Retrofits/Upgrades

Typically there are three general types of retrofits/upgrades: seismic, structural and safety. SCCI also has tank recoating and repainting servicees available.

Seismic modifications bring existing tanks up to current earthquake standards. These modifications include:

• Adding, replacing or enhancing steel-reinforced concrete ringwall foundations. Essentially, we add this type of foundation to tanks built without one, we replace undersized foundations with larger ones and we increase the size of existing ones.
• Connecting anchor bolts and/or anchor rods to anchor chairs welded to the tank shell to prevent uplift and possible overturn of the tank.
• Adding structural bracing and stiffen internal roof-support columns, girders, rafters and their connections to prevent damage to the tank.
• Installing "Flex-tend" connections to inlet and outlet piping, which penetrates the tank shell, to prevent structural damage in an earthquake.
• Moving alternate under-tank piping connections away from the tank shell to prevent tearing of the floor.
• Modifying overflow pipes by lowering them to increase the "freeboard" for seismic wave sloshing or by eliminating bottom floor penetrations and relocating discharged water out of the tank shell and into catch basin structures.
• Modifying bottom drain lines by moving them away from the tank shell or they can be replaced with shell nozzles and valved shut-offs.

Structural modifications/repairs can add years of life to older tanks. These modifications include:

• Replacing tank bottoms, rafters and roofs with new ones.
• Adding new shell manways and flush-type cleanouts to improve access to tanks for maintenance operations. (This type of work also brings older tanks into compliance with OSHA requirements.)
• Adding new shell nozzles, sampling taps and internal mixing and circulation systems to prevent stagnation and stratification in low flow tanks. SCCI is now the only factory-authorized installation contractor in California, Nevada, and Arizona for the Tide-Flex check valves manufactured by the Red Valve Company. Their state-of-the-art mixing system can be explored by visiting RedValve.com.
• Installing new or replacing worn out liquid level indicators.
• Adding additional flanged exhaust roof vents and replacing old screens on existing vents.
• Making steel repairs - patch plates, weld filling, etc. - to holes or thin spots in the tank floor to stop leaks when the entire replacement of the floor is not warranted.

Safety modifications can bring older tanks up to current standards, including OSHA standards. These modifications include:

• Replacing old, non-compliant ladders and cages with new carbon, stainless steel or fiberglass ladders and cages.
• Installing safety-climb devices such as cable or solid rail systems in galvanized or stainless steel.
• Installing anti-climb covers for exterior ladders.
• Replacing non-compliant handrails with new roof hatch enclosures.
• Adding safety cable systems to tank roofs; e.g., tether systems from the center vent to the tank roof hatch or a perimeter barrier system.

Tank recoating and repainting work includes:

• AWWA D-102 Standard tank recoating and repainting.
• Removal and disposal of lead paint and other hazardous metals in accordance with State and Federal guidelines.
• Use of dehumidification systems to shorten recoat and cure time in wet weather.
• Use of full containment systems when required by environmental conditions or "good neighbor" policies.
• Washdown, disinfection, bacteria and VOC testing are available.