American Water Works Association

ANWAWVVA D120-84 (R89)

(First Edition)
Reaffirmed without revision 1989

AWWA STANDARD
FOR

THERMOSETTING FIBERGLASS-
REINFORCED PLASTIC TANKS

Reaffirmed without reivison June 18, 1989.

Reaffirmation approved by American National Standards Institute Inc., Nov. 3, 1989.

First edition approved by AWWA Board of Directors Jan. 30, 1984.

Approved by Amzrican National Standards Institute Inc., Jan. 24, 1984.

AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION

6666 West Quincy Avenue, Denver, Colorado 80235

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Committee Personnel

The AWWA Standards Committee on Thermosetting Fiberglass-Reinforced

Plastic Tanks, which developed and approved this standard, had the following
personnel at the time of approval:

CHARLES R. MEEK, Chairman

Consumer Members

W. F. GUI LLAUME, Connecticut Water Company, Clinton,

Corm. (NEWWA)
R. P. MCHUGH,* New Haven Water Company, New Haven,
Corm. (NEWWA)
G. A. RUSSELL, Northern Illinois Water Corporation,
Champaign, 111. (AWWA)
W. E. STRAWMAN, Public Utilities Bureau, Akron, Ohio (AWWA)
J. F. WANDYEZ, Erie County Water Authority, Buffalo, N.Y. (AWWA)

General lntere.st Members

C. H. ANCELL, C.H. Angell & Associates, Inc., Glencoe, 111. (AWWA)

C. R. MEEK, CH2M Hill, Corvallis, Ore. (AWWA)
G. R. MEIGS, Straam Engineers, Portland, Ore. (AWWA)
W. B. SINNOTT, Hazen & Sawyer, New York, N.Y. (AWWA)
H. A. TUTTLE, Hiram A. Tuttle & Associates, Coventry, Corm. (AWWA)

Producer Members

R. D. BRADY, Ershig’s Inc., Bellingham, Wash. (sPI)

B. R. DARRAH, The Society of the Plastics Industry of
Canada, Don Mills, Ont~ (sPI-c)
N. J. KRAUS, Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation, Toledo,
Ohio (sPI)
L. E. PEARSON,* Owens-Corning Fiberglass Corporation,
Conroe, Texas (sPI)

*Alternate

Copyright @ 1984 by American Water Works Association

Printed in USA

ii

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Table of Contents

SEC PAGE SFC PAGE

Foreword 5 Retest
5.1 Retest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
1. History of Standard . . . . . . .......... iv
11. Information Regarding Use of 6 Marking
This Standard . . . . . . . . . .......... iv 6.1 Manufacture and Service
111. information to resupplied Identification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
by Purchaser . . . . . . . . . . .......... v 7 Shipping and Handling
IV. Information to resupplied 7.1 Shipping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
by Manufacturer . . . . . . .......... v 7.2 Handling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Standard
Appendix
1 General
1.1 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . A Expression of Hoop Tensile
1.2 Classification . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . Modulus ofaf-aminate ........... 15
1.3 Definitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . . B Explanatory Notes to D120-84 . . . . . . . 16
1,4 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . .. . . .
1.5 inspection and Testing Tables
by Purchaser . . . . . . . . . ........... 2
I Requirements for Typel
1.6 Tests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........... 3
Contact-Molded Reinforced-
1.7 Affidavit of Compliance . ........... 3 PolyesterLaminates .......... .... 5
2 Materials 2 Minimum Widths of
2.1 Resin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Overlayed Joints . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... 7
2.2 Reinforcing Material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 3 Pipe for Nozzle Assembly . . . . . . . .... 8
2.3 Surfacing Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 4 Minimum Flange Thickness for
3 Requirements Reinforced Polyester Nozzles . . .... 8
3.1 General Requirements ... . .... . ... . . 4 5 Shear Bond Area—Nozzles . . . . . . .... 10
3.2 Physical Properties . . . ... . .... . ... . . 4
3.3 Chemical Properties . . ... . .... . ... . . 5 Figures
3.4 Construction . . . . . . . . ... . .... . ... . . 5 1 Flanged Nozzle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...... 9
4 Testing Methods 2 Reinforcement of Cut Tank
4.1 Physical Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 10 Wall for Nozzle Attachment . ...... 9
4.2 Hardness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... II 3 Installed Nozzle (With
4.3 Chemical Resistance . . . . . . . . . . ..... 11 Pipe Penetration) . . . . . . . . . . ...... 10
4.4 Surface Burning Characteristics . ..... 12 4 Installed Nozzle (Without
4.5 Hydrostatic Testing . . . . . . . . . . . ..... 12 Pipe Penetration) . . . . . . . . . . ...... 10

