3 Reasons to Invest in Portable Water Storage Tanks

How Water Storage Tanks Can Save Money, Time, and Lives

Having access to water is essential. 

Whether that water is for drinking, landscaping, or for extinguishing wildfires, having a portable water supply is important to do your job faster and easier. Investing in a portable water storage tank will provide access to water in situations when it is needed most.

Here are five reasons your business needs to invest in a portable water storage tank.

1. Transport water in emergency situations.

When emergencies arise that limit our access to water, having our own supply is imperative. When roads are flooded after a hurricane and clean water is a scarce commodity, having an on-hand, portable water storage tank could be a lifesaver.

These tanks are made from highly resistant polyethylene materials that range in capacity size from 210 to 465 gallons. If you need to transport drinking water, the interior of these tanks can be coated to meet FDA standards for safe drinking water.

There are also larger options for emergency water transport.The Argo water trailer is designed to access off-road farms and remote locations. One benefit of this trailer is its ability to quickly access and address bale, cotton, or grass fires.

2. Clean off dirty equipment.

Sometimes the most important thing for your business is to safely transport water around for various tasks. 

Equipment gets dirty and needs to be washed down after work is completed or employees need water in remote locations. Whatever the reason, a DOT compliant water tank trailer is a solution to your water transporting needs.

Our 500 gallon Argo water tank trailer is equipped to handle many of your water storage requirements. 

Made with high strength polyethylene, the tank is situated on a DOT compliant trailer and outfitted with hoses, pumps, and spray equipment. These tank trailers are resistant to rust and corrosion, and are ideal for remote areas.

3.  Fight fires in rural areas.

When a fire breaks out in a remote area, emergency services might not be able to make it to your location before the fire spreads to buildings, damages other property, or harms people and animals. Having a portable fire protection water storage tank allows you to transport water anywhere on your property and in other rural locations. A portable storage tank with high capacities provides greater resources to put out any fires that should occur.

Our fire suppression water trailers are equipped with a 25-foot hose and 2-inch pump with a Honda engine for fire prevention. The polyethylene tank is designed for off-road use to handle the most remote of locations. This tank trailer’s hose has the ability to target spray areas and also cover large amounts of ground with an adjustable spray bar. 

The tank’s black color is an added benefit. Because light is blocked from reaching the water, it reduces the likelihood of algae forming in the tank. You can also use this tank as a reserve. 

Choosing Your Portable Water Storage Tank

Whatever the water needs are for your business site, having a portable water storage tank will save you time, money, and worry in the long run. Whether this tank is 200 or 1,600 gallons, choosing the size and type of tank will depend on your business applications, needs, and goals.

Do you want to know what kind of portable water storage tank solution is right for you? 

To learn more about GEI Works, contact us at +1-772-646-0597 to receive one-on-one assistance with all your water storage needs.

Deicing Aircraft and Runways for Safe Travel

Ensuring that an aircraft is in proper working order prior to takeoff is essential for the safety of everyone on board. During the winter months, that often means removing any snow, ice, or frost that may accumulate on the wings or tail. The smallest amount of accumulation can negatively affect Performance and safety.  Luckily, there are safe methods to keep ice off aircraft, and safe  material storage solutions.

What Impact Does Snow, Ice, and Frost Have?
When snow, ice, or frost accumulates on the wings or tail of an aircraft, it changes the shape of the part. Components of an airplane are designed to exact specifications to provide the proper amount of lift, so even the slightest amount of frost can have a negative impact. To clear the plane of these winter effects and avoid future problems, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that deicing and anti-icing take place should any snow, ice, or frost accumulate on an aircraft. They recommend deicing:

• Wings
• Vertical & Horizontal Tail Surfaces
• Fuselage
• Engine Inlets & Fan Blades
• Control Surfaces & Gaps
• Landing Gear & Landing Gear Door
• Antennas & Sensors
• Propellers
• Runways

What is Lift?

