IS 12701:1996 specifies the requirements for rotationally moulded polyethylene water storage tanks designed for nominal service temperatures from +1ºC to +50ºC. It covers materials, dimensions, construction, performance, and testing methods for vertical cylindrical and rectangular loft tanks used for potable water storage. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers involved in the design, production, and inspection of durable, safe, and corrosion-resistant polyethylene water tanks suitable for outdoor use in India.
Overview
IS 12701:1996 specifies the requirements for rotationally moulded polyethylene water storage tanks designed for nominal service temperatures from +1ºC to +50ºC. It covers materials, dimensions, construction, performance, and testing methods for vertical cylindrical and rectangular loft tanks used for potable water storage. This standard is essential for manufacturers, quality controllers, and engineers involved in the design, production, and inspection of durable, safe, and corrosion-resistant polyethylene water tanks suitable for outdoor use in India.
Audience
Contents
Structure
IS 12701 Scope - Key Specifications and Tables
| Ref | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fig. 1 | Typical cylindrical vertical tank details (band location, connections) | Clause 5.1 |
| Table 1 | Dimensions, net/gross capacities, weight, thickness of tanks | Clause 5.1 |
| Table 3 | Routine tests for tanks (band width, dimensions, capacity, strength tests) | Clause 8.1 |
| Net Capacity (L) | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 650-850 | 490-690 | 3.0 | 7.8 |
| 1000 | 1000-1200 | 1050-1350 | 4.5 | 33.0 |
| 5000 | 1800-2110 | 1800-2100 | 10.7 | 180.0 |
| 20000 | 2100-3150 | 3190-5000 | 13.2 | 566.0 |
flowchart LR
A[Tank Dimensions & Capacity] -->|Table 1| B[Net & Gross Capacity]
A --> C[Thickness & Weight]
D[Routine Tests] -->|Table 3
IS 12701 Key References: Routine Tests & Tank Specifications
| Test | Reference |
|---|---|
| Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| Outer dimensions & Weight | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| Net & Gross capacity | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| Thickness | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1 & Annex B |
| Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2 & Annex C |
| Top load resistance | Clause 7.3 |
| Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
flowchart LR
A[Routine Tests] --> B[Band width/location (Fig.1)]
A --> C[Dimensions & Weight (Table 1 & 2)]
A --> D[Resistance Tests (Clause 7 & Annexes)]
A --> E[Strength Tests (Clause 7.3 - 7.5)]
F[Cylindrical Tank Specs] --> G[Diameter, Height, Thickness (Table 1)]
F --> H[Capacity & Weight (Table 1)]
For detailed dimensions and weights, always refer to Table 1 (cylindrical tanks) and Table 2 (rectangular tanks) in IS 12701.
Definitions (Clause 3.0):
| Parameter | Details / Range |
|---|---|
| Minimum Net Capacity | 200 to 20,000 liters |
| Overall Diameter Range | 650 mm to 3,150 mm |
| Overall Height Range | 490 mm to 5,000 mm |
| Min. Internal Dia. of Man-Hole/Hand-Hole | 265 mm to 450 mm |
| Min. Wall & Bottom Thickness | 3.0 mm to 13.2 mm |
| Min. Weight (Without Lid) | 7.8 kg to 566 kg |
| Test Type | Reference Clause/Annex |
|---|---|
| Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| Outer dimensions & Weight | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| Net & Gross capacity | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| Thickness | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1 & Annex B |
| Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2 & Annex C |
| Top load resistance | Clause 7.3 |
| Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
flowchart TB
A[Cylindrical Vertical Tank]
A --> B[Overall Diameter]
A --> C[Effective Height]
A --> D[Wall & Bottom Thickness]
A --> E[Man-Hole Diameter]
A --> F[Painted Bands at Inlet/Outlet Levels]
This summary provides essential dimensional specs
IS 12701: Material Requirements Summary
Cylindrical Vertical Tanks (Table 1, Clause 5.1):
Rectangular Loft Tanks (Table 2, Clause 5.2):
| Test | Reference Clause/Annex |
|---|---|
| Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| Outer dimensions and Weight | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| Net & Gross capacity | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| Thicknesses | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1, Annex B |
| Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2, Annex C |
| Top load resistance | Clause 7.3 |
| Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
IS 12701: Types and Features of Water Tanks
| Capacity (L) | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Man-hole Dia (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 650 - 850 | 490 - 690 | 265 | 3.0 | 7.8 |
| 500 | 800 - 1140 | 625 - 1025 | 370 | 4.0 | 18.0 |
| 1000 | 1000 - 1200 | 1050 - 1350 | 370 | 4.5 | 33.0 |
| 5000 | 1800 - 2110 | 1800 - 2100 | 450 | 10.7 | 180.0 |
| 20000 | 2100 - 3150 | 3190 - 5000 | 450 | 13.2 | 566.0 |
graph TD
A[Overall Diameter] --> B[Wall Thickness]
B --> C[Effective Height]
C --> D[Man-hole Diameter]
D --> E[Capacity & Weight]
Use Table 1 for quick selection of tank size
IS 12701 Key Specifications for Dimensions and Capacities
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Capacity Range | 200 to 20,000 liters |
| Overall Diameter Range | 650 mm to 3,150 mm |
| Overall Height Range | 490 mm to 5,000 mm |
| Min. Internal Man-hole Dia. | 265 mm to 450 mm |
| Min. Wall & Bottom Thickness | 3.0 mm to 13.2 mm |
| Min. Weight (without lid) | 7.8 kg to 566 kg |
| Note: Gross capacity ≥ 5% more than net capacity |
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Net Capacity Range | 150 to 600 liters |
| Overall Length | 620 mm to 1,500 mm |
| Overall Width | 620 mm to 1,250 mm |
| Overall Height | 285 mm to 535 mm |
| Min. Internal Hand-hole Dia. | 300 mm |
| Min. Wall Thickness | 2.75 mm |
| Min. Weight (without lid) | 6.6 kg to 17.5 kg |
| Note: Gross capacity ≥ 5% more than net capacity |
[ V = \pi \times \left(\frac{D}{2}\right)^2 \times H ]
Where:
IS 12701: Performance Requirements and Tests (Clause 8.1)
| Test No. | Test Description | Reference Clause / Annex |
|---|---|---|
| i) | Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| ii) | Outer dimensions and Weight | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| iii) | Net capacity | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| iv) | Gross capacity | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| v) | Thicknesses | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| vi) | Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1 and Annex B |
| vii) | Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2 and Annex C |
| viii) | Test for top load resistance | Clause 7.3 |
| ix) | Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| x) | Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
| Parameter | Typical Reference / Formula |
|---|---|
| Band Width/Location | As per Fig. 1 (dimensional layout) |
| Dimensions & Weight | See Tables 1 & 2 (standard sizes and weights) |
| Resistance to Deformation | Tested as per Clause 7.1, Annex B (load-deformation behavior) |
| Resistance to Impact | Clause 7.2, Annex C (impact energy absorption) |
| Top Load Resistance | Clause 7.3 (maximum load before failure) |
| Tensile Strength | Clause 7.4 (stress-strain test for ultimate strength) |
| Flexural Modulus | Clause 7.5 (stiffness under bending) |
IS 12701 – Routine Tests Summary
| Test No. | Test Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| i) | Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| ii) | Outer dimensions and Weight | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| iii) | Net capacity | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| iv) | Gross capacity | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| v) | Thicknesses | Table 1 & Table 2 |
| vi) | Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1 & Annex B |
| vii) | Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2 & Annex C |
| viii) | Top load resistance test | Clause 7.3 |
| ix) | Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| x) | Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
flowchart LR
A[Lot of Tanks] --> B[Random Sampling per IS 4905]
B --> C{Capacity ≤ 1000 L?}
C -- Yes --> D[Perform Tests i) to iv)]
C -- No --> E[Refer to extended sampling]
D --> F{Defectives ≤ Acceptance Number?}
F -- Yes --> G[Lot Accepted]
F -- No --> H[Lot Rejected]
This encapsulates the routine test framework for compliance per IS 12701.