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Foreword
Thi.~,fi)revtord i.~,fi)rinfi)rmation onl~ and is not a part of A W WA D120.
1. History of Standard
In June 1971, the Engineering and
Construction Committee, appointed by
the AWWA Technical and Professional
Council, evaluated the use of reinforced
plastics in the water utility industry and
found sufficient use of products made
from this material to recommend the
development of AWWA standards. One
of the most extensive uses of the reinforced
plastics was for the construction of tanks.
At the 1974 fall meeting, the AW WA
Standards Council approved the forma-
tion of a committee for the preparation of
an AWWA standard for reinforced plastic
tanks for the water utility industry.
The standards committee began the
preparation of the new standard early in
1975. The responses to a questionnaire
sent out by the Engineering and Construc-
tion Committee indicated that the
methods being followed for specifying
and purchasing reinforced plastic products
varied within the water utility industry.
Frequently it was the practice for the
water utilities that were planning on using
reinforced plastic products to state the
actual or anticipated service conditions,
and the manufacturer then warranted the
product for that service. In other
instances, the manufacturer presented a
product for a particular type and condi-
tion of service, and the water utility then
made the selection based on this presenta-
tion. Because of these practices, functional
and product-design specifications used by
both water utilities and tank fabricators
iv
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
evolved, and man y of t hese were available
to the committee.
In addition, applicable standards, speci-
fications, and test methods published by
the American Society for Testing and
Materials (ASTM) and the US Depart-
ment of Commerce were reviewed by the
committee. There were two documents
the committee used as the basis for the
AWWA Standard: (1) ASTM D3299,
Specification for Filament-Wound Glass-
Fiber-Reinforced Thermoset Resin
Chemical-Resistant Tanks, and (2) Na-
tional Bureau of Standards Voluntary
Product Standard PS-15, Custom Con-
tact-M olded Reinforced Polyester Chemi-
cal-Resistant Process Equipment.
The initial draft of the proposed
AWWA standard was prepared and cir-
culated to the committee members in
1976. After carefully considering the
comments and suggestions received from
this circulation, the process was repeated
with revised drafts of the standard in 1977
and 1978. Each revised draft was reviewed
and further revised by the committee until
a practical and useful standard had been
developed. The final draft was submitted
to the committee for letter ballot voting
on Apr. 15, 1983, and a consensus for
acceptance was received.
Il. Information Regarding Use of
This Standard
The purpose of this standard is to
establish the significant quality require-
ments for commercially-available thermo-
 PLASTIC
setting fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks
for use in the water utility industry. This
standard is based on the technology for
the fabrication of the tanks by either the
contact-mold or filament-wound process.
It is intended that the tanks are to be used
for the storage of water and other liquids.
However, the specific application must
consider the limitations as specified under
Sec. 1.1. and information must be pro-
vided by the user to completely describe
the tank requirements. Section 111,Fore-
word, summarizes supplemental informa-
tion that should be considered. The
purchaser should review this information
and other appropriate data and make
provisions in the supplemental specifica-
tions to describe the specific service
requirements.
Ill. Information to be Supplied by
Purchaser
In placing orders for thermosetting
fiberglass-reinforced plastic tanks to be
manufactured in accordance with this
standard, the purchaser, in its supple-
mentary specifications, should include
the following information:
1. Standard used—that is, AWWA
D 120, Thermosetting Fiberglass-Rein-
forced Plastic Tanks..
2. Capacity.
3. Material to be stored in the tank.
4. Height, width, and weight limita-
tions.
5. Temperature conditions.
6. Fittings and attachments to be
provided, and their description.
7. Type of installation.
8. Oueratimz conditions.
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
TANKS v
9. Whether certified drawings are to
be furnished (Sec. IV, Foreword).
10. Whether plant inspection is re-
quired (Sec. 1.5).
11. ‘Tests to be performed by the
manufacturer (Sec. 1.6).
12. Specimens to be provided by the
manufacturer (Sec. 1.6.4).
13. Whether an affidavit of compli-
ance is to be furnished (Sec. 1.7).
14. Whether ultraviolet absorbers are
to be omitted (Sec. 2.1. 1.2).
15. Whether fire-retardant agents are
to be added (Sec. 2.1. 1.4).
16. Color and aesthetic treatment
sequence (Sec. 2.3.1, Sec. 3.1.1, and Sec.
3.4.1.1).
17. Loading conditions (i.e., seismic
loads, snow loads, wind loads) and design
criteria tank must meet (Appendix B,
notes to Sec. 3.2.1. 1).
18. Whether outside surface is to be
pigmented, painted, or dyed (Sec. 3.4.2.4).
19. Flange gaskets (Sec. 3.4.5).
20. Location of lifting or hold down
lugs (Sec. 3.4.7 and Sec. 3.4.8).
21. Test temperature for laminate
chemical resistance (Sec. 4.3. 1.2).
22. Retest agreement (Sec. 5. 1).
IV. Information to be Supplied by
Manufacturer
When required, the manufacturer or its
representative shall submit, for approval
by the purchaser, certified drawings
showing the principal dimensions, con-
struction details, and materials used for
the fabrication. All work shall be done in
accordance with these certified drawings
after they have been approved by the
~urchaser.
 This page intentionally blank.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 A\
(,) American Water

AN SVAWWA D1 20-84
Works Assoclatlon

(First Edition)

A W WA Standard for
Thermosetting Fiberglass-Reinforced
Plastic Tanks

Section 1—General

Sec. 1.1 Scope 1.2.2 Grade. Grade 1—fiberglass-

This standard covers the composition,
performance requirements, construction
practices and workmanship, design, and
methods of testing thermosetting fiber-
glass-reinforced plastic tanks for the
storage of water and other liquids.
1.1.1 Limit OJ standard. This stan-
dard is limited to atmospheric pressure,
vented, vertical, above-ground cylinder
tanks.
1.1.2 Temperature limits. The nomi-
nal maximum service temperature is
180° F (82° C).
1.1.3 Service /irni/.~. “ The exact resin
and reinforcement combination, for use
with specific chemical and structural
conditions, should be evaluated as a
laminate by test or by previous service to
be suitable for the environment.
Sec. 1.2 Classification
This standard covers the fabrication of
thermosetting fiberglass-reinforced plastic
tanks defined by method of manufacture
(type) and raw materials used in the
construction (grade).
1.2.1 T)’pe. Type I—contact mold-
ed; type n-filament wound. (See note in
Appendix B.)
reinforced polyester resin; grade 2—raw
materials other than grade 1.
Sec. 1.3 Definitions
Unless otherwise indicated, the plastics
terminology used in this standard is in
accordance with ASTM D883, Defini-
tions of Terms Relating to Plastics. In this
standard, the following definitions shall
also apply:
1.3.1 Con[act molded: A method
of manufacture whereby a laminate of
fiberglass reinforcement and resin is built
up either by hand or by the use ofa special
spray gun that directs short fibers and
catalyzed resin onto the mold surface.
1.3.2 Contractor: The person, firm,
or co~poration executing the contract or
agreement with the purchaser to furnish a
thermosetting fiberglass-reinforced plastic
tank according to this standard.
1.3.3 Fi[anlen[ ~~’ound: A method
of manufacture whereby a continuous
fiberglass-strand reinforcement, together
with resin, is placed in a predetermined
pattern onto a suitable mandrel until
sufficient layers have been applied to
form a laminate.
1.3.4 Head: The end closure of
cylindrical fiberglass-reinforced tanks;