The most important parts of an aircraft are the wings and tail. Both of these parts are intentionally designed as a specific shape to provide the proper amount of lift. The wings of most airplanes feature an airfoil, shaped with curved upper and flatter lower parts. This shape redirects the air and alters the air pressure, lifting the aircraft.

When the engines thrust the aircraft forward, the air is heading directly toward the front of the wing. As it reaches the wing, it splits with some air molecules moving over the wing and others dipping under the wing. By the time the air moving around the wing heads toward the back, the air above and below the wing is moving in a downward direction, lifting the aircraft.

Deicing an Airplane

If snow, ice, or frost has accumulated on an airplane, the first step is removal. Deicing a plane usually involves the spraying of a pressurized deicing fluid— a mixture of water and ethylene glycol, a popular antifreeze. Glycol is often used because it lowers the freezing point of the water, allowing the mixture to be more effective. Once heated, the deicing agent is applied to the aircraft where necessary.

Anti-Icing an Airplane

While deicing an aircraft will remove any snow, ice, or frost, it does little to prevent future accumulation before or during flight.

If additional snow, ice, or frost falls onto the plane, an anti-icing fluid will be required to keep the wings clear. This fluid has a higher concentration of glycol than the deicing agent, lowering the freezing point to well below 32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius. This specific concentration easily prevents precipitation from freezing onto the aircraft. It also includes an additive that further thickens the mixture, making application and adherence of the product easy.

Spraying the Plane

When spraying a deicing or anti-icing agent on larger commercial jets, the FAA recommends using two to four deicing rigs. These vehicles typically feature an arm that raises the spraying apparatus so it can hover over the wing of the plane. Large airports often have separate vehicles that spray deicing agents on runways and taxiways. For smaller airports with fewer resources, a deicing trailer may be used to deice both planes and runways.

Deicing a Runway

The deicing or anti-icing of an airplane will improve takeoff and flight, but it’s not the only factor to consider. If a plane lands on a piece of ice sitting on a runway, regardless of the condition of the plane, it can lose control and skid off the surface. To avoid this, a deicing or anti-icing agent is applied, improving the surface friction for better breaking action and directional control. The materials used for this purpose is often referred to as pavement deicing products (PDP) or runway deicing fluid (RDF). The applications of these products lower the freezing point of water, causing the frozen elements to melt or prevent the freezing or re-freezing of liquid.

Storage Solutions Made Simple with Argo

Argo Water Trailers sold by GEI Works are a versatile and practical water storage solution, in that they can serve both to apply anti-icing or de-icing solutions to small aircraft, and can also spray roadways and runways to prevent ice or snow accumulation.  In warmer weather, water trailers are frequently used to wash aircraft, transport water, or for grounds keeping.  Built to your specifications, to exacting quality standards, the Argo Water Trailer delivers. 

If you’re interested in a deicer trailer or deicing brine storage, call us at 772-646-0597 or email us at info@geiworks.com to get a quote today!

Brake Your Trailer the Right Way...

Deciding Between Electric Brakes and Surge Brakes for Your Water Trailer

There are two types of braking systems that are commonly included with water trailers; electric brakes and surge brakes. Both systems have advantages and disadvantages, with the main difference being that electric brakes are activated through an electronic connection to the towing vehicle and surge brakes are activated mechanically. While you may have heard of these systems, do you know what the differences are? Or how to decide between the two options? Let’s look a little deeper into these two braking systems.

What are Electric Brakes?

The electric braking system is managed through a controller mounted in the tow vehicle, usually located underneath the dashboard so the driver can easily reach it by hand or foot if needed. The system works through the vehicle and trailer’s wiring. Taking 12 volts DC from the towing vehicle’s electrical system, the electricity is sent back to the trailer to activate the brakes.

There are two ways that electrical braking can be activated. The first is simply by stepping on the brake pedal of the towing vehicle. As the brakes are applied, the wiring activates the brakes on the trailer, causing the vehicle and trailer to stop simultaneously. The second way is through the manual activation lever or button, present with all brake controls. This allows the driver to manually send power from the towing vehicle’s electrical system to the trailer behind.

How do Electric Brakes Work?


