Water Storage Tank in Upton NY
Water Tower Replacement
Upton, NY
H2M upgraded Brookhaven Lab’s water storage with a new Pedesphere Tank.
At Brookhaven National Laboratories in Upton, NY, H2M was chosen to address the challenges posed by an aging 0.3MG multileg water storage tank, erected in 1941, which had reached the end of its useful life. The tank’s riveted construction had suffered continual and substantial corrosion, compromising its structural integrity. This deterioration not only necessitated frequent emergency repairs but also led to adverse sanitary conditions, demanding continuous hands-on monitoring by the lab.
To address these issues, H2M proposed a comprehensive solution. A new 0.5MG water storage tank, adopting the pedesphere tank style, was recommended. This design not only increased capacity to accommodate recent and projected lab growth but also offered a simplistic style with reduced surface area, facilitating easier maintenance in the future. The strategic placement of the new tank adjacent to the existing one allowed the lab to maintain the use of the original tank during construction.
For the coatings, H2M opted for an advanced system. Exterior coating involved abrasive blast surface preparation and a multi-layer system, including a zinc primer, epoxy stripe coat, polyurethane intermediate coat, and a fluoropolymer finish coat. The interior water cavity coating system featured a zinc primer, epoxy stripe coat, and a high-solids epoxy finish coat, certified to meet ANSI/NSF 61 standards and strict water quality requirements set by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) and Suffolk County Department of Health (SCDHS).
The project was structured into three separate contracts. The tank construction contract encompassed foundation work and steel fabrication. The tank painting contract, scheduled to commence in the spring of 2024, involves surface preparation in accordance with AMPP standards, along with the installation of new electrical lighting, level transmitters, and ancillary accessories. Finally, the tank demolition contract covers the removal of the existing tank, including site restoration.
In summary, H2M’s comprehensive approach ensures the effective replacement of the aging water storage tank at Brookhaven National Laboratories, incorporating innovative design, advanced coatings, and a phased project strategy to meet both current and future needs.