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
2 AWWA D120-84

may apply either to the top or to the ASTM D883—Definitions of Terms

bottom. Relating to Plastics.
1.3.5 Manufacturer: The person, ASTM D1599—Test Method for
firm, or corporation that actually manu- Short-Time Hydraulic Failure Pressure
factures the tank. of Plastic Pipe, Tubing, and Fittings.
1.3.6 Purchaser: The person, firm, ASTM D2583—Test Method for In-
corporation, or government subdivision dentation Hardness of Rigid Plastics by
entering into a contract or agreement to Means of a Barcol Impresser.
purchase a thermosetting fiberglass-rein- ASTM D2584—Test Method for igni-
forced plastic tank according to this tion Loss of Cured Reinforced Resins.
standard. ASTM E84—Test Method for Surface
1.3.7 Su[fticing \eil: The finishing Burning Characteristics of Building
reinforcement-mat layer applied to the Materials.
laminate surface, usually to obtain im- Code of Federal Regulations, Title 21,
proved surface finish or corrosion protec- Food and Drugs.
tion.
Sec. 1.5 Inspection and Testing by
Sec. 1.4 References Purchaser
When specific references are cited 1.5.1 [nspection at manufacturer k
without dates, the designation shall be plant. If the purchaser wants to inspect
construed as referring either to the latest the plastic tank at the manufacturer’s
revision under the same number or to plant, the purchaser shall so specify in the
superseding documents under a new contract or agreement the extent of the
number, except for provisions in the inspection requested.
revised documents that are clearly in-
1.5.2 A mess to ~wk. The purchaser
applicable.
shall have free access to those parts of the
The following is a list of references used
manufacturer’s plant that are necessary to
in this standard:
ASTM* C581—Test Method for ensure compliance with this standard.
The manufacturer shall make available
Chemical Resistance of Thermosetting
for the purchaser’s use such test equipment
Resins Used in Glass Fiber Reinforced
and apparatus, and shall provide such
Structures. .
assistance, as are necessary for inspection.
ASTM D229—Method of Testing
Rigid Sheet and Plate Materials Used for 1.5.3 Responsibiiit]. Inspection by
Electrical Insulation. the purchaser or failure of the purchaser
ASTM D618—Methods of Condition- to provide inspection shall not relieve the
ing Plastics and Electrical Insulating manufacturer of the responsibility to
Materials for Testing. furnish materials and perform work in
ASTM D638—Test Method for Tensile accordance with this standard.
Properties of Plastics. 1.5.4 Tests. If any sample fails to
ASTM D790—Test Methods for meet the requirements of this standard
Flexural Properties of Unreinforced and during the tests made by the purchaser on
Reinforced Plastics and Electrical In- material samples under Sec. 1.6, the tank
sulating Materials (Metric). shall be rejected or retested.
1.5.5 Rejec!ion. If the plastic tank
*American Society for Testing and Materials, 1916 fails to meet the requirements of this
Race St., Philadelphia, PA 19103. standard, the unit shall be rejected.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 PLASTIC
Sec. 1.6 Tests
1.6.1 Ph}sical properties. Each
plastic tank, as specified in Sec. 1.6.2,
,
shall be tested for tensile strength, flexural
strength, and hardness.
1.6.2 Test ofrank shell. Tanks with a
diameter of less than 8 ft and a height-to-
diameter ratio less than two will require
the submission of test results of a similar
tank wall laminate to the one used to
construct the tank. All tanks with a
diameter greater than and including 8 ft
and a height-to-diameter ratio greater
than two will require a test of the shell of
the actual tank to be supplied. The sam-
ples tested shall be taken from the wall or
test cylinders.
1.6.3 Chemical properties. If re-
quired by the purchaser, chemical tests to
verify chemical resistance of the tank shall
be conducted.
1.6.4 Specimens. The manufacturer
shall provide test specimens from the
plastic tank or tanks to be supplied as
specified.
Section 2—Materials
Sec. 2.1 Resin
2.1.1 Poljester re.wn. The resin shall
be the commercial grade or blend of
polyester specified for grade 1 fiberglass-
reinforced polyester resin. The resin shall
not contain fillers or pigments except as
required in Sec. 2.1.1.1, Sec. 2.1.1.2, Sec.
2.1.1.3, and Sec. 2.1.1.4.
2.1.1.1 Up to 5 percent (by weight)
thixotropic agent that will not interfere
with visual inspection may be added for
viscosity control. Resin pastes used to fill
crevices before overlay shall not be subject
to this limitation.
2.1.1.2 Ultraviolet absorbers may be
added to the final resin coating to improve
weather resistance.
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
TANKS 3
Sec. 1.7 Affidavit of Compliance
The manufacturer shall, if so specified
by the purchaser, furnish an affidavit that
certifies that the plastic tank or tanks
furnished comply with the requirements
of this standard and the purchaser.
1.7.1 Perfbrnlance requirements. The
resins, reinforcement, colorants, filters,
and other materials, when combined as a
structure, shall produce tanks that meet
the performance requirements of this
standard.
1.7.2 Qualification, fot- potable ~iater
.setn’ice. The materials used to construct
the tanks shall contain no ingredient in an
amount that has been demonstrated to
migrate into water in quantities considered
to be toxic, as described in the Code of
Federal Regulations, Title 21, Food and
Drugs.
1.7.3 C’ert@ca[ion. The plastic tanks
shall be tested and certified as suitable for
potable water use by a testing laboratory
acceptable to the purchaser, in accordance
with the requirements in Sec. 1.7.2.
2.1.1.3 Resins shall contain no pig-
ments. dyes, or colorants, except as per-
mitted under Sec. 3.4.2.4.
2.1.1.4 Fire-retardant agents may be
added for improved fire resistance. (See
note in Appendix B.)
Sec. 2.2 Reinforcing Material
2.2.1 Fiberg/a.w. The reinforcing
material shall be a commercial-grade glass
fiber having a coupling agent; it shall be
compatible with the resin used and suit-
able for the particular fabrication tech-
nique. The reinforcing material used to
fabricate the tank shall be comparable to
that used to generate corrosion-resistance
and physical-property design data.
4 AWWA D120-84

Sec. 2.3 Surfacing Materials Sec. 2.3.1.1.

2.3.1 Su[~acing vei/. The surfacing—
veil shall be a commercial-grade chemi-
cal-resistant (grade C) glass fiber and a
coupling agent, except as permitted under
2.3.1.1 Under service conditions
where thechemica] environment attacks
the glass fibers, synthetic surfacing mate-
rials conforming to the requirements of
this standard may be used.

