Secure your flows with a modular, compact and ready-to-install buffer tank
A buffer tank designed by 1h2o3 protects your treatment system, absorbs flow peaks and simplifies daily operation, for compliant discharges and a more serene plant.
- Domestic & Industrial Wastewater
- Stormwater
- REUT & process
- Network/process input
- Buffer tank & flow regulation
- Treatment station 1h2o3
- Safe rejection or reuse
What is the purpose of a buffer tank?
Flow control, quality homogenization and operational safety to supply constant flow treatments.
Store and regulate
Absorbs peaks and sends a regulated flow back to downstream structures.
In concrete terms, during a peak (washing, rain, batch), the pool plays the role of “hydraulic lung”: it temporarily stores the excess, then returns at a controlled flow rate in order to avoid any overloading phenomenon.
Homogenize
BOD/COD, MES, pH, temperature → easy adjustments.
Internal mixing (stirring or gentle aeration) eliminates the differences in concentration between the top and bottom of the tank and keeps the solids in suspension: the water is more stable and predictable for the following stages.
Secure
Buffer volume in the event of a sudden influx or downstream failure.
In the event of a pump shutdown, downstream alarm or suspicious batch, the tank also serves as a “buffer zone” to isolate, analyse and decide on the right treatment without risking an outsized discharge.
Immediate operational benefits
Less jolt on filters, membranes, UV or biological reactors, therefore less clogging, less clogging and more stable reagent settings. The result: smoother performance and more consistent compliance over time
Sizing — method & data
The recommended volume is calculated from the flow rates, production times and the targeted smoothing, supplemented by the effluent characteristics. The objective is not to “over-size”, but to find the balance between safety and compactness.
- Average & peak flow rate (m³/h) — measured or estimated values.
- Production time (h/d) & desired smoothing (h) — e.g. smoothing a peak over 8 h.
- Temperature (°C), pH, possible harsh chemicals .
- Type of effluent : urban, industrial, process, rain, leachate, aquaculture, etc.
These inlets make it possible to evaluate the minimum volume to absorb the tip without overflowing, to estimate the power of the return pumps and to anticipate the material resistance (insulation, chemical compatibility).
- Recommended buffer volume (m³) with appropriate safety margin.
- Reference 1H2O3 suggested (e.g. BT300 ≈ 12 m³, indoor/outdoor).
- Estimated pumping power, draining speeds and residence time.
- Indicative quote and recommended options (agitation, aeration, lid, instrumentation).
On request, we provide compact scenario modeling (short tip, long tip, rain) to visualize the filling/emptying dynamics and secure your choice.
Why use it?
To make your supply chain predictable : instead of being subject to the variability of arrivals, you impose a constant rhythm on downstream treatments. This improves quality, reduces consumption and simplifies operation.
Peak hours, seasonal variations and rainy events are smoothed out. The biological treatment works in its comfort zone, with fewer dropouts and odors.
Batches, CIP and washing are once again compatible with downstream structures that are sized as accurately as possible. Fewer toxic peaks, fewer pH excursions, more serenity in auditing.
Stable flow rate improves UV/membrane efficiency and protects biomass. Homogenization avoids temperature and load shocks.
Different types — standard range
Standardised and combinable modules to compose your useful volume. Each part number can be supplied in an internal (M) or external (ME) version with non-slip cover and cylinders.
≈ 2.6 m³ — ultra-compact for cramped or pilot technical rooms. Installation on slabs, tapping à la carte.
≈ 4 m³ — booster buffer for 100–300 PE stations, morning peak management.
≈ 8 m³ — multipurpose municipal/industrial. Can carry several return pumps with alternation.
≈ 12 m³ — very common for high daily peaks. Exterior version with lockable hood available.
≈ 16 m³ — increased volume with the same footprint (increased height). Ideal when there is not enough floor space.
≈ 16–20 m³+ — XL modules optimized for container logistics. Perfect for export and containerized systems.
