
When one of our dealers in the Western Florida Panhandle, required high-capacity fire protection water storage for a military facility, they turned to SBS Tanks USA to deliver a solution that would meet the unique needs. The project, dubbed Project X, was a pioneering hybrid initiative involving a multitude of stakeholders, who collaborated to manage the facility’s development before handing it over to military command. SBS Tanks USA partnered with our distributor to design, manufacture, supply, and install two 44,120-gallon CY12R03 tanks to support the fire protection system at the site.
A Unique Collaboration
Project X stood out for its collaborative nature, bringing together military and civilian engineers. Our trusted dealer handled the critical components of the fire protection system, including the installation of the pumphouse, piping, automatic sprinkler systems, and alarms, while SBS Tanks USA was tasked with providing the water storage units. The urgency of the project was driven by the need for reliable fire protection at this important military facility, which meant that SBS Tanks USA had to deliver and install the tanks within tight deadlines and ensure compliance with military standards.
The tanks, built to SBS’s Cyclonic Range specifications (View our CY range here), were specifically designed for the harsh environmental conditions near the Gulf of Mexico. The site’s proximity to the coast required SBS Tanks USA to install tanks with a 150 MPH wind load rating, essential for withstanding the high winds and storms that frequently hit the region.
Overcoming Challenges: Remote Site and Weather Delays
The installation presented a range of challenges due to the remote location and the impact of severe weather. The site’s exposed position required meticulous planning to account for the high winds and minimal natural windbreaks. Despite these factors, SBS Tanks USA’s expert installation teams rose to the occasion, adjusting plans to seize the opportunity of a ‘good weather window’ on site. The installation crew, consisting of two five-man teams, worked back-to-back, 12-14 hour shifts to complete the installation in just three-and-a-half days—an impressive feat given the disastrous weather conditions and the scale of the project.
This was no ordinary installation. Executive members, including the U.S. CEO, the Group CEO from South Africa, and a fire industry specialist, were on-site to ensure that the installation went smoothly and met the high standards required for the project. Their presence underscored the critical importance of the installation and the need to deliver on time, despite challenges beyond the team’s control.
Meeting Stringent Fire Protection Standards
The CY12R03 tanks installed for the Project X each have an effective capacity of 39,000 gallons, designed specifically to meet NFPA 22 standards for fire protection (read more about our NFPA 22 compliant Fire tanks here). These tanks offer superior durability, meeting the rigorous requirements of the U.S. fire protection industry. With a diameter of 26’ 10” and a height of 10’ 5”, they provide ample water storage for fire suppression in an area where fast and reliable response times are crucial to ensuring the safety of both personnel and property.
Quality Control and Assurance
From the factory floor to the final installation, SBS Tanks USA ensured that every aspect of the build met their high-quality standards. Each tank was inspected and checked before leaving the Conroe, Texas warehouse to guarantee that it adhered to the specifications required by the U.S. Military. Quality control did not stop there; having three executive members with over 20 years of combined experience overseeing the installation meant that any issues were resolved on-site immediately.
Despite a major hurricane delaying the shipment by over a month, SBS Tanks USA met the project’s deadlines through careful planning and co-ordination. The tanks were ordered, installed, commissioned, and operational within four months, preventing any further delays to the facility’s opening and avoiding costly penalties for the client.
Safeguarding Critical Infrastructure
Today, Project X stands as a testament to SBS Tanks USA’s ability to deliver exceptional quality, under extreme pressure. The military facility now operates with confidence, knowing that the fire protection system, powered by SBS’s reliable tanks, safeguards this crucial infrastructure from the risk of fire. The tanks continue to perform as designed, providing peace of mind to all stakeholders involved.
This project highlights SBS Tanks USA’s commitment to quality, reliability, and meeting the highest standards in fire protection. The successful completion of this project underlines SBS Tanks’ value proposition: providing robust, rapidly installed, and highly durable water storage tanks that outperform expectations in extreme environments. For more information on SBS Tanks’ fire protection solutions and to see how our tanks can benefit YOUR next project, contact us Allan and Brian.
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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.
Contact Brian or Allan today and simply Request a quote here.
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