Section 3—Requirements
Sec. 3.1 General Requirements helically-wound tank having a maximum
The plastic tanks shall be compounded angle of wind of 80 degrees measured
and constructed so as to conform to the from the tank axis.
requirements of this standard. 3.2.1.4 The minimum wall thickness
3.1.1 E.t-tei-ior ,finish. The exterior (z) shall be determined by:
finish shall bean unpigmented resin coat- P/l 0.036 Y HD
,=—=
ing or a pigmented protective coating.
2SH 2 (ET) (z)
3.1.2 Workmanship. The workman-
ship shall be in accordance with good Where:
commercial practices. The tank manu- P= pressure 0.036 H, psi
factured shall be free of injurious defects H = fluid head, in
y = specific gravity
of fluid
and shall meet the appearance require-
D = inside diameter of tank, in.
ments of Sec. 3.4.2.
SH, El; and Z are as defined in Sec. 3.2.1.1.
Sec. 3.2 Physical Properties The minimum thickness shall not be
3.2.1 Filament -\~’ound iaminates. less than 0.18 in.
The maximum hoop stress of the total 3.2.2 Contact-molded laminates.
laminate, defined as the filament winding Type I tanks and the joints and heads of
plus inner surface and interior layer, shall type 11tanks shall be shop fabricated by
be limited by the allowable movement the contact-molding process in the manu-
(strain) of the tank wall when filled with facturer’s plant. Contact-molded lami-
fluid. . nates for type I tanks shall meet the
3.2.1.1 The maximum allowable hoop minimum property requirements listed in
stress shall be determined by the following Table 1. (See note in Appendix B.)
formula:
3.2.3 Head. The head shall be able
S/, = (ET) (z) to support a 250-lb load on a 4-by-4-in.
Where: area. The minimum thickness shall be ~/16
S}{= hoop stress in. (See note in Appendix B.)
ET= hoop tensile modulus of the total 3.2.4 Be/tom. The minimum thick-
laminate (see Appendix A) ness for a flat, fully supported bottom
Z = allowable strain. shall be:
(See notes in Appendix B.)
3.2.1.2 The allowable hoop strain of Tank Diameter Minimum “I”hickness
fi in.
the tank wall shall not exceed 0.0010
in. /in. 56 J/!
6
3.2.1.3 Tanks shall have a longitu- >6but S12 ‘A
> 12 %
dinal strength at least equal to that of a

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 PLASTIC TANKS 5

TABLE 1
Requirements .fc)r T\’pe [ Tank Contact-Molded Reinforce(t- Pelt’es!er Laminates
.
[,aminate Thickncw
Property at 23° C (73.2° F)
~/16 in. 1/4 in. ~/16in. -f/x in. and ,qreater

Ultimate tensile strength,

min., psi 9000 I2000 I3500 15000
Flexural strength, min., psi 16000 19000 20000 22000
Flexural modulus of elasticity
(tangent), min., psi 700000 800000 900000 I 000000

The radius of reinforcement shall not be
less than 1 in.
3.2.5 Swface cure. The degree of
cure of the resin-rich surface shall be
checked by the Barcol hardness test. The
surface shall have Barcol hardness of at
least 90 percent of the resin’s manu-
facturer’s minimum specified hardness
for the cured resin, when tested in
accordance with Sec. 4.2. This applies to
both interior and exterior surfaces. (See
note in Appendix B.)
3.2.6 Vents. Closed-top tanks shall
be positively vented to the atmosphere.
Minimum vent size shall be equal to the
largest outlet or inlet.
3.2.7 Testing. Tanks shall be tested
hydrostatically and jnspected for leaks
before being placed into service. Leaks
shall be repaired with the same materials
used in the tank construction.
3.2.8 Dimensions and tolerances.
●
Tank diameters shall be measured in-
ternally. Tolerance on the inside diameter,
including out-of-roundness, shall be f 1
percent. Measurements shall be taken
with the tank in a vertical position.
Tolerance on overall height shall be f ~
in.
Sec. 3.3 Chemical Properties
3.3.1 Chemical re.~istance. The fiber-
glass-reinforced resin shall have been
evaluated in accordance with Sec. 4.3 to
be acceptable for the chemical environ-
ment, including the concentration and
service temperatures.
Sec. 3.4 Construction
3.4.1 Laminate construction. The
laminate shall consist of an inner surface,
an interior layer, and an exterior layer.
(See notes in Appendix B.)
3.4.1.1 The inner surface exposed to
the contents shall be a reinforced layer 10
to 20 mil thick. Reinforcing materials
shall be chemically resistant glass-surface
mat, or a synthetic veil. (See notes in
Appendix B.)
3.4.1.2 The interior layer shall follow
the inner surface and be reinforced only
with noncontinuous glass strands applied
in a minimum of two plies of chopped
strand mat or, alternately, in a minimum
of two passes by the spray-up process.
Glass content shall be 20 to 30 percent by
weight. Before the filament winding is
applied, the interior layer shall be allowed
to gel completely so that the corrosion
barrier will not be squeezed down to a
thin layer of glass content of more than 30
percent. The combined thickness of inner
surface and interior layer shall not be less
than 0.10 in. (See note in Appendix B.)
3.4.1.3 If the exterior layer is fila-
ment-wound, then subsequent reinforce-
ment shall be continuous-strand roving in
accordance with Sec. 3.2.1.3. That rein-