A key component of the electric braking system is a magnet that is attached to the backing plate of the brake assembly. When the towing vehicle brakes, it sends electricity to the trailer’s braking system causing the magnet to become magnetized and attract to the drum face. This action causes the actuating arm to move through friction and pushes the brake shoe against the drum to cause the wheel to stop spinning.

What are Surge Brakes?

While electric brakes can be immediately applied by the driver of a towing vehicle, surge brakes are applied through a series of mechanisms and the use of centrifugal force. The neck of the trailer is two separate pieces. The front piece contains the hitch attachment, while the back half contains the braking mechanism. When the towing vehicle applies its brakes, the resulting motion causes the front half of the neck to slide into the back half. It then causes a rod to push into the master cylinder. This action forces fluid to the drum or disc brakes and stops the trailer. A wheel cylinder, located inside the brake, expands with the surge of fluid, pushing the brake shoe against the drum or squeezing the disc which stops the wheels. When the towing vehicle moves forward, the neck of the trailer extends, separating the rod and master cylinder and releasing the brakes.

Emergency Breakaway Systems

For the safety of fellow motorists, federal law requires that the braking systems of trailers must automatically activate should the trailer detach from the towing vehicle. In electric brakes, this is done through a battery-operated activator which energizes the electromagnets on the wheels and stops them from spinning. Surge braking systems include a mechanical cable or chain that is connected to the towing vehicle and activates the master cylinder, causing the trailer to slow and stop.

Which Braking System Should You Choose?

The braking system you choose depends on what factors are more important to you. Surge brakes are popular because the system is completely within the trailer, while electric braking systems require the installation of a controller inside the towing vehicle. However, electric brakes are often preferred for increased safety. With surge brakes, the towing vehicle must first brake before the trailer can causing a split second delay and requiring a longer distance needed to safely stop. Electric brakes allow the trailer to brake with the towing vehicle, making driving downhill and quick stops much safer, especially when towing larger capacity water tanks.

There are two different types of brakes that can come with water trailers; electric brakes or surge brakes. These types of brakes each have their own advantages and disadvantages, with the right choice depending on your preferences. Knowing which brake system is right for you can assist you in making your water trailer decision.

Questions? We can help!  Call Us at 772-646-0597 or email us at info@geiworks.com to get a quote today!

Our Water Trailer Experts can help you choose the right option:

 Electrical Brake Systems                                                             

                                                        

License to Drive: Taking Your Water Trailer Out on the Road

When operating a vehicle towing a water trailer, a common question is whether you need a commercial driver’s license. The answer to that question depends on factors such as the size of the vehicle, the size of the trailer, and what the trailer will be used for. We’ll take you through some of these requirements and why an 800 gallon water trailer might be the right size for your needs.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle Act of 1986
Driving certain vehicles requires the acquisition of a commercial driver’s license to prove you’re capable of handling the size. Prior to 1986, states set regulations for driving commercial vehicles themselves. This created a problem when those vehicles crossed state lines, where there were potentially different regulations. To solve this issue, Congress enacted the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 which set federal standards regarding these commercial vehicles.

What is a Commercial Vehicle?

The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) defines a commercial motor vehicle as a vehicle used in commerce to transport passengers or property, if that vehicle and any towed is greater than 26,000 pounds. It also applies if the vehicle is towing more than 10,000 pounds. Additionally, if the vehicle weighs less than 26,000 pounds but can carry 16 people or more, including the driver, it is considered a commercial vehicle and requires the acquisition of a commercial driver’s license. There may be additional requirements for what constitutes a commercial motor vehicle, such as having more than two axles, so check with your individual state’s DOT if you have any questions.

How Do You Know the Weight of Your Vehicle?

