KIT, WATER TANK, 5 m³, flexible, transport

Flexible bladder tank intended for the transport of drinking water on a flat-bed truck. Could also be used for the storage, chlorination and distribution of drinking water.

The MSF supply centres provide different brands, but all of them meet the following specifications:

• Flexible "pillow shaped" tank
• Capacity: 5000 litres
• Dimensions (may vary depending on the supplier):
• ± 4.40 x 2.20 m (MSF-Logistique)
• ± 4.50 x 2.25 m (MSF-Supply)
• Liner: resistant PVC, anti UV, yellow or blue colour
• Central opening of 120 mm at the top of the tank for filling + lid
• PVC lateral distribution plug, 2" ND50 + gate valve and Guillemin coupling
• Harness to secure the tank to the truck
• MSF logo + volume indication
• Supplied with groundsheet and repair kit

Specifications

Fabric characteristics:

• Polyester Weft complex
• Density 1100 g/m²
• Construction base cloth: PANAMA 2/2, 12x12 threads/cm²
• Tensile strength: > 4500 N per 5 cm
• Minimum tearing strength: > 500 N
• Temperature resistance: -30°C to + 70°C
• Thickness: +/- 1 mm with double thickness around outlet and filling orifices.
• Waterproof quality: minimum 1 bar

Internal fabric quality:

• PVC food grade complying with European directive (2002/72/CE)- certified
• Preferably white

External fabric quality:

• UV resistant PVC
• Yellow/clear blue/dark blue colour. Opaque

For water storage

The tank prevents evaporation and protects water from pollution. It can be used for water storage, chlorination and distribution, not for sedimentation.

Choose a site for the installation

• A water tank must be installed on an even, stable and horizontal platform, accessible under all circumstances and at all times to be able to fill it
• A filled tank is heavy and needs to be installed properly at a safe location where it can't cause accidents (e.g. filled tank rolling down a slope, collapse of a building under the weight of a filled tank installed against a wall or on top of the roof…)
• The choice of the site should always be discussed with the different stakeholders

Gravity water distribution requires the "MODULE, WATER DISTRIBUTION" (see related articles below). The water tank should be located at least 1.2 meter above the level of the tap stand located close by (higher if possible) to obtain a correct flow.

Water distribution can also be done without gravity, by means of a hand pump (contact your technical department for further information).

When the water tank is installed on an earth embankment, protect its slopes from erosion with grass, stones or plastic.

Always put the water tank on its groundsheet to protect it against punctures.

Protect the tank from direct exposure to the sun by means of a roof or a shadow net.

Fence the area around the water tank.

For water transport

Use only a truck able to carry at least 5 tons = 5 m³.

DRIVE SLOWLY!

Caution, the tank is not compartmentalized: water movements within the tank can destabilize the truck.

Always firmly secure the tank to the truck using the harness.

Remove any sharp object (nails, splinters...) from the platform, and place the tank on its groundsheet.

Caution

Clean and let the tank dry completely inside and outside before storing it back. Talcum powder can help to absorb the last of the humidity.

For more detailed information and instructions see also "Public Health Engineering in Precarious Situations", MSF, 2^nd edition, 2010:

• T.B. 2.34 Water trucking
• T.B. 2.35 Emergency water tanks
• T.B. 2.36 Installation of flexible reservoirs
• T.B. 2.37 Cleaning of flexible reservoirs.