Detention Tanks

What Are Detention Tanks?

A detention tank is an artificial flow-control structure installed to store storm and wastewater collected from an individual's property, roof, or hard surfaces for a limited time.

Wastewater management can be carried out at a plant or factory. The detention tank can be fixed into the sewer network system. A detention tank in the sewer system is used to balance out peak flows in the system. This prevents overflows, safeguarding downstream spaces. 

It also prevents downstream sewers and wastewater treatment plants from being hydraulically burdened. The detention basin level-out fluctuations guarantee a smooth flow during the process tanks at the wastewater treatment plant. However, it is needed to maintain the operational processes optimally, and discharge requirements must be sustained to avert any sludge drift.  

Benefits Of Using A Detention Tank

Here are the benefits of using a detention tank:

• They increase the capacity of current drainage facilities
• Detention tanks come in several sizes and capacities per the size of one's property and the roof's surface area
• It can be used along with a rainwater storage tank, which fills up quickly in heavy downpours
• Once a retention tank is added, in the event of prolonged or uninterrupted rainfall, it preserves space for more water to be filled 
• The collection of rainwater and stormwater is maximised 
• Detention tanks have a double filter to block sediments and sand particles at the inlet point

Types Of Detention Tanks 

Classic Tanks

These are constructed with premium quality, robust yet lightweight, made with materials like moulded polyethene, which can store in from 425 – 30,000 litres of water.

Slimline Tanks 

Slimline tanks can fit under roof spaces, at the side of the house, or even behind the garage. In addition, these slimline tanks can fit into any narrow area where traditional tanks can not work. They have become increasingly prevalent in recent times as they are great for urban settings where space is inadequate. 

Underground Tanks

Underground tanks are ideal for stormwater detention. Underground tanks' purpose is to store oil products, reserve water, and extinguish fires. They are prepared from dished ends and shell plates and range from 2,000 – 5,000 Liters.

Why Are They Important?

There are several reasons why detention tanks are essential.

Firstly, allow more water to run down for more time.  Secondly, it takes care of possible impurities that it may contain and carry.

Water is naturally treated and purified without any interruptions. First, the atmosphere on Earth incessantly absorbs moisture from the Earth's crust and distils it, and then it's returned through rainfall only to be used for the growth of vegetables. Ultimately, the water evaporates once again, and the cycle repeats. 

Furthermore, when the earth's crust is impacted due to construction, water absorption is affected. All in all, the natural water cycle is being hampered. Detention tanks improve this. 

Materials Used For Water Tanks

Detention tanks can be purchased in different shapes, sizes, and materials. Take a look below at some of the most commonly used materials for detention tanks:

Galvanized steel

Steel tanks often get rusted from the inside. Hence they are coated with zinc coating for corrosion protection. Steel detention tanks have a capacity ranging from 30,000 to one million litres. Therefore, they are a suitable solution for storing plenty of water.

 However, over some time, the zinc coating seeps into the water, so rust may still occur.

Fibreglass

The superiority of fibreglass tanks is dependent on the maker. Generally, they are firm and stiff but thin and light, making them susceptible to cracking. The interior has a food-grade coating, and this type of material makes it safe for gathering drinking water.  

Polyethene

Polyethene is the most popular water tank material because it is remarkably robust and resilient while lightweight. In addition, they are easy to install and quite economical. 

This material is a superior-quality plastic that is biodegradable. Furthermore, it is noncorrosive as it is a food-grade plastic that breaks down over time. 

Care And Maintenance 

• Detention tanks should be cleaned with vacuums
• The outlet line should be checked to ensure the tank is in working order
• Call a cleaning unit to ensure dried leaves are removed while they are lighter
• Use along with primary treatment systems for increased effectiveness