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IS 12839:2018 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for polyethylene water storage tanks (moulded) - specification. This standard specifies the requirements for rotational moulded polyethylene (PE) water storage tanks up to 10,000 litres capacity. It covers material properties, construction, performance criteria like impact strength and reversion, and marking to ensure tanks are safe for storing drinking water.
Specifies material, manufacturing, and performance requirements for moulded polyethylene water storage tanks for domestic use.
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! Always ensure the tank has the ISI mark and a complete manufacturer's label as per Clause 9 before purchase.
! Black tanks generally offer better UV resistance and prevent algae growth compared to lighter colors, though the code's primary requirement is opacity.
! Installation requires a firm, flat, and level base that supports the entire bottom surface to prevent stress concentration and failure.
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
polyethyleneplasticpolymersLLDPE
International Equivalents
Similar International Standards
AS/NZS 4766:2020Standards Australia / Standards New Zealand (AU/NZ)
HighCurrent
Polyethylene storage tanks for water and chemicals
Covers rotationally moulded polyethylene tanks for non-pressurised water and chemical storage.
ASTM D1998-15(2021)ASTM International (US)
MediumCurrent
Standard Specification for Polyethylene Upright Storage Tanks
Focuses on rotationally moulded vertical polyethylene tanks, but often with an industrial/chemical storage emphasis.
NSF/ANSI/CAN 61NSF International / ANSI / CSA Group (US/CA)
LowCurrent
Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects
Specifies health effects and material safety (leaching) for potable water contact, not the tank's structural or physical performance.
BS EN 13575:2002BSI (UK) / CEN (Europe)
MediumCurrent
Static thermoplastic tanks for the above ground storage of chemicals - Blow moulded or rotationally moulded polyethylene tanks - Requirements and test methods
Covers blow moulded and rotomoulded PE tanks, but with a primary focus on chemical storage rather than specifically domestic water.
Key Differences
≠Wall Thickness Determination: IS 12839 provides prescriptive minimum wall thickness values in a table based on tank capacity and location (top, middle, bottom). In contrast, standards like ASTM D1998 provide design formulas to calculate the required thickness based on hoop stress, material properties, and specific gravity of the liquid.
≠Impact Test Conditions: IS 12839 specifies a dart impact test performed at a low temperature of 4°C to assess low-temperature toughness. Most international equivalents, like AS/NZS 4766, conduct their impact tests at ambient temperatures (e.g., 23°C).
≠Opacity (Light Transmittance) Test: The Indian Standard uses a qualitative test where no light from a 40W bulb should be visible through a sample. AS/NZS 4766 employs a quantitative method, specifying that the total luminous transmittance must not exceed 0.1%, which is a more precise and repeatable measurement.
≠UV Resistance Specification: AS/NZS 4766 explicitly requires material for outdoor tanks to meet a UV8 classification (minimum 8000 hours of weathering resistance). IS 12839 does not have an equivalent quantitative UV resistance requirement, instead relying on a thermal stability (OIT) test which does not directly measure performance against solar radiation.
Key Similarities
≈Core Material and Manufacturing: Both IS 12839 and its international counterparts primarily cover tanks manufactured from polyethylene (PE) using rotational or blow moulding processes.
≈Primary Application: The standards share the common primary purpose of specifying requirements for tanks intended for the storage of potable water at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure.
≈Workmanship and Finish: All standards mandate a one-piece moulded construction with a smooth internal surface, free of sharp corners or defects, to prevent microbial growth and facilitate cleaning.
≈Marking and Identification: Both IS 12839 and other standards like AS/NZS 4766 require permanent, legible marking on the tank body that includes manufacturer details, nominal capacity, manufacturing date, and reference to the compliance standard.
Parameter Comparison
Parameter
IS Value
International
Source
Thermal Stability (OIT)
Min. 20 minutes at 200°C for raw material.
Min. 20 minutes at 200°C for material from the finished tank.
AS/NZS 4766:2020
Impact Test Energy
5 kg dart from 2m height (98 Joules) for tanks ≤2000L at 4°C.
Varies by thickness; e.g., 100 Joules for wall thickness 4.5-6.5mm at 23°C.
AS/NZS 4766:2020
Opacity Test Method
Qualitative: No visible light from a 40W lamp at 100 mm.
Quantitative: Total luminous transmittance shall not exceed 0.1%.
AS/NZS 4766:2020
Raw Material MFI
Not more than 7.0 g/10 min (at 190°C, 5 kgf).
Not specified; performance-based approach focusing on final product properties like ESCR and density.
ASTM D1998-15(2021)
Wall Thickness Approach
Prescriptive: Table of minimum thicknesses based on capacity.
Performance-Based: Formula to calculate thickness based on hydrostatic head and material properties.
ASTM D1998-15(2021)
Capacity Range
Covers nominal capacities from 200 L to 10,000 L.
Covers nominal capacities from 400 L to 50,000 L.
AS/NZS 4766:2020
⚠ Verify details from original standards before use
Virgin food-grade polyethylene conforming to IS 10146 (Clause 3.1).
How can I verify a tank is suitable for drinking water?+
It must be made of food-grade material, carry the ISI Mark, and be labelled 'For Drinking Water' (Clause 9.1).
What is the maximum capacity covered by this standard?+
The standard covers tanks with a nominal capacity up to 10,000 litres (Clause 1.1).
Does the code specify a minimum wall thickness?+
No, the standard does not mandate a specific wall thickness but requires the tank to pass performance tests like impact strength (Clause 6.4) and be free from defects (Clause 5.1).