Industrial manufacturing facilities depend on reliable infrastructure to maintain safe operations and ensure business continuity. Among the most critical of these systems is fire protection. In Bartow, Florida—a region exposed to severe weather and strict safety standards – a new fire protection water storage system was installed to support a manufacturing facility’s fire sprinkler system. The project involved the supply and installation of an 85,530-gallon SBS Cyclonic CY13R05 fire protection water tank, part of the SBS Cyclonic tank range, designed to ensure dependable fire suppression capacity while meeting the environmental and regulatory demands of the region.
Bartow, located in central Florida, is part of a region regularly exposed to severe weather systems, including hurricanes that bring sustained high winds, heavy rainfall, and rapidly changing atmospheric conditions. These storms can generate powerful cyclonic wind forces capable of placing significant structural stress on buildings and above-ground infrastructure. For this reason, critical infrastructure such as fire protection water tanks must be designed to withstand these extreme wind loads. Cyclonic wind-rated tanks are therefore specified in hurricane-prone regions to ensure that the tank structure remains stable, secure, and operational during and after severe weather events.
The objective of the project was to install a fire protection water tank capable of supplying sufficient water to feed the manufacturing facility’s fire sprinkler system in compliance with NFPA 22 standards. These standards govern the design, construction, and installation of private fire protection water tanks in the United States, ensuring that they can reliably support fire suppression systems during emergency situations.
The manufacturing plant itself produces specialized building components used within the construction sector. Facilities of this nature often handle industrial materials, equipment, and manufactured products that require robust and reliable fire protection systems. A dependable water storage tank is therefore a critical safety requirement, not only for regulatory compliance but also for protecting personnel, safeguarding equipment, and ensuring operational continuity.
To address the environmental conditions in Florida, the project specified an SBS Cyclonic CY13R05 steel water tank with a storage capacity of 85,530 gallons. Cyclonic tanks are specifically engineered to withstand high wind loads and severe weather events, making them particularly suitable for hurricane-prone regions such as Florida.
The tank’s structural design incorporates reinforced steel panels and specialized connection systems that enhance overall strength and stability during extreme wind conditions. Wind load calculations and structural design documentation were prepared and reviewed by an independent Florida state-licensed professional engineer. After this review, the engineer sealed the submittal package, confirming that the tank design complied with local building codes and structural requirements.
Beyond structural resilience, the design also ensured the required usable capacity for the manufacturing facility’s fire sprinkler system. When planning fire protection water tanks, engineers must carefully consider factors such as outlet fittings, inlet connections, and internal tank components that can influence the amount of water available for emergency use. Ensuring sufficient usable storage capacity was therefore a critical part of the planning process.
During the planning phase, several factors were evaluated to ensure successful project execution. These included site conditions, environmental factors, regulatory compliance, and integration with the facility’s existing fire protection infrastructure.
A key structural component of the installation was the ring beam foundation. Instead of constructing a full concrete pad beneath the tank, the project utilized a reinforced circular ring beam that supports the perimeter load of the tank structure.
This type of foundation offers several advantages:
• Reduced concrete usage, lowering construction costs and environmental impact
• Improved structural load distribution, ensuring stability when the tank is filled with water
• Faster construction timelines, allowing contractors to complete the foundation efficiently
Once the ring beam foundation was completed, the tank installation followed a systematic and efficient process using SBS Tanks’ proven jacking system installation method.
The installation began with the assembly of the roof structure and first ring of tank panels at ground level. Once the roof structure and first ring were assembled, hydraulic jacks were positioned around the perimeter of the structure.
At this stage, the tank liner was installed and secured to the roof structure, allowing it to be raised together with the tank structure as construction progressed.
Using the jacking system, the roof structure and first ring were gradually lifted in controlled increments, creating space for the next ring of modular steel wall panels to be installed beneath them. During this process, the liner is raised incrementally together with the roof and tank structure.
As the tank shell was raised and additional panel rings were installed, the required panel penetrations for pipe connections and fittings were prepared progressively. Once the tank structure reached its full height, the final installation of specialized tank fittings and nozzles was completed.
The final stage involved pre-commissioning inspections and verification checks, including inspection of the tank structure and confirmation that all fittings and connections were correctly installed.
Quality assurance was maintained throughout the project lifecycle. Tank components were manufactured in an ISO 9001-certified facility, ensuring strict production standards and consistent product quality. Most importantly, the tank installation complied fully with NFPA 22, the industry standard governing private fire protection water tanks.
This project demonstrates the importance of reliable and resilient fire protection infrastructure for manufacturing facilities operating in regions exposed to severe weather conditions. The installation of an 85,530‑gallon SBS Cyclonic CY13R05 fire protection water tank in Bartow, Florida provides a dependable water supply to support the facility’s fire sprinkler system while meeting NFPA 22 compliance requirements. Engineered to withstand hurricane‑level wind loads, the cyclonic tank design ensures structural stability and operational reliability in challenging environmental conditions. Through careful planning, engineered design, and the use of SBS Tanks’ jacking system installation method, the project was completed efficiently and successfully. The result is a robust fire protection water storage solution that enhances safety, protects assets, and supports uninterrupted manufacturing operations.
SBS Tanks is a global manufacturer and supplier of modular steel bolted water storage tanks designed for applications including fire protection, potable water storage, rainwater harvesting, irrigation, and industrial process water storage. These solutions support critical water storage needs across commercial, industrial, agricultural, and utilities sectors. For more information about SBS Tanks solutions in the United States, visit www.sbstanksusa.com.
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SBS Tanks® is a leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. SBS Tanks USA, our office in the United States, services the USA, The Caribbean and Central and South America market directly from Conroe, Texas. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001), collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks USA, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various commercial needs.
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