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
6 AWWA
forcement, in combination with Sec.
3.4.1.1 and Sec. 3.4.1.2, is needed to
satisfy the minimum wall thickness speci-
fied in Sec. 3.2.1.4. The thickness of the
filament-wound portion of the tank shell
may be varied with tank height (tapered-
wall construction), providing the require-
ments of this standard are met at any
height level. If additional longitudinal
strength is required, other reinforcement.
such as woven fabric, chopped-strand
mat, or chopped strands, may be inter-
spersed in the winding to provide addi-
tional strength. Glass content of filament
winding shall be 50 to 80 percent by
weight. Only those constructions evalu-
ated for design properties in Sec. 4.1.3.7
shall be used.
3.4.1.4 If the exterior layer is contact-
molded, then the exterior layer or body of
the laminate shall be of a chemically
resistant construction suitable for the
designated service and provide the addi-
tional strength necessary to meet the
tensile and flexural requirements. Where
separate layers such as mat, cloth, or
woven roving are used, all layers shall be
lapped a minimum of 1 in. Laps shall be
staggered as much as possible. If woven
roving or cioth is used, a layer of
chopped-strand glass shall be placed as
alternate layers. Hand-work finish is
acceptable, but enough resin shall be
present to prevent exposed fibers. The
appearance of the exterior surface shall be
in accordance with Sec. 3.4.2.
3.4.1.5 For added chemical resistance
an exterior surface of chopped glass or
surfacing veil, or both, made from either
glass or organic fibers, may be used.
Unless otherwise specified, the exterior
shall contain stabilizers to prevent ultra-
violet degradation.
3.4.2 Appearance. (See note in
Appendix B.)
3.4.2.1 The exposed surfaces shall be
free of cracks and crazes. The surface
shall have a smooth finish with an average
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
D 120-84
of not more than 2 pits/ sq ft, providing
the pits are less than Ifiin. in diameter, not
more than 1/~2in. deep, and are covered
with sufficient resin to avoid exposure of
the inner surkce reinforcement. Some
wrinkles are permissible, provided their
surfaces are smooth and free of pits.
3.4.2.2 The finished laminate shall be
as free as commercially practical from
objectionable visual defects, such as
foreign inclusion, dry spots, air bubbles,
pinholes, pimples, and delamination.
3.4.2.3 The exterior surface shall be
smooth with no exposed fibers or sharp
projections.
3.4.2.4 The outside surface of the
tank shall not be pigmented, painted, or
dyed, unless agreed on by the manu-
facturer and the purchaser. (See note in
Appendix B.)
3.4.3 Join[s. Joints between tank
wall sections shall be overwound or over-
laid to a thickness as calculated in Sec.
3.2.1.4, using the appropriate modulus
value for the type of laminate construction
and dimensional values at the point
height level. (The flexural modulus values
from Table 1 may be used as an approxi-
mation of the tensile modulus of hand
lay-up laminates.)
3.4.3.1 The width of the first layer of
joint lay-up shall be 3 in. minimum.
Successive layers shall uniformly increase
in width. The reinforcement shall be
centered on the joint and shall extend on
each side of the joint a sufficient distance
to make it at least as strong as the tank
wall in the vertical direction. Minimum
joint widths are given in Table 2.
3.4.3.2 The interior of the joint shall
be sealed by a laminate of a minimum of
two layers of 1.5-oz mat overlayed with
appropriate surface mat or veil. Minimum
width is 4 in. This inner reinforcement
shall be considered to be a corrosion-
resistant barrier only and not a structural
material.
3.4.3.3 Joints shall be free of objection-
 PLASTIC TANKS 7

TABLE 2
Mininllii]l Willths @ O\’erlat’ed Joint.y

H* (f/)X diame(ers (//)

60 I 00 I40 180 220 260 300 340 380 420 460 500
Minimum width
of outside
oterlay. 117. 4 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 II 12 13 14
Minimum width
of inside
overlay, in. 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
*H is the distance in feet from the top of the liquid level to the joint.

able crevices. Crevices between joined
pieces shall be filled with resin or thixo-
tropic resin paste leaving a smooth surface
for lay-up.
3.4.3.4 All cured, noninhibited resin
surfaces where parts are to be joined shall
first be roughened by sanding or sand
blasting. The roughened area shall extend
beyond the work areas so that no lay-up is
made on a molded surface. Surfaces shall
be clean and dry before lay-up. The entire
roughened area shall be resin coated
when the joint is made.
3.4.3.5 All cut edges shall be coated
with resin so that no glass fibers are
exposed and all voids are filled.
3.4.3.6 When air-inhibited resins are
cured with an air-t?xposed surface, the
lay-up shall be coated with a paraffin-
containing resin to achieve full surface
cure. (The acetone sensitivity test can be
used to check surface cure. ) Use of other
techniques such as sprayed or wrapped
films are also acceptable methods of
attaining an air-free cure.
3.4.4 Heads. Heads may be fabri-
cated integrally with the tank wall or
separately by contact molding. Heads
fabricated by contact molding shall satisfy
the mechanical property requirements of
Sec. 3.2.2. In either case, the inner surface
of the head shall present the same
corrosion-resistant construction to the
fluid as the tank wall (Sec. 3.4.1.1 and
Sec. 3.4. 1.2). Joints between head and
shell wall shall conform to Sec. 3.4.3.
3.4.4.1 Top heads may be integrally
attached or removable and may be any
shape.
3.4.4.2 Bottom heads may either be
fabricated integrally with the shell wall or
be separately molded with a flange and
subsequently jointed to the shell. In either
case, the inner surface of the head shall
present the same corrosion-resistant con-
struction to the fluid as the tank wall (Sec.
3.4.1.1 and Sec. 3.4. 1.2). Joints between
head and shell wall shall conform to Sec.
3.4.3.
3.4.4.2.1 For integral heads, shell and
bottom reinforcement shall overlap a
minimum of 4 in.
3.4.4.2.2 For separately molded
heads, the minimum straight flange length
is 4 in.
3.4.4.2.3 The knuckle area (the
radiused transition of the head to the
shell) shall be reinforced to the same
thickness and width as a joint (Table 2). It
shall be centered over the knuckle, and
the reinforcement shall taper uniformly
into the bottom thickness over a distance
of not less than 6 in.
3.4.4.2.4 Flat bottom tanks must have
full bottom support. Tanks with conical
or rounded bottom heads must have

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 AWWA DI 20-84

TABLE 3 TABLE 4
Pipe .fi>r Nozzle A .ssemhlj Flange Thick ne.~.~,fi~rReinjijrced
Polj’ester Nozzles
Contact-Molded Polyester Pipe Minimum
Wall Thickness Pipe Sile Minimum Flange Thickness
Pipe Size Minimum Wall Thickness in. in,
tn. in. 2 I/2

2-12 Jll(l 3 l/>

14-24 I/4 4 I ]2

30 S/1~ 6 I/2

36 ‘/8 8 9/16
42 3/8 10 11/,6

12 3/4
Filament-Wound and Centrifugally Cast-Polyester
Pipe Minimum Wall Thickness 14 13/,6