The United States DOT classifies all vehicles by their gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), and ranks them from class one to class eight by weight. They’ve done this for safety regulation, commercial designation, and registration purposes. Most residential vehicles are classified between class one and class three, meaning they weigh 14,000 pounds or less. While these vehicles typically are not considered commercial vehicles, they can be if they tow enough weight. Vehicle classifications as defined by the United States Department of Transportation are as follows:

Class 1 – 6,000 lbs. or less (minivan, cargo van, SUV, pickup truck)

Class 2 – 6,001 lbs. to 10,000 lbs. (minivan, cargo van, full-size pickup, step van)

Class 3 – 10,001 lbs. to 14,000 lbs. (walk-in, box truck, city delivery, heavy-duty pickup)

Class 4 – 14,001 lbs. to 16,000 lbs. (large walk-in, box truck, city delivery)

Class 5 – 16,001 lbs. to 19,500 lbs. (bucket truck, large walk-in, city delivery)

Class 6 – 19,501 lbs. to 26,000 lbs. (beverage truck, single-axle, school bus, rack truck)

Class 7 – 26,001 lbs. to 33,000 lbs. (refuse, furniture, city transit bus, truck tractor)

Class 8 – 33,001 lbs. or more (cement truck, truck tractor, dump truck, sleeper cab)

In addition to the DOT classifications, most vehicles feature a sticker on the inside door that will tell you the GVWR.

When Would You Need a Commercial Driver’s License?

If you’re just hauling the water trailer around your job site or private farm, you won’t need a commercial driver’s license. However, if you use public roads to reach your destination, you’ll want to be prepared. While you may not take your trailer on public roads now, you may need to in the future. In that instance, you’ll want the highest capacity water trailer available that falls under the 10,000-pound amount.

  

GEI Works Water-Hauling Experts are standing by to answer your questions!  Call us at 772-646-0597 or email us at info@geiworks.com for more information – or better yet – get a Quote Today!

Agricultural Water Trailers: "Water you waiting for?"

The Argo Water Trailer by GEI Works is often known for its dust suppression, firefighting, and liquid transport capabilities. Water trailers can function on construction sites, farms, and arenas by fitting the appropriate hose, nozzle and spray bar to a polyethylene tank, and while the water trailer excels at these tasks, the agricultural industry has popularized water trailers for the following seven uses:

1.    Mash spreading – Corn mash can be loaded into our water trailers with the addition of a few modifications to the pumping system of the water trailer. This mash can then be delivered to various locations and used as livestock feed. Often, this makes use of a common byproduct of distilleries.

2.     Pesticide application – Pesticides can be mixed into the water supply in the tank then sprayed onto the applicable crops. While there are often larger scale methods of accomplishing this, using a water trailer offers a more flexible method of application, along with the mobility of water transport.

3.     Odor suppression – With the use of certain organic cleaners, Argo Water Trailers can be optimized to eliminate odors on livestock and agricultural farms. It can be as simple as including a concentrated organic cleaner in the water reservoir of the trailer and applying it to a designated area.

4.     Biofertilization – As part of organic farming methods, biofertilization of crops is on the rise. Blue-green algae biofertilizer can pumped out of our water trailer in a similar fashion as a hydroseeding application, then distributed onto applicable crop fields for enriching the available nutrient levels

5.    Hydroseeding – Hydroseeding decreases erosion and enriches the soil by distributing a mixture of seed, fertilizer, and mulch. Often used to prevent soil erosion, hydroseeding mixtures can be applied to fields and hillsides to prevent the erosion of cropland from water and wind.

6.   Livestock watering – Livestock watering is one of the simplest, but most important application for Argo trailers in the agricultural industry. Each water trailer comes standard with the capability of containing potable drinking water and, because of its mobility, can deliver this water to a location on-demand.

7.     Crop protection –Water trailers can be used for crop protection in the winter. In Florida, for example, farmers will spray down orange trees if the temperature will reach freezing that night. Crop icing isn’t limited to just oranges, however, as mangoes, avocados, strawberries, limes, and even corn can survive frost and freezing temperatures through the icing process. Read more here.

The agricultural industry is as vast as it is varied, and GEI Works strives to meet or exceed the needs of farmers and livestock owners. To learn more about product solutions by GEI Works, check out our  Water Trailers, Livestock Troughs, or CitrusTubs.