In Duiven, our team got to work with Joosten Groep on packing infiltration crates. These permeable crates form part of a buffer field, installed under a large car park on an industrial estate.
The crates were lined with over 4,000 m2 of film, divided over three bottom and top covers. The installation of the film creates a watertight buffer field.
Climate changes cause more erratic weather with sometimes heavy rain showers from which large amounts of precipitation fall in a short period of time. This easily overloads sewers. With an infiltration system, rainwater runs via wells to the buffer field, where it is gradually disposed to the sewer after temporary storage. Thus, the crates provide the rainwater with a temporary outlet so that the sewers are spared. An advantage is also that the collected water, if systemically facilitated, becomes usable for e.g. irrigation and washing water.
The infiltration boxes are a fine example of contemporary water management techniques. With Joosten we have already lined infiltration crates in several places in the Netherlands; on roofs, car parks, roof terraces, sports fields and in residential areas, among others.
Our Iranian partner operates as an agricultural group, specializing in the construction of greenhouses, water storage systems, aqua farming systems, and more across Iran. Over the past decade, we have supplied numerous water storage tanks through this collaboration.
One of our water silos was installed in Tabriz, situated in the northwest of Iran. Positioned atop a hill at the city’s periphery, this water storage silo overlooks a significant part of Tabriz. The city faces various water supply challenges, including low annual precipitation, a rapidly expanding population, poor groundwater quality and inadequate wastewater management. Addressing the water crisis in Tabriz involves implementing solutions such as installing water storage tanks, rainwater harvesting, and contributing to meeting the escalating water demand.
During wet periods, these initiatives ensure the availability of surface water, providing an alternative to groundwater. The elevated location on the hill facilitates gravity-based distribution, offering a natural means of supplying water to the community.
Continuing the trajectory of a government-subsidized initiative for small-scale farmers initiated a few years prior, a consortium of date farms in Southern Tunisia invested in 16 NPI water tanks to facilitate the irrigation of date palms. Spanning a stretch of 2,500 hectares along the border with Algeria, this area is situated in a remote area in the Northern Sahara desert.
In the early 1970s, a large underground aquifer was found in this Tunisian region, leading to the establishment of numerous oases to promote agricultural development. Within this expanse, a 2,500-hectare strip was dedicated to cultivating crops, prominently featuring date palms.
A sophisticated irrigation system, fueled by a centralized water storage facility comprised of numerous metal water tanks, sustains the crops and thousands of palm trees. Specifically, relatively low tanks with a wide diameter were selected—16 tanks measuring 19.14 by 1.52 meters each. The 41 water tanks, implemented across both phases of this project, contribute to an annual date production of approximately 20,000 tonnes.
NPI completed the production and delivery of 5 tanks designated for a poultry facility in Bangkok. Maintaining a consistent and readily available supply of high-quality water is crucial for the efficient operation of this poultry factory. Given the expensive and scarce nature of water, implementing a recirculation system is paramount, offering substantial cost savings. Additionally, effective water treatment is imperative to ensure the water’s quality.
To address these requirements, the poultry factory installed a water processing system, utilizing 5 NPI tanks. Two of these tanks, each with a capacity of 1000 m3 and dimensions of 18.21 x 3.81 meters, collect water from a natural source. The processed water is directed into three smaller tanks, each with a capacity of 192 m3 and measuring 7.32 x 4.57 meters. The water treatment system boasts a capacity of 340 m3 per hour, operating continuously, 24/7.
For the three smaller tanks, NPI supplied steel roofs. The galvanised steel roof, renowned for its durability, serves as an excellent covering system, fully enclosing the water silo. This roofing solution is particularly ideal for safeguarding drinking water and other liquids against contamination, evaporation, and various weather conditions.
Installation of the steel roof is straightforward, accomplished by interconnecting lightweight panels. The roof is equipped with two standard hatches, providing convenient access to the tank. NPI offers galvanised steel roofs tailored for tanks with a diameter of up to 14.63 meters.
Opting for rainwater as a source for livestock drinking water proves more economical than utilizing the public water supply. However, effective storage methods are essential. Our metal water storage silos emerged as a cost-efficient solution for a Zimbabwean client facing this challenge.
