In an exciting project located near Nairobi, Kenya, SBS Tanks East Africa successfully delivered two high-quality fire protection water storage tanks to Firetech Limited a company that is a provider of complete fire protection services in Kenya since 2008. This project was part of the business expansion work of Kenya Wine Agencies who needed a large-scale fire protection system with an exceptional flow rate and quick fire suppression capabilities. The tanks, 2 x ST15/06’s, with a total capacity of 1032kl (2 x 516kl each), serve a vital purpose in securing operations at their premises situated in the special economic export zone in Tatu City, Kiambu. The tanks ensure that the factory meets stringent fire protection standards, contributing to the safety of both the business and its employees.
The steel water tank design for this project was tailored to meet the specific fire protection needs of the facility. The tanks were designed with special considerations, including a roof-mounted inlet and large 400NB/16inch outlets to achieve the required flow rates and suction for rapid fire suppression.
The planning phase took into account site conditions, environmental considerations, and compliance with local safety measures. The factory’s existing concrete slab was extended to accommodate the tanks. With SBS East Africa guiding the client’s contractors on foundation preparation, the site conditions were carefully analysed to ensure the tanks would be securely installed and operational for years to come. Kenya Wine Agencies chose steel water storage tanks over a concrete reservoir for their fire suppression system due to the faster installation time, ensuring rapid project completion without delays.
GA Drawing of Water Storage Tanks for Fire Safety
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Competitive Edge Over Concrete Reservoirs and Square Tanks
Many companies default to concrete reservoirs or square storage tanks for fire protection, but these traditional options come with significant drawbacks. Concrete reservoirs require lengthy construction timelines, leading to project delays and increased costs. They are also prone to cracking, requiring frequent maintenance, which adds to long-term expenses.
SBS High Tensile steel water tanks offer a superior alternative, with faster installation (as seen in this project’s turnaround), modular design for easy expansion, and a leak-proof liner system that ensures long-term reliability. Additionally, the SBS Tanks design supports customised nozzles and outlets, ensuring compliance with fire suppression flow rate requirements – a key factor in the Kenya Wine Agencies’ decision to choose SBS over concrete. Read more benefits of Steel tanks verse Concrete Reservoirs here.
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The construction of the tanks was completed with remarkable efficiency, adhering to SBS’s standard installation process using our advanced SBS jacking system. After placing the tanks on the extended concrete slab, the installation process began with careful tracing of the tank’s diameter. The existing slab was modified to install a scour to ensure proper water flow and drainage.
Once the foundations were in place and the scour successfully installed, the tank panels were joined together in a step-by-step process, which involved securing the panels with fasteners and ensuring each joint was properly sealed. The size and weight of the panels demanded careful handling, and the SBS jacking system allowed our teams to work at ground level, thus minimising risks associated with traditional working-at-heights construction methods. With each proceeding ring, this swift and safe process was repeated until the 6th ring was installed for both tanks. Nozzles for inlets and outlets were installed according the approve General Assembly (GA) drawings, to ensure pipework alignment and customer satisfaction.
With the tank structure complete, the team then conducted a series of final checks to ensure everything was in perfect working order. This included testing the integrity of the joints, ensuring there were no leaks, and confirming that all nozzles and inlets were securely installed. As per the installation teams site file, each step was verified by the site manager to ensure compliance with SBS’s strict quality assurance standards.
Commissioning the tanks involved finalising all system connections and ensuring that both ST15/06 tanks were fully operational. The team also checked the integrity of the foundation, ensuring the tanks were positioned correctly and the scour system was functioning as planned.
Throughout the installation phase, safety was a key priority. The installation team followed all Health, Safety, and Environmental (HSE) requirements, conducting medical checks, inductions, and adhering to the site’s strict security measures as a food and beverage entity.
Despite the complexity of the installation, the team completed the project in an impressive two-week timeline. The efficiency of the SBS jacking system, combined with the expertise of the installation team, ensured that the project was completed quickly and to the highest standards. By following the installation manual, the team ensured that each step was performed with precision and care, delivering a top-quality result in record time. Want to see how the SBS Jacking systems works? Check out this video clip of our installation in action here.
The installation of these fire protection water tanks has had a significant impact on the local community. Not only does it enhance the safety of the factory’s operations, but it also plays a crucial role in protecting assets and ensuring the safety of staff in case of fire. By meeting fire safety legislation requirements, the galvalume panel tanks contribute to the overall safety and security of the surrounding area.
From a business perspective, the project has contributed to Kenyan Wine Agencies continued success by ensuring business continuity, avoiding water shortages, and reducing downtime during production. Firetech Limited has provided a secure fire protection system in which the SBS Water tanks have become an essential part of the company’s operations, helping them maintain a reliable and safe working environment.
Firetech Limited expressed complete satisfaction with the project, praising the speed of the installation and the quality of the tanks. The company has been impressed with the durability and reliability of the tanks, and how the project adhered to the highest safety and quality standards throughout.
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Seeing Is Believing – Experience SBS Innovation Firsthand
Fire safety is non-negotiable, and the right water storage system can be the difference between protecting assets and catastrophic losses. Don’t settle for outdated storage methods – invest in SBS Tanks for reliability, efficiency, and long-term security.
• Contact us today for a free consultation on your fire protection water storage needs!
• Explore our case studies to see how we’ve helped businesses like yours.
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This project highlights SBS Tanks East Africa’s commitment to providing sustainable, reliable water storage solutions for industries across the region. By delivering a high-quality product on time and adhering to strict safety standards, SBS Tanks continues to demonstrate its leadership in the water storage industry. The successful installation of fire protection tanks with Firetech Limited is a testament to SBS Tanks’ dedication to safety, quality, and customer satisfaction, laying the groundwork for further growth and development in the region.
Water Storage Tanks for Fire Safety: A Seamless Installation of Steel Water Tanks at Kenyan Wine Agencies
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SBS Tanks is Africa’s leading manufacturer and supplier of modular steel panel water storage tanks fitted with an internal liquid storage liner. SBS Solutions East Africa Limited, our branch in Nairobi, services the East Africa region directly from Kenya. With ISO accreditation (ISO 45001 and ISO 9001) collaborating with a trusted supplier like SBS Tanks East Africa, can offer professional advice and a variety of premium tank alternatives to satisfy your various needs.
Contact Robert or Godfrey today and simply Request a quote here.
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