How can I move a slate cistern?

[jadrysdale]

Dear All,

I have a large slate cistern that used to collect rain water and I want to remove it intact for use in the garden. Can anyone give me any ideas on how I can do this?

I the cistern is about 1.2m by 1.2m square and 1m deep. I estimate the weight to be about 650kg. It is located above a corridor ( 0.8m wide) that leads to what was the kitchen. It is supported on some wooden beams that have one end in the external wall of the building and one end on top of the kitchen wall. This kitchen wall will be removed. The tank is partly above the kitchen wall

My first task is to lower it about 2 meters. I have considered trying to disassemble the tank into its 5 separate slate slabs but it is “glued” together with something as well as being held by bolts.

Above the tank is the sloping internal surface of the roof. At its lowest point the roof is 1m above the tank.

Thank you for any help you can give me.

James

 

[RedHerring2]

Two of these: http://www.hss.com/g/72005/454kg-Lift-stacker-Manual-Sl10.html

 

[jeds]

650kg sounds a lot. If the slabs are 25mm thick I make the weight more like about 450kg. Worth checking because that 200kg could make a big difference between what sort of lifting equipment you use and what you use as support.

My initial thought is to use a beam lifter, but depending on that weight you might be able to lower it with a chain block.

 

[jadrysdale]

Hi, The slabs that make up the side of the tank are 38mm thick and i have assumed the base is the same.

 

[jeds]

In that case 650kg might even be slightly under. That is a very big weight to be lifting in a confined space. I think I'd have another look at taking it apart.

 

[jadrysdale]

I would like to take it apart. Does anyone know what the glue is likely to be and what would be a good solvent?

James

 

[noseall]

I would like to take it apart. Does anyone know what the glue is likely to be and what would be a good solvent?

James

Whatever adhesive/sealant they used it is pretty good stuff to withstand a full tank of that capacity!

I guess an incision into the roof + crane will be too disruptive?

The chances of shifting a 1.2m square box weighing over half a tonne through a domestic dwelling is not really feasible. Is it.

 

[r896neo]

You could try cutting it apart. slate is pretty soft and if you get a clean edge you cn always try to reconstruct it to be water-tight or at least rebuild it and put a liner in it.

Using a grinder or power saw in a confined space indoors is hellish though.

 

[RedHerring2]

The chances of shifting a 1.2m square box weighing over half a tonne through a domestic dwelling is not really feasible. Is it.

I the cistern is about 1.2m by 1.2m square and 1m deep. I estimate the weight to be about 650kg. It is located above a corridor ( 0.8m wide) that leads to what was the kitchen.

Once it's down it won't fit in the corridor!

 

[jeds]

I would have thought that once you get a blade going in the joint it will probably come apart easier than you think. Adhesive bond is obviously a factor but it is not as important as surface area.Take the example of a fish tank - even the really big ones are 6mm glass with joints made from standard silicone sealant. Try to pull it apart and you've got no chance. (the pressure applied by a tank full of water is huge) Slip a thin blade in the joint and they come apart like butter. I know I've done it.

 

[jadrysdale]

Hi,

I thought I would finish this post off by letting you know how I got the tank down in the end. I Used large beams to construct a frame above the tank onto which I attached two hoists. These were attached to a H shaped insert into the top of the tank that was secured to the tank using two 2.5T ratchet straps. I tried this out and it lifted the tank OK. After liberal application of acro props me and my friend Andy (thanks Andy) demolished the wall which was partly under the tank. Once the wall was gone ropes were tied to all the acros and the tank lifted up. Once up everything was pulled out and the tank lowered onto some big casters bought of e-bay. All that remains now is to claim the £5 from my uncle who bet I couldn't get it down in one.

 

[noseall]

All that remains now is to claim the £5 from my uncle who bet I couldn't get it down in one.

How ya gonna get it out eh?

 

[jadrysdale]

Hi,

The tank is now on its side and will easily fit out of the wide doorway to the room it is in.

 

[TheVictorian]

Good work!

 

[dormermike]

brave!

Got any pics?