Afritic Open Farming Standard

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====== 8 m Steel Water Tower 5,000 L ======

AOFS Reference Implementation: 8 m Steel Water Tower with 5,000 L nylon tank.  
Designed for **simple, off-the-shelf steel construction** using locally available materials.

This blueprint is **non-normative** and intended as a **practical, low-tech reference** for smallholder farms, NGOs, or off-grid installations.

{{gallery>:reference_implementations:water_towers:water_tower_steel_5000}}

===== Functional Purpose =====

  * Store 5,000 L of water in a tank elevated ~8 m for gravity-fed irrigation  
  * Provide a higher-head water source for farms requiring greater pressure  
  * Integrate optionally with AOFS Field Controllers for water level monitoring  

===== Structural Concept =====

  * 8 m high **simple steel frame tower** (e.g., prefabricated angles or trusses)  
  * Supports a **standard 5,000 L nylon tank** (locally available)  
  * Open-top tank for inspection and filling  
  * Integrated Ladder for maintenance
  * Tank should be secured to the steel frame to resist tipping or lateral movement.
  * Consider temporary ballast or partial filling if the tank will be left empty for extended periods.
  * Site placement should minimize exposure to prevailing winds.
  * Designed to be **assembled with basic tools and local labor**  

===== Hydraulic Layout =====

  * Tank outlet feeds irrigation zones by gravity  
  * **Minimum outlet height prevents complete emptying** to maintain tank stability  
  * Isolation valve allows manual control  
  * Overflow routed safely to drainage or secondary container  
  * Optional integration with a small pump for secondary irrigation zones  

===== Safety Considerations =====

  * Keep steel frame connections tight and stable  
  * Ladder and hatch should be used carefully
  * Ladder should be protected from being accessed by children
  * Ensure the frame is level and anchored for basic stability
  * Empty or near-empty tanks are more susceptible to wind forces; take care during strong wind events
  * Ensure tank straps, brackets, or anchoring to the frame are installed and checked regularly
  * Overflow and basic manual valve operation prevent flooding  

===== Manual Operation Pathways =====

  * Tank filling and irrigation can be done manually if electronics fail  
  * Paper-based logs or measurement sheets supported  

===== Controller Integration Points =====

  * Optional water level sensor for Field Controller logging  
  * AOFS control can read tank level for irrigation scheduling  
  * Controller can enforce a minimum water level to ensure the tank remains gravity-stable against wind forces
  * Controller may connect to global weather forecasts when internet is available
    * High wind or storm warnings trigger alerts to the operator
    * Controller can temporarily fill or maintain tank level to prevent tipping during forecasted high winds
    * Irrigation may be suspended or modified to reduce risk to infrastructure
  * Manual bypass always available — irrigation continues even if electronics are offline  

===== Versioning Note =====

  * This design is **simple and locally adjustable**, so traditional versioning does not really apply
  * Builders may adapt frame dimensions, tank placement, or assembly method according to available steel, tools, and skills
  * Basic stability and functional operation should be maintained
Afritic Open Farming Standard

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