16 718
Pipe Size Minimum Wall “rhickness
in. in. 18 15/1,6

20 I
2-3 0.140
24 1 l/~
4-6 0. [80
30 I 3/8
8-12 0.200
36 1 3/4

other means of support, such as a cradle,
skirt, or extension legs.
3.4.5 Fittings. Standard flanged
nozzles shall be fabricated either from
contact-molded polyester pipe and a suit-
able flange, from integrally molded pipe
and flanges, or from polyester machine-
made pipe and a suitable flange. Vents do
not require flanges, but they shall use
either contact-molded, integrally molded,
or polyester machine-made pipe. Where
flange fittings are used, suitable gaskets
shall be furnished. Flange gaskets shall be
full face, M in. minimum thickness, and
have a durometer hardness of 40 to 60,
unless otherwise specified or required for
the service conditions. (See notes in
Appendix B.)
3.4.5.1 The pipe used shall have mini-
mum wall thickness as shown in Table 3.
3.4.5.2 Flanges shall be of the mini-
mum thickness given in Table 4. Bolting
- pattern shall be in accordance with API*
or ANSI~ standards.
3.4.5.2.1 The minimum flange shear
surface shall be four times the flange
thickness, indicated in Table 4. The thick-
42 2
NOTE 1: Based on flat-faced flanges with full-
face soft gaskets.
NC)I~ 2: Flange dimensions (except thickness)
and bolting correspond to the following
standards: 2-in. through 24-in. sizes—
ANSI Standard B16.5, Pipe Flanges
and Flanged Fittings, for 150-lb steel
flanges; 30-in, through 42-in. sizes—
ANSI Standard B16.1, Cast Iron Pipe
Flanges and Flanged Fittings Class 25,
125,250, and 800, for 125-lb Cl flanges.
No’r~ 3 This table is based on a safety factor of
8 to I and a ffexural strength of 20000
psi, a value slightly under the minimum
flexural strength for laminates ~/s in.
and up (see Table 1) due to the
manufacturing technique.
ness of flange hub reinforcement measured
at the top of the fillet radius shall be at
least one half the flange thickness, and
shall be tapered uniformly the length of
*American Petroleum Institute, 21OI L Street,
N. W., Washington, DC 20037.
~American National Standards Institute, 1430
Broadway, New York, NY 10018.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 PLASTIC TANKS

\
Fillet Reinforcement Diameter
Nozzle 02
‘ad’”’> +%----f
- Diameter .__F --1

al
zL

G
Shear
Surface E
P * m
—— —_— .__—_—
I

‘==---J--.J
Thickness
w
Figure 1. Flanged Nozzle

the hub reinforcement. The fillet radius,

where the back of the flange meets the
hub, shall be % in. minimum (Figure l).
3.4.5.2.2 The flange face shall be
perpendicular to the centerline of the pipe
within 1degree, and it shall be flat to* i/~z
in. up to and including 18-in. diameter
and f i/lc in. for larger diameters unless
otherwise specified. (See note in Appen-
dix B.)
3.4.5.3 At assembly, there shall be a
minimum dimension of 3 in. from the
wall of the tank to the flange hub for
compression-molded flanges, or to the
flange back for hand lay-up flanges.
Where angular loadings are anticipated,
nozzles shall be supported by a suitable
gusseting technique.
3.4.5.3.1 Standard orientation shall
have bolt holes straddling the principal
centerline of the vessel.
3.4.5.3.2 Location of nozzles on the
vessel shall be * 1%in. Tolerance on angle
of nozzle centerline shall be within 1
degree.
3.4.5.3.3 When cut for
10 AWWA D120-84

TABLE 5 Reinforcement Y

>
[Typical)
Shear- Bond A Yea— Nozzle.Y * ( In Accordance I
With Sec. 3.4.5 .3.3 I
A
Pipe Wall Thickness Bond Area I.ength
;)1. ;}1.

Tank
Wall
> { Typical)
j
*Shear-bond areas A are shown in Figures 3 ;ind 4. Nozzle -’-+ ~ A = Shear Bond
7J
\
\ >
a ring bonded to the top of the shell.
Alternatively, the shell shall be overwound INN i
or overlaid to provide sufficient rigidity Figure 3. Installed Nozzle
for retaining the shape of the tank. (With Pipe Penetration)

3.4.6. I External stiffeners, when used,

may be made with additional circum-
ferential windings. Overwound or overlaid
cores are permissible alternatives provided
that they are completely enclosed in
reinforced plastic.

3.4.7 Hold-dot{w lugs. Hold-down

lugs shall be provided on all tanks for
outdoor service and, where required, for
special service and local design conditions.

3.4.8 Lif/ /ug.Y. Tanks shall be Figure 4. Installed Nozzle

equipped with suitable lifting devices. (Without Pipe Pentration)

Section 4—Testing Methods

Sec. 4.1 Physical Properties 4.1.3 Procedures:

4.1.1 Specimens. Mechanical and 4.1.3.1 Determine the glass content
physical properties on type 1 tanks shall in accordance with ASTM D2584, except
be determined on specimens cut from that the specimens tested shall be approxi-
laminates prepared in the same construc- mately 1 sq in. in area, and low-tempera-
tion and by the same techniques as the ture preignition prior to replacement in a
process equipment used for the tanks’ muffle furnace is recommended. The
fabrication. On type 11tanks, the proper- average of five specimens shall be con-
ties shall be determined in accordance sidered to be the glass content.
with Sec. 4.1.3.6.
4.1.2 Conditioning. The test speci- 4.1.3.2 Sec. 4.1.3.3, Sec. 4.1.3.4, and
mens shall be conditioned in accordance Sec. 4.1.3.5 refer only to tests conducted
with procedure A of ASTM D6 18. on type 1 (contact-molded) tanks. Sec.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 PLASTIC TANKS 11