IS 12701: Fittings and Connections - Key Specifications & Tables
| Tank Capacity (litres) | Nominal Bore Size of Threaded Connection (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 750 | 12.5 |
| Above 750 to 2,000 | 25 |
| Above 2,000 to 4,000 | 40 |
| Above 4,000 to 10,000 | 50 |
| Above 10,000 | 75 |
flowchart TD
A[Water Storage Tank] --> B[Threaded Connection]
B --> C{Capacity of Tank}
C -->|Up to 750L| D[12.5 mm Bore]
C -->|750-2000L| E[25 mm Bore]
C -->|2000-4000L| F[40 mm Bore]
C -->|4000-10000L| G[50 mm Bore]
C -->|Above 10000
IS 12701: Marking and Certification Key Points
All water storage tanks must be marked with:
| Test No. | Test Description | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| i) | Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| ii) | Outer dimensions and Weight | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| iii) | Net capacity | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| iv) | Gross capacity | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| v) | Thicknesses | Table 1 and Table 2 |
| vi) | Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1, Annex B |
| vii) | Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2, Annex C |
| viii) | Top load resistance test | Clause 7.3 |
| ix) | Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| x) | Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
flowchart TD
A[Water Tank] --> B[Marking]
B --> B1[Manufacturer's Name/Trademark]
B --> B2[Net Capacity (L)]
B --> B3[Batch No. & Year
IS 12701: List of Indian Standards Referenced (Annex A)
This standard references key Indian Standards essential for materials, testing, and dimensions related to tanks and plastics:
| IS No. | Title |
|---|---|
| 554 : 1985 | Dimensions for pipe threads with pressure-tight joints |
| 1879 : 1987 | Malleable cast iron pipe fittings |
| 2530 : 1963 | Test methods for polyethylene moulding materials |
| 4905 : 1968 | Methods for random sampling |
| 7328 : 1992 | High density polyethylene materials for moulding and extrusion |
| 8543 (Part 4/Sec 1) : 1984 | Testing plastics: tensile properties |
| 9845 : 1986 | Analysis for migration of plastic constituents in contact with food |
| 10141 : 1982 | Constituents of polyethylene for food/pharma contact |
| 10146 : 1982 | Safe use of polyethylene in food/pharma/drinking water |
| 13360 (Part 5/Sec 7) : 1995 | Testing plastics: flexural properties |
| Capacity (L) | Diameter (mm) | Height (mm) | Man-hole Dia. (mm) | Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 200 | 650 - 850 | 490 - 690 | 265 | 3.0 | 7.8 |
| 1000 | 1000 - 1200 | 1050 - 1350 | 370 | 4.5 | 33.0 |
| 5000 | 1800 - 2110 | 1800 - 2100 | 450 | 10.7 | 180.0 |
| 20000 | 2100 - 3150 | 3190 - 5000 | 450 | 13.2 | 566.0 |
IS 12701: Method of Deformation Test - Key Points
Where:
| SI No. | Test | Reference Clause/Annex |
|---|---|---|
| vi) | Resistance to deformation | 7.1 and Annex B |
flowchart TD
Start[Start: Measure Initial Dimensions] --> ApplyLoad[Apply Load per Clause 7.1]
ApplyLoad --> MeasureFinal[Measure Final Dimensions]
MeasureFinal --> CalculateDeform[Calculate Deformation %]
CalculateDeform --> CheckConformity[Check Against Annex D Criteria]
CheckConformity --> End[End: Pass/Fail]
This method ensures structural integrity by quantifying dimensional changes under load.
IS 12701: Impact Resistance Test for Polyethylene Water Tanks
| SI No. | Test | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| vii) | Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2, Annex C |
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Impactor Mass (m) | 5 to 10 kg (as per Annex C) |
| Drop Height (h) | 1 to 2 meters (as per Annex C) |
| Impact Energy (E) | Calculated from above |
flowchart TD
A[Fill Tank to Specified Level] --> B[Drop Impactor of Mass m from Height h]
B --> C[Observe Tank for Cracks or Puncture]
C --> D{Any Damage?}
D -- No --> E[Pass Impact Test]
D -- Yes --> F[Fail Impact Test]
Note: Refer Annex C of IS 12701 for exact test setup, impactor dimensions, and acceptance criteria.
IS 12701: Sampling & Conformity Criteria for Routine Tests
| Test No. | Test Description | Reference Clause/Annex |
|---|---|---|
| i) | Band width/location | Fig. 1 |
| ii) | Outer dimensions and Weight | Table 1, Table 2 |
| iii) | Net capacity | Table 1, Table 2 |
| iv) | Gross capacity | Table 1, Table 2 |
| v) | Thicknesses | Table 1, Table 2 |
| vi) | Resistance to deformation | Clause 7.1, Annex B |
| vii) | Resistance to impact | Clause 7.2, Annex C |
| viii) | Test for top load resistance | Clause 7.3 |
| ix) | Tensile strength | Clause 7.4 |
| x) | Flexural modulus | Clause 7.5 |
flowchart TD
A[Lot Received] --> B[Random Sampling (IS 4905:1968)]
B --> C[Perform Routine Tests (Table 3)]
C --> D{All Samples Conform?}
D -- Yes --> E[Lot Accepted]
D -- No --> F[Lot Rejected or Reprocessed]
For detailed dimensions, weight, and capacity limits, refer to Table 1 and Table 2 of IS 12701. For deformation, impact, tensile, and flexural tests, follow the respective clauses and annexes.
