What is a Baffled Water Tank?
A baffled water tank is the perfect solution for anyone transporting water around by vehicle. Our range of baffled water tanks are made from robust and durable food-grade polyethylene, as well as being semi-translucent (as standard) for easy visibility into the tank’s water levels. However, they can be manufactured in a multitude of colours to suit your application.
The baffling is provided by the grooves/holes that go right through the tank whilst the ‘baffles’ prevent a water surge or slosh from one side of the tank to the other by delivering added stability.
This makes baffled water tanks ideal for the likes of window cleaners, car valeters and even farmers conveying water to their livestock as they have been designed to ensure the minimum amount of water movement whilst the tanks are being transported in the back of your vehicle.
They can also be utilised in many other industries and environments which include engineering, construction and the brewery trade. They are perfect for boats and marine, whilst the food-grade construction enables them to safely store many products used within the food industry.
View our full range of Baffled Water Tanks online
What size baffled water tank should I choose?
This would very much depend on your application and needs.
There are a number of factors which need to be considered to help narrow down your choices (certainly if you are using it for window cleaning or car valeting).
As a general guide, domestic window cleaners usually use around 350 litres of water daily and a twin user set-up (2 operators working at the same time) will often use around 650 litres of water daily.
Mobile car cleaners/detailers use approximately 100 litres to clean an average size car with a pressure washer system. This can vary depending on the cleaning methods used but is generally considered to be enough water to finish a complete vehicle detail.
The weight of the water should also be considered, remember the following:
1 litre = 1 kg (approximately)
Transporting large volumes of water will impact on your fuel consumption and the wear and tear of your vehicle’s transmission and brakes. These are important factors to consider when choosing a baffled tank.
Your vehicle will have a weight limit and you’ll need to factor in the weight of the water with the weight of any other equipment being transported. The weight of the liquid inside the tank can add hundreds of kilograms to the laden weight of the vehicle, having a negative impact on the way the vehicle handles, especially when cornering and affecting stopping distances.
Having access to water, to refill tanks will also influence whether you need to transport larger or smaller amounts of water. Certain water tank systems allow you to ‘plug in’ to a tap, meaning you can refill as you work, which can reduce the size of tank needed for the job.
Browse our range of taps and valves
If you are using the tank for anything other than car valeting/window cleaning, you will need to consider the size and practicality, considering that it is harder to clean these kinds of tanks while in situ due to the baffle. If you can remove the tank to a cleaning area this should make things simpler.
Can I use it for drinking water?
Yes. Our baffled water tanks are suitable for the storage and transportation of a wide range of liquids including drinking water.
Is it potable?
Our baffled water tanks are manufactured as suitable for potable drinking water as standard.
Are there any safety considerations I need to take into account?
It can be potentially dangerous to transport a large amount of water using a tank without baffles. Transporting large volumes of water will impact on your fuel consumption and the wear and tear of your vehicle’s transmission and brakes. These are important factors to consider when choosing a baffled tank.
Your vehicle will have a weight limit and you’ll need to factor in the weight of the water with the weight of any other equipment being transported. The weight of the liquid inside the tank can add hundreds of kilograms to the laden weight of the vehicle, having a negative impact on the way the vehicle handles, especially when cornering and affecting stopping distances.
It is a legal requirement that tanks carrying a 210 litre capacity or above which are being used to transport water around in a vehicle are baffled.
How do I hold it in my vehicle safely?
This depends on the vehicle and design of it. If you have a bulkhead which it is being fastened to, it is always advantageous if it is a manufacturers bulkhead which is welded each side of the van. If you don’t have this option, it is prudent to bolt it through the floor of your van and use multiple ratchet straps (what hauliers use to strap heavy loads to their lorries).
What is the outlet size?
This is subject to the tank’s capacity. The outlet size as standard is different on each of the baffled tanks and gets bigger as the size of the tank increases. However, we can position additional outlets or a replacement to that outlet virtually anywhere on any side of the tank by way of a fusion welded socket - this can be male or female depending on your requirements.
What is the outlet made of?
The standard outlet is made from nickel plated brass. However, in certain circumstances this is not suitable and alternative materials can be sourced to facilitate your application. As highlighted in the question above, there is also the fusion welded option which is made from MDPE (Medium-Density Polyethylene).
Can I have the outlet made in a different material?
Yes – please see the question above.
What is a fusion weld?
Fusion welding is a process that uses heat to join or meld two or more materials by heating them to melting point. Due to the high-temperature phase transitions inherent to these processes, a heat-affected zone is created in the material.
What size can I have the fusion weld?
Please see the specification sheet on any of the tanks.
Can the tank be modified?
Yes, the tank can be modified in some circumstances. If we are unable to modify it to your exact requirements, we have the capacity to offer a fully bespoke option.
Can I fit a ball cock and float? If so, what are the volume implications?
The actual capacities of the tanks are given on the listing page. If you wanted to fit a ballcock and float you would lose some of that volume as the ballcock requires space to operate.
View our range of Ball Cock and Float Valves
What thickness is the polymer within the tank?
The tanks range from 4mm to 8mm depending on which part of the tank you are looking at. It is not a uniformed thickness all the way through as this is not necessary.
Is there a vent in the lid to allow air in as my liquid comes out?
We offer different lid options depending on your application. You may require a fully sealed lid, or you may need a vented lid. We have both options available in any size of tank.
Can it be used for chemicals? If so, which ones?
Our baffled water tanks are suitable for the transport of other liquids and certain chemicals. For clarification on the suitability of a specific chemical, please send us the MSDS sheets of the chemical or chemicals you want to put within the tank so that we can check with the polymer manufacturer to understand its suitability.
How strong is the tank?
This range of tanks with a baffle integrated are extremely strong and robust as they are designed to fit into and onto the back of vehicles and be capable of withstanding the impact of water moving from side to side.
What equipment do I need with a baffled tank?
This will depend on the application the baffled tank is being used for.
The most common set-up with a baffled water tank is a pump, pump controller, leisure battery/power source to power the pump and a heavy duty hose to connect the tank to the pump.
You will also need a heavy duty hose to connect the pump to the hose reel. The heavy duty hose can be either high or low pressure, it depends on your requirements. Additionally, you may also need a water filter system and connector clips.
To view our range of baffled water tanks, check out our range here. If you have any questions or queries call us on 01777 237 933 or email us on info@directwatertanks.co.uk where one of our sales team will be able to help and guide you.