Underground tanks are designed to store liquids safely and effectively by utilizing the earth surrounding them for protection and temperature control.
Understanding the Basics
At their core, underground tanks function like any other storage vessel, holding a volume of liquid. However, their key operational difference lies in their placement: they are buried beneath the ground surface. This strategic positioning provides significant advantages for long-term storage.
Key Features and Operational Mechanism
Based on common designs and the provided reference, the "working" mechanism of underground tanks, particularly concerning the benefits of their placement, involves several factors:
Physical Placement and Structure
- Depth and Embedding: Tanks are typically situated a specific distance underground, often around 1.2 metres as mentioned in the reference. They are usually embedded within robust structures like stone or concrete casings. This embedding provides physical stability and protection against external pressure from the soil and surface activities.
- Access: Maintenance access is provided through a hatch, allowing inspection, cleaning, and repairs without excavating the entire tank.
Environmental Control Through Burial
The primary mechanism by which underground tanks "work" more effectively than their above-ground counterparts for certain applications (like water storage) is environmental isolation.
- Temperature Regulation: Being buried 1.2 metres underground, surrounded by earth and often encased, helps maintain a relatively stable temperature. The ground acts as an insulator, keeping the tank cool, especially important in warmer climates or during hot periods.
- Protection from Sunlight: The positioning completely shields the tank from direct sunlight.
Benefits of Underground Placement
As highlighted in the reference, the positioning of the tank helps to keep it cool and away from sunlight, both of which can reduce water quality and damage the tank.
- Maintaining Water Quality: Sunlight can promote the growth of algae and other microorganisms in stored water, reducing its quality. Heat can also affect water properties. Keeping the water cool and dark mitigates these issues.
- Preventing Tank Damage: Exposure to sunlight and extreme temperature fluctuations can degrade tank materials over time, leading to cracking or weakening. The stable, protected environment underground significantly reduces this risk, prolonging the tank's lifespan.
Here is a summary of the operational benefits:
| Feature | Operational Mechanism | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Buried ~1.2m deep | Earth acts as insulator | Maintains cool, stable temperature |
| Away from direct sunlight | No light penetration | Prevents algae growth, protects material |
| Embedded in casing | Provides structural support/shielding | Protects against soil pressure and damage |
In essence, underground tanks leverage the natural properties of the earth to create a protected, temperature-stable environment that is ideal for storing sensitive liquids like water, preserving their quality and the integrity of the storage vessel.