IS 12701 - Threaded Connection Details (Clause 9.1 & 9.2)
| Tank Capacity (liters) | Nominal Bore Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 750 | 12.5 |
| 751 - 2,000 | 25 |
| 2,001 - 4,000 | 40 |
| 4,001 - 10,000 | 50 |
| Above 10,000 | 75 |
graph LR
A[Wall of Tank] --> B[Rubber Gasket]
B --> C[Male Threaded Connection]
C --> D[Hexagonal Check Nut]
D --> E[Outlet Pipe]
This ensures a leak-proof, corrosion-resistant connection suitable for potable water tanks.
Frequently Asked
Material Requirements for Polyethylene in IS 12701 Water Tanks:
| Property | Requirement | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Polyethylene Grade | Rotational moulded grade | Clause 4.2 |
| Anti-oxidants | ≤ 0.3% mass, physiologically harmless | IS 10141:1982 |
| Carbon Black (Outdoor) | Compounded, tested for content & dispersion | IS 2530:1963 |
| Service Temperature | +1°C to +50°C | Clause 1.1 |
This ensures durability, safety, and suitability for potable water storage.
Wall Thickness Specification & Measurement (IS 12701)
| Min. Net Capacity (L) | Length (mm) | Width (mm) | Height (mm) | Hand Hole Dia (mm) | Min. Wall Thickness (mm) | Weight (kg) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 150 | 620-820 | 620-820 | 285-485 | 300 | 2.75 | 6.6 |
| 200 | 930-1130 | 620-820 | 285-485 | 300 | 2.75 | 7.7 |
| 300 | 995-1200 | 620-820 | 285-485 | 300 | 2.75 | 11.0 |
| 400 | 1150-1350 | 855-1150 | 335-535 | 300 | 2.75 | 13.0 |
| 600 | 1150-1500 | 900-1250 | 335-535 | 300 | 2.75 | 17.5 |
Measurement Guidelines:
This ensures uniformity despite rotational moulding thickness variations at edges.
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IS 12701 Tests for Tank Resistance to Deformation and Impact
Compression Test (Clause 7.3.1)
Impact Resistance Test (Clause 7.2 & Annex C)
Type Tests (Clause 8.2)
| Test Type | Load/Impact | Duration | Acceptance Criteria | Applicable Tanks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compression Test | 100 kg load | ≥4 hours + 4 hr recovery | No cracks, surface returns flat | Capacity ≥ 1500 L |
| Impact Test | As per Annex C | - | No cracking or puncture | All tanks |
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This ensures structural integrity under typical operational stresses.
IS 12701 Standards for Fittings & Threaded Connections on Tanks
Material: Full threaded G.I. brass connections are used for inlet, outlet, and other connections. These must be non-corrosive and safe for potable water (Clause 9.1).
Sizes of Threaded Connections (Table 6):
| Tank Capacity (litres) | Nominal Bore Size (mm) |
|---|---|
| Up to 750 | 12.5 |
| 751 to 2,000 | 25 |
| 2,001 to 4,000 | 40 |
| 4,001 to 10,000 | 50 |
| Above 10,000 | 75 |
Thread Dimensions: Must conform to IS 554:1985 for male/female threads and IS 1879:1987 for fitting dimensions (elbows, tees, couplings, etc.) (Clause 9.2).
Overflow Pipe: Must have mosquito-proof device with max clearance ≤ 1.6 mm (Clause 9.1.1).
Installation Guidelines (Annex E):
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Summary: Use full threaded G.I. brass fittings
According to IS 12701 Clause 4.3, the use of recycled materials in water tank manufacture is strictly limited:
This ensures the tank's material quality, safety, and compliance with potable water standards.
| Material Type | Allowed in Manufacture? |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer's own reworked material | Up to 10% permitted |
| Recycled waste from other sources | Not allowed |
| Fillers or external recycled materials | Not allowed |
This maintains water purity and structural integrity as per IS 12701 requirements.
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