for the PWS/DS. The distance can vary with the terrain, natural cover, concealment, hose availability, and the road nets.
Terrain
Select level terrain for the PWS/DS. Look for a site without slopes. A large slope will cause filled tanks to roll. Put the pumps and the distribution equipment on level ground. Try to place the distribution pumps at a slightly lower elevation than the collapsible tanks to ensure suction at the pump.
Site Preparation
The four major items of equipment to position in the PWS/DS are the collapsible tanks, the pumps, the hypochlorinator, and the distribution equipment. Clear the entire tank farm of all sharp objects that might puncture the tanks, such as stones or sticks. The tank sites should slope gently towards the discharge manifold end to help drain the tanks. For more complete emptying of the tanks, a sump approximately 36 by 36 by 2 inches should be dug under the drain fitting to provide a low area for the water to collect. If a dike is needed, it should have an internal volume equivalent to or greater than the volume of the tank (20,000 gallons or 2,700 cubic feet). If an engineer unit is available to assist in site preparation, give it this information.
Lay out the PWS/DS to take advantage of the terrain, natural cover, concealment, available hose, and road nets. The standard arrangements for the PWS/DS are shown at Figure 5-1 and Figure 5-2. If these arrangements are not suitable for the site, rearrange them to suit the needs of the site. The supply point equipment will arrive by means of a convoy. Give the drivers the exact location of the site. Someone must be at the location prior to the convoy getting there. The area should be well suited for off-loading of the equipment. If the site has been prepared by the engineers, begin off-loading and laying-out operations. If the site has not been prepared by the engineers, it is the water unit's responsibility to do so. The first and major concern is to receive and issue potable water as soon as possible. For this reason, off-load and lay out the storage tanks first, then off-load and lay out the distribution operations. The best way to layout the PWS/DS is to put the 20,000-gallon collapsible tanks in their prepared sites first. Then put the pumps and hypochlorination unit in place, and lay out all the fitting assemblies and hoses. Make the connections, and attach the water distribution nozzles.
The 20,000-Gallon Collapsible Tanks
Preparing the 20,000-gallon collapsible tanks is relatively simple. Place the tanks in the prepared sites so that, when unfolded, they are in position. Be careful not to step on the tanks when unfolding them. Inspect the tank fabric for cuts, sags, or other possible damage. Also, ensure that the tank filler and vent assemblies are in good working order.
Pumps
After putting the 125-GPM and the 350-GPM pumping assemblies in place, lower the retractable support and chock the wheels of the 350-GPM pump.
Hypochlorinator
After placing the hypochlorinator in position, put the shims under the skids to help keep the hypochlorinator level. Then, raise the cover of the unit to ensure its serviceability.
Stations
There are four types of stations provided in the system: 4-inch loading stations, 2-inch loading stations, dispensing stations, and bag-filler stations. By connecting the 350-GPM pump as the discharge pump, water can be pumped through the 4-inch hose section to and from SMFTs. There are four to eight 2-inch loading stations. The 2-inch loading stations utilize 20-foot, 2-inch hoses. Quick-acting valves are used to control water flow through these hoses. There are four dispensing stations. These stations deliver water through hand-held nozzles. The third station, the bag-filler station, delivers water through a 1 1/2-inch hose to a nozzle kit for filling 5-gallon plastic bags. There are three bag-filler stations in the system.
The system can be divided into four basic components: tanks, pumps, hypochlorinator, and distribution equipment. These basic components are described below.
Each tank is a fabric collapsible tank that will hold 20,000 gallons. It has suction, discharge, drain, and vent openings.
Pumps for the 300,000-Gallon PWS/DS
Figure 5-1 shows the location of the pumping systems in the 300,000-gallon PWS/DS. The 350-GPM pump is used to fill the tank and to distribute water to the loading stations. When filling the tank, water flows through inlet valves and then through the 4-inch hoses into the tank. Close outlet valves during the filling operation. During distribution to the loading station, the valve positions are reversed. The water, when dispensed, flows from the tank through the pump and then the hypochlorinator unit, after which distribution is made to the loading station.
Pumps for the 40,000-Gallon PWS/DS
Figure 5-2 identifies the location of the pumping assemblies in the 40,000-gallon PWS/DS. The 125-GPM pump is used to fill the tanks and to distribute water to the loading stations. When filling the tank, water flows through inlet valves, then through the 4-inch hoses into the tanks. Close outlet valves during the filling operation. During distribution to the loading stations, close inlet valves and open outlet valves. The water flows from the tank through the pump and then to the hypochlorinator unit, after which distribution is complete to the loading or dispensing station.
Hypochlorinator
The hypochlorinator is located in the part of the system leading from the discharge side of the pump to the loading or dispensing stations. The hypochlorinator has a bypass line which meters water flowing through it. This metering system causes a proportionate but smaller amount of water to flow through the hypochlorinator where a solution of chlorine is added. Bypass water and hypochlorinated water then mix downstream of the hypochlorinator unit prior to distribution at the loading stations.
Distribution Equipment
Two to eight hose connection kits, four nozzle connection kits, and one bag-filler connection kit comprise the water distribution system for the PWS/DS. Dispense water through any or all of these kits. Valves control the flow of water through each dispensing unit.
Proper use of assigned personnel is one of the most important parts of managing a water supply point. It is important that specific tasks be assigned to personnel at the water supply point. The best way to use all the personnel wisely is to let the job determine the assignment. For example, if no issues are scheduled for distribution, use personnel to improve the camouflage and concealment of the area, improve drainage ditches and roadways, and make sure equipment is serviceable. Although the number of persons assigned to a specific task may vary with the mission, it is still possible to obtain an average number for each operation. Eleven soldiers are needed to operate the PWS/DS efficiently.
Assign two soldiers to the receiving manifold. They are responsible for transferring water from the transporter to the storage system. They operate all valves at the receiving point and make all necessary hose connections.
Assign six soldiers to the pumps and control valves. Three of the six are on the receiving pumps and the other three are on the distribution pumps. On the receiving side, one person operates the pump and the other two control valves on the discharge and receiving manifold on the tanks. On the distribution side, one person operates each pump and the third person operates the hypochlorinator.
Assign three soldiers to the distribution, loading, and bag-filler stations. They are responsible for dispensing and controlling water flow. They must prepare the various filling points, operate the control valves, and make all necessary hose connections.
PWS/DS DISASSEMBLY
This paragraph contains guidance for shutting down and packing the PWS/DS prior to transferring the system to a new work site or returning it to storage. Because of the variety of installation arrangements possible with the PWS/DS, there is no single sequence of procedures for shutdown of the system. It is recommended, however, that as much water as possible be removed from the system while it is still intact. This involves using the 125-GPM pump to drain the storage tanks to remove as much water as possible before the pumps are disconnected. When emptying the storage tanks, it is not necessary to chlorinate the water removed, unless it is to be saved for future consumption. If the water is to be discarded, disconnect the hypochlorination unit before pumping water from the storage tank. Disassemble the system in reverse order of assembly. Perform the following steps prior to repacking:
Section II
BULK STORAGE OPERATIONSBULK STORAGE
MOVEMENT PLANS FOR THE PWS/DS
METHODS OF MOVING
SITE SELECTION FOR THE PWS/DS
PWS/DS LAYOUT
PWS/DS OPERATIONS
PERSONNEL ASSIGNMENTS
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
