I'm thinking of constructing a non-pressurized tank that I can fit into a 5' high crawlspace. In order to get it through a narrow door (approx. 24" wide) I'll need to do some of the construction in the space. The tank will be round, approx. 7.5' in diameter, and will use an EPDM liner. My plan is as follows:
1) cut a 7.5' diameter circle in some OSB (2 4x8 sheets) that is overlapped and screwed where the two halves meet. I'll probably lift the circle off of the floor with some 2x4 blocks so that the circle will be slightly above the bottom of the tank. This circle will provide bottom support for the walls.
2) make a circle out of 4x8 sheets of 1/4" luaun laying on their side. This will make the walls 4' high and will require three sheets to complete the circle. Layer a second circle within the first, gluing the sheets to the outer sheets, staggering the seams. This process will be repeated with a third inner circle, which will provide 3/4 of wall thickness. The reason for the luaun is its flexibility for forming the circle. Once formed, I would likely run bolts through all three layers to make sure the "laminated" circle doesn't peel apart.
3) to get the tank into the crawl space I would remove the bottom support, which can be screwed back together in its final location. I would cut the tank vertically in one place, and hope to be able to maneuver the 24' long wall into place, where the circle can be re-formed and bolted back together with some type of mending plate. If a single tank cut doesn't work, I may have to cut the tank into 2 halves and attach them accordingly.
4) line the floor of the circle with 4" of foam board, and 2" of foam on the walls. Line the walls again with a layer of bubble wrap insulation.
5) place the liner within the tank and fill.
6) for additional wall support I'm considering 2, 1/4" cables to surround the tank and connected in a circle with a turnbuckle. This will allow for tightening.
7) additional vertical support may be gained by attaching angle iron vertically every 3' or so, and feeding the cable through it.
8) a lid will be made out of similar material; however, protected from moisture with additional epdm or mil plastic.
Any obvious pitfalls to this design? I like the STSS tanks, but think I can construct the above in an afternoon at a cost of $400 or so, not including the liner.
Thanks.
- Lee
1) cut a 7.5' diameter circle in some OSB (2 4x8 sheets) that is overlapped and screwed where the two halves meet. I'll probably lift the circle off of the floor with some 2x4 blocks so that the circle will be slightly above the bottom of the tank. This circle will provide bottom support for the walls.
2) make a circle out of 4x8 sheets of 1/4" luaun laying on their side. This will make the walls 4' high and will require three sheets to complete the circle. Layer a second circle within the first, gluing the sheets to the outer sheets, staggering the seams. This process will be repeated with a third inner circle, which will provide 3/4 of wall thickness. The reason for the luaun is its flexibility for forming the circle. Once formed, I would likely run bolts through all three layers to make sure the "laminated" circle doesn't peel apart.
3) to get the tank into the crawl space I would remove the bottom support, which can be screwed back together in its final location. I would cut the tank vertically in one place, and hope to be able to maneuver the 24' long wall into place, where the circle can be re-formed and bolted back together with some type of mending plate. If a single tank cut doesn't work, I may have to cut the tank into 2 halves and attach them accordingly.
4) line the floor of the circle with 4" of foam board, and 2" of foam on the walls. Line the walls again with a layer of bubble wrap insulation.
5) place the liner within the tank and fill.
6) for additional wall support I'm considering 2, 1/4" cables to surround the tank and connected in a circle with a turnbuckle. This will allow for tightening.
7) additional vertical support may be gained by attaching angle iron vertically every 3' or so, and feeding the cable through it.
8) a lid will be made out of similar material; however, protected from moisture with additional epdm or mil plastic.
Any obvious pitfalls to this design? I like the STSS tanks, but think I can construct the above in an afternoon at a cost of $400 or so, not including the liner.
Thanks.
- Lee