4.1.3.6 refers only to tests conducted on Barcol instrument shall be verified by

type 11(filament-wound) tanks. comparing with blanks having known
4.1.3.3 Determine tensile strength in readings of 85–87 and 42–46. Ten readings
accordance with ASTM D638, except of the clean, resin-rich surface shall be
that: made. After eliminating the two high and
4.1.3.3.1 The dimensions of all speci- the two low readings, the average of the
mens, regardless of thickness, shall be remainder shall be the reported hardness
those shown for specimens “over 1Ainch reading. (See notes in Appendix B.)
thick” in Figure 1 of ASTM D229.
4.1.3.3.2 The specimens shall be the Sec. 4.3 Chemical Resistance
actual thickness of the fabricated article.
Chemical resistance of the resin shall be
Specimens shall not be machined on the
determined using ASTM C581. The
surface.
reinforcing materials prescribed in the test
4.1.3.3.3 Tensile strength shall be the
laminate are only for the purpose of
average of five specimens tested at a cross-
establishing a uniform basis for compari-
head speed of 0.20 to 0.25 ipm.
son; they may not necessarily represent
4. 1.3.4 Determine the flexural
the preferred materials for the particular
strength in accordance with method I of
environment. This procedure may be
procedure A and Table 1 of ASTM D790,
adapted to test or evaluate components,
except that the specimens shall be the
composition or fabrication variations,
actual thickness of the fabricated article
and production samples.
and the width shall be 1 in. Other dimen-
4.3.1 Laminate chemical resistance.
sions of specimens shall be as designated
For polyester-resin laminate testing, use
by ASTM D790. Specimens shall not be
ASTM C581 with the following additions
machined on the surface. Tests shall be
and definitions:
made with the resin side in compression,
4.3.1.1 Determine the standard test
using five specimens.
laminate in accordance with Appendix
4.1.3.5 Determine the tangent modu-
Al of ASTM C581 and Sec.4.3.l.l.l and
lus of elasticity in flexure in accordance
Sec. 4.3.1 .1.2 of this standard.
with ASTM D790, method I of procedure
4.3.1 .1.1 The 10-mil surfacing mat
A.
referred to in Sec. 5.2.3.2 of ASTM C581
4.1.3.6 Determine the design stresses
shall be made of chemical-resistant glass.
and moduli of elasticity by ( 1) test data
4.3.1 .1.2 Cure the standard test lami-
based on strain measurements on small-
nate at room temperature for 16 hours.
diameter, filament-wound cylinders made
Cure further, if necessary, to produce a
to the same laminate construction, helix
Barcol hardness equal to the resin manu-
angle, glass content, liner construction,
facturer’s minimum specified hardness
and resin as the full size tank, and (2) using
for the cured resin.
the test method of ASTM D1599, with
4.3.1.2 Tests may be conducted at
end closures that prevent the application
any or all of these temperatures—23° C,
of axial tensile stress or hydrostatic
50° C, 100° C (~ 2° C), reflux temperature.
pressure.
4.3.1.3 The following reagents are
suggested for use in obtaining general
Sec. 4.2 Hardness comparative chemical data. The test
In accordance with ASTM D2583, the solutions shall not be agitated; that is, the
Barcol Impresser shall be used for deter- exposures to test specimen shall be under
mining hardness. Calibration of the static conditions.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
12
25-perccmt sulfuric acid
Hydrochloric acid
5-percent nitric acid
25-percent acetic acid
Phosphoric acid
5-percent sodium hydroxide
10-percent sodium carbunate
Saturated sodium chloride
95-percent ethanol
5fi-Percent sodium hypochlorite*
5-percent aluminum potassium
15-percent sulfate
Sodium chloride
Lime slurry (calcium hydroxide)
Ammonium sulfate
Liquid alum
Sodium aluminate
Ferric chloride
Caustic soda (sodium hydroxide)
Sodium tripolyphosphate
Sodium bisulfite
Potassium permanganate
Sodium silicofluoride
Sodium chlorite
*Replace every 48 hours with fresh solution.
4.3.1.4 Obtain data for specimens
exposed for 30, 90, and 180 days and 1
year immersion; also obtain data for one
set of control specimens immediately
following the curing period and for
another set after aging in air at the test
temperature for the total test period.
4.3.1.5 Determine thickness, Barcol
hardness, flexural strength and modulus,
and appearance at each time interval.
Appearance observations shall include
any surface changes, color changes,
obvious softening or hardening, crazing,
delamination, exposure to fibers, or other
effects indicative of complete degradation
or potential failure. Calculation of per-
centage change in a property shall be
based on the property value obtained
immediately following the curing period.
Section 5—Retest
Sec. 5.1 Retest
If any failure occurs, the plastic tank
may be retested to establish conformity in
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
AWWA D120-84
w
Ethyl acetate
15-percent methyl ethyl ketone
Monochloroberrzene
Perchloroethylene
n- Heptane
Kerosene
Toluene
5-percent hydrogen peroxide*
Distilled water*
Ammonium hydroxide, concentrated
Carbon tetrachloride
Soda ash (sodium carbomitc)
16-percent sodium hypochlorite
Ferrous sulfate
Ltquid sodium silicate
Ferric sulfate
Aqua ammonia
Sodium polyphosphate, glassy
Powdered activated carbon slurry
Copper sulfate
Sodium fluoride
Hydrofluosilicic acid
Proprietary coagulant aids
4.3.1.6 Report data in tabular form
for all parameters tested. Describe ade-
quately the composition, including resin,
accelerators, catalysts, and reinforce-
ments, and the fabricating and curing
conditions of the laminate tested.
Sec. 4.4 Surface Burning
Characteristics
The surface burning characteristic shall
be determined in accordance with ASTM
E84. Test results of a similar tank maybe
submitted, unless otherwise specified by
the purchaser.
Sec. 4.5 Hydrostatic Testing
The tank shall be filled with water and
left standing for 24 hours. The tank shall
show no visual evidence of leakage or loss
of water during the test period.
accordance with agreement between the
purchaser and the manufacturer.
 PLASTIC TANKS 13

Section 6—Marking
Sec. 6.1 Manufacture and Service 1. Name and location of manufac-
Identification turer.
The tank shall carry a plaque, perma- 2. Date of manufacture.
nently affixed to the outside shell, near 3. Capacity.
the inlet or outlet nozzle or other location 4. Type and grade.
as approved, that shall show the following 5. Designed service media and condi-
information with permanently applied tion.
letters and numbers at least K in. high: 6. Precautions, if any.