Structural & Integration Options
- Custom taps (diameter/position), by-pass, calibrated overflows
- “Double skin” base for additional retention in sensitive areas
- Above-ground, semi-in-ground or underground installation — self-supporting maintained
- Materials and seals compatible with specific effluents (temperature, chemistry)
CAPEX / OPEX
Smoothing avoids oversizing of downstream equipment and reduces operating costs. A properly sized pool pays for itself through the savings generated.
Optimized CAPEX
Instead of buying a clarifier or a “tip sized” membrane line, you size to the actual need. The reduction of footprint and stainless steel/electromechanical is immediate.
Lower reactant and energy consumption, especially in transient phases. Fewer stops and curative interventions.
Fewer incidents, fewer non-compliances and penalties. The station becomes more predictable, making it easier to operate and plan maintenance.
Operation — in 4 steps
From fluctuating arrival to regulated returns, with controls and safety to manage the unexpected without degrading quality.
Variable influxes (daily, seasonal, rain, batches). Continuous level measurement.
Gentle agitation/aeration to avoid deposits and stratification, homogenize pH/temperature.
Return pumps with alternating and flow setpoints; possibility of dimmer for finesse.
Overflow, high/low level alarms, remote management, volume and state historization.
Advantages 1h2o3
Our buffer tank are designed to stabilize your flows, simplify adjustments, and reduce downtime. Thanks to their self-supporting and modular design, they can be installed in several ways depending on your site: above-ground, semi-underground or completely buried, while maintaining the same robustness and ease of operation.
- ⚙️ Increased continuity
- 🏗️ 2 modes d’implantation
- 🧰 Maintenance simplifiée
- ♻️ Plastiques 100% recyclables
- 🌡️Trop plein de sécurité
- Semi‑enterrée : compromis entre intégration et accessibilité. Réduction de l’impact visuel et des nuisances, garde‑corps et trappe d’accès sécurisée en surface, génie civil allégé par rapport à l’enterré.
- Complètement enterrée : intégration paysagère maximale (zones urbaines/touristiques). Capot renforcé et antidérapant, regards de visite, by‑pass de sécurité et ventilation prévus. Gestion de la nappe avec drain périphérique et géotextile, ancrage si poussée d’Archimède.
- Intérieur / extérieur : isolation > 50 mm pour limiter les pertes thermiques, matériaux résistants en milieu agressif, options passerelles et points d’ancrage EPI pour la maintenance.
- 1 Standardisé & modulaire
Modules « BOX » combinables : démarrez simple, ajoutez homogénéisation, neutralisation pH ou reprise dédiée sans re-concevoir toute la filière. - 2 Compact & autoportant
Parois droites = volume utile maximisé. Pose hors-sol, semi-enterrée ou enterrée, avec peu de génie civil et un déploiement rapide. - 3 Durable & sécurisé
Plastiques épais 100 % recyclables, isolation > 50 mm, capots antidérapants verrouillables, trop-plein et options garde-corps/EPI. - 4 Instrumentation & supervision
Sondes de niveau, alternance pompes, variateurs, télégestion et historiques : conduite sereine et alarmes proactives. - 5 Options d’intégration
Piquages sur mesure, by-pass, fond « double peau », matériaux compatibles effluents spécifiques, documentation CE complète.
Questions
What is the difference with a simple retention tank?
The 1h2o3 buffer tank is designed as a process control tool: it is equipped, instrumented and integrated into the treatment process to act on water flows and quality, whereas a retention tank is limited to passive storage.
Is the buffer tank mandatory?
It is not always required by regulation, but it is often essential to comply with discharge permits in the long term and to protect the existing plant from load peaks and shocks.
How to avoid odors?
Controlled residence time, light movement, possible ventilation and cover with air treatment. From the design stage, these points are taken into account to prevent nuisances.
Underground or aerial?
The choice depends on the space, topography and access. The freestanding versions allow all three: above-ground (quick installation), semi-underground (compromised) or underground (landscape integration).