Through a local dealer, NPI delivered five water storage tanks. The customer has a combined arable and livestock farm and the objective was to store water for both irrigation and as a drinking source for the livestock. Among the installed tanks, two are dedicated to crop irrigation, while the remaining three serve as storage for drinking water at a separate location for the poultry and livestock.
A Greek customer sought assistance for a rainwater storage system for their hydroponic cultivation systems, utilized for growing crops like roses. The greenhouses’ roofs serve as a water source for the farm. NPI provided a water storage system tailored to the grower’s needs, ensuring a year-round supply of high-quality water for irrigation and cooling!
NPI’s welding expertise extends to international projects, exemplified by our involvement in a phased project in Canada. Collaborating with a partner, NPI supplied liners for three water basins and multiple metal water storage tanks for a leading cultivator of shrubs, perennials, and conifers.
Upon the tanks and liners reaching the Canadian shores, our team made several oversea trips to supervise and assist in installation on-site. The 0.6 mm FPP film was applied in the basins, accompanied by the installation of bank protection and fittings. Additionally, a cover was implemented to maintain high water quality, preventing contamination and evaporation.
Through a Russian partner, NPI delivered four water tanks for a newly established greenhouse complex in Western Russia. Our partner specialises as a turnkey greenhouse builder, constructing greenhouses from A to Z. This inclusive approach includes every aspect, including the essential component of water storage.
These 4 16-metre tanks were strategically positioned within the greenhouses, a crucial measure in a region where protection against the elements is paramount. Given the sub-zero winter temperatures in this part of Russia, the installation within the greenhouse provides essential safeguards against freezing conditions. The installation behind glass serves as protection, shielding against snow and frost.
During the initial installation phase, one of our specialists was present on-site, welding the connections into place. NPI’s involvement can extend from the initial design phase through production to installation, offering comprehensive support throughout the entire process if needed.
The sweltering summers in Southern Greece pose a challenge to olive trees, demanding consistent irrigation as the olives ripen.
Through our dealer, we provided metal water silos for placement at diverse sites in the remote hills of Laconia in Southern Greece. Combined with photovoltaic systems, these water tanks enable olive farmers to efficiently irrigate their olive trees and store water in proximity to the trees.
Due to rapid economic expansion and persistent drought challenges, Thailand faces an increasing need for access to clean drinking water. Effective water management becomes crucial in handling both periods of drought and the mitigation of flooding. NPI has played a role in addressing this demand through the installation of steel water silos.
Responding to these developments, Thaksin University initiated a water-saving program, emphasizing economical use of clean drinking water. In 2017, NPI facilitated this initiative by providing Thaksin University in Songkla with two water tanks, each measuring 18.21 meters by 3.81 meters, boasting an impressive capacity of 1,000 m3.
When a drinking water producer in Southern Cyprus urgently required a temporary replacement for their production storage, NPI, in collaboration with a partner, delivered three water tanks.
The prolonged drought in Cyprus over the past decade has made the existing storage in reservoirs insufficient. Consequently, an alternative solution was sought, leading to the establishment of desalination plants. These plants purify seawater to generate drinking water, which is then distributed to urban and tourist areas. This approach ensures a substantial portion of Cyprus receives clean drinking water, reducing dependence on rainfall. The ENPEX FPP liner used in the construction is a widely employed material for coatings and holds certification for use in drinking water.
The steel tank roof serves a dual purpose, preventing rainwater enters the tank and safeguarding against contamination, evaporation, and algae growth. This method of tank coverage contributes to the preservation of safe and clean drinking water for an extended duration.
One of NPI’s notable aquaculture projects took place in Nigeria. Here, we supplied 48 tanks for a tilapia farm. The nature of fish farming involves considerable activity and splashing around water tanks, making additional protective measures necessary. To address this, the lower rings of these tanks were coated, ensuring a minimum sheet thickness of 1 mm. The liner’s overlap over the edge was also extended to maximize protection against splash water and weather. The tanks were partially buried to optimise the working height from the exterior.
Our metal water tanks find extensive use in fish farms, offering numerous advantages such as cost-effectiveness, easy installation, maintenance, and durability. Also, our tanks maintain a minimum safety margin of 40%, crucial in aquaculture. Additionally, the ENPEX FPP lining material, is widely utilised for its durability and is not harmful to fish.
For a more projects, please visit our water storage website at www.npiwaterstorage.com.