Section 7—Shipping and Handling

Sec. 7.1 Shipping
Tanks shall be mounted on cradles if
shipped in a horizontal position or on a
suitable skid or pallet if shipped in a
vertical position. The cradles or skid shall
be padded and secured to the bed of the
vehicle in a manner that will prevent
dam~ge to the tank during normal
handling. The tank shall be secured to the
cradle or skid so that there can be no
movement of the tank in relation to the
skid or cradle. A suitable stiffening
member shall be secured at the opening of
open-top tanks. Tanks shall be loaded
with at least a 2-in. clearance between the
tank, including fittings, and the bulkheads
or bed of the vehicle. When two or more
tanks are shipped at oanetime, there shall
be sufficient clearance or padding between
tanks to prevent contact during transit.
Sec. 7.2 Handling
The following normal precautions shall
be taken in handling the tank at the
destination:
7.2.1 Rigging. Proper rigging prac-
tices shall be observed at all times.
Hoisting-equipment operators shall attach
a guideline to prevent the tank from
swinging without control.
7.2.2 Damage. The tank shall not
be dropped or allowed to strike any other
object. Damage caused by dropping or
striking other objects may result in crack-
ing the inner corrosion-resistant liner as
well as the exterior of the tank.
7.2.3 Rolling. The tank shall not be
rolled or slid on rough surfaces.
7.2.4 Working around tank. In
working around the tank, care should be
exercised to prevent tools, scaffolding, or
other objects from striking the tank or
being dropped inside the tank. Soft-soled
shoes shall be worn by workers entering
the tank. Ladders used inside or outside in
contact with the tank shall be wooden or
have cushion protection on both ends and
shall not be permitted to scratch or point
load the surface.
7.2.5 Lifting. A crane is recom-
mended for use in lifting and erecting the
tank. The clearance between the head
shackle of the crane and the tank should
at least equal the overall length of the
tank. If this is not possible, a spreader bar
must be used to approximate the same
angle in lifting.
7.2.5.1 Tanks not equipped with
lifting lugs shall be lifted by use of canvas
or suitable rope slings placed carefully
near each end of the tank. Tanks may be
moved by using fork lift trucks equipped
with padded forks.
7.2.5.2 Chains or cables shall not be
put around the tank or used for lifting or
handling the tank. No fittings other than

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
14 AWWA D 120-84

lifting lugs shall be used for lifting. shall be placed on the shipping cradles
7.2.6 Storing. When storing the and tied down so that it cannot roll due to
tank on the ground prior to installation, it winds or sloping elevation.

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Appendix A
Expression of Hoop Tensile Modulus of a Laminate

This appendix is,fi]r in~i~rmation onl~ and is not a part qf A W WA D120.

The hoop tensile modulus of a laminate, EF~ = hoop modulus of filament winding,
composed partially of filament winding psi
and partially of a contact-molded liner, is Et = modulus of liner, psi

expressed by: t = total thickness, in.

t [. = liner thickness, in.
tFw /Fw = filament winding thickness equals
tL
ET= EFW ~ +EL~ t– t[,in.
This expression will give a good
Where: approximation of total laminate modulus
ET = hoop modulus of total laminate, psi for values of E’FWof 3.0-6.0 X 106 psi.

15

Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
 Appendix
Explanatory Notes to D120-84
This appendi.v i.f,ji)r infi)rnla(ion onl.i and is nof a part of’ A W WA D120.
The following notes refer to various
sections of AW WA D 120-84. These notes
are meant to further explain the sections
to which they refer.
1.2.1 NOTE. Filament-wound tanks
are normally constructed in combination
with contact molding. The primary
method used for constructing the tank
shell is used to define the type.
2.1.1.4 NOTE. Additions to the resin
may interfere with visual inspection of
laminate quality.
3.2.1.1 NOTE 1. Tanks for outdoor
installation shall be designed for the effect
of wind loading and other environmental
factors.
NOTE 2. Tanks with significant phy-
sical loadings other than fluid head, such
as, but not restricted to, side-mounted
equipment, violent agitation, unusually
high flow rates, and unsupported bot-
toms, shall be given special design con-
siderations.
3.2.2 NOTE. If the specified thick-
ness for a laminate is 1Ain., reading from
Table 1, then a minimum tensile strength
of 12000 psi is required. By multiplying
thickness times minimum tensile strength,
a value of 3000 lbf breaking load for a
l-in. wide specimen is obtained. A lami-
nate having tensile strength of 10000 psi
will, therefore, be acceptable for the ‘~-in.
requirement if it has an actual thickness of
at least 0.3 in.
3.2.3 NOTE. Support of auxiliary
16
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
B
equipment may require additional local
reinforcement or the use of stiffener ribs,
or both.
3.2.5 NOTE. Barcol hardness is af-
fected by the type and concentration of
reinforcing materials and fillers in the
surface layer and the test temperature.
3.4. I NOTE 1. The compositions
specified for the inner surface and interior
layer are intended to achieve optimum
chemical resistance.
NOTE 2. Different resin systems
may be used within the tank; that is, the
resin used for the liner may be different
than the resin used for the filament
windings.
3.4.1.1 NOTE /. This resin-rich layer
will usually contain less than 20 percent of
reinforcing material. A specific limit is not
included because of the impracticability
of determining this value in the finished
product.
NOTE 2. The use of organic mate-
rials, such as acrylic and polyester fibers,
may give lower readings for the Barcol
hardness of the surface. However, this
lower Barcol reading does not necessarily
indicate undercure of the surface under
these circumstances.
3.4.1.2 NOTE. The use of resins in
the inner surface and interior layer having
an elongation (as measured on a pure-
resin casting) of less than 2 percent may
require a design that will maintain strain
level below 0.0010 in. / in.
 PLASTIC
3.4.2 NOTE. A representative lami-
nate sample may be used for determina-
tion of acceptable surface finish and
visual imperfections.
3.4.2.4 NOTE. The tank may be
either shop-primed for field painting or
finish-painted by manufacturer-purchaser
agreement. The paint should not be
applied until the inspection has verified
that the tank meets the requirements of
this standard. The addition of pigments,
dyes, or colorants may interfere with the
visual inspection of the laminate quality.
3.4.5 NOTE 1. Standard side-entry
manways shall be designed as large-
diameter nozzles. Other manway designs
are by manufacturer–purchaser agree-
ment.
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.
TANKS 17
,\’OTE 2. Vent design and installa-
tion may be of a lighter duty construction
by manufacturer-purchaser agreement.
3.4.5.2.2 NOTE. Other flanges
agreed on between the manufacturer and
the purchaser are acceptable provided
that they produce a tight joint.
4.2 NOTE 1. Barcol hardness is
affected by the type and concentration of
reinforcing materials and fillers in the
surface layer and by the test temperature.
NOTE 2. To test for surface cure of
polyester resins, rub a small amount of
acetone on the laminate surface until the
acetone evaporates. If the surface becomes
softened or tacky, other test(s) should be
performed to verify surface cure.
 @
4P-1 M-441 20-9/96-MG Printed on recycled paper
Copyright (C) 1998 American Water Works Association, All Rights Reserved.