Frank Hiebert
First of all it must be stated that pressure is force restricted to a unit area. The formula is Pressure = density height. It makes no difference how much volume of water you have in your tank, whether it be rectangular or cylindrical. What we are concerned with is the height and density of the medium, which I am assuming is water. 1 ft water column produces .434 psi(pounds per square inch). By simply multiplying .434 psi 10 ft we get a pressure of 4.34 lbs/square inch. Thus the pressure exerted at the bottom of your tank is 4.34 pounds per square inch. If it was a million gallon tank with a height of 10 feet the answere would still be the same. Force however is defined as a simple push, pull or weight. Force = Area pressure. So if your tank is cylindrical the area on the bottom would be 3.14 times the radius squared = 3.14 square feet, or about 452 square inches. So then Force = 452 square inches 4.34 lbs/square inch which gives a force of aproximatly 1,962.5 lbs. exerted on the bottom of the tank by the water. Don’t confuse force and pressure with weight. If it is simply weight you are looking for, the capacity of your cylindrical tank would be 31.4 cubic feet. One cubic feet of water weighs 62.5 lbs thus you can hold 1,962.5 lbs of water in your tank. Notice how the weight and force are the same here, they aren’t always, it depends on the shape of the container….. thats why I showed you 
. Hope somewhere in here you find the answere you were looking for. Keep in mind these numbers have been rounded off a little and I am basing these calculations at standard temperature and pressure.
Frank Hiebert
3rd yr apprentice
Edmonton, Alberta
Now a little note for 4th year;
Are you not becoming the biggest hypocrite that walked the face of the earth, based on what you have been calling us, and complaining about? Are you answereing the questions and not attacking the posts of other plumbers on this board? Doesn’t seem like it to me my friend. Instead you attack Sylvan for every little typo he makes knowing full well that he is far more knowledgable in this field than ten of you and I both put together!! You would be amazed at what you can learn. I have never been maliciously critical of anyone elses responses on this board until now….but you Mr fourth year have pissed me off with your last few remarks about me in other posts. The next time you have something to say to me I would appreciate it if you would e-mail me privately. I would do the same but it appears your e-mail is not available eh? Probably don’t want any feedback from some of the unfortunate peaple who have taken some of your your irresponsible advice (in fairness not all your posts are bad), however some are so far out in left field I can’t help but wonder where, and if you even went to school. Just how damned long have you been a fourth year apprentice anyway? Judging by some of your responses I find it hard to believe that you got through your second year. What the hell have they been teaching you?Nevermind I’m really not that interested. In fact this is the last time I wish to discuss it, unless of course YOU decide to continue babbling about me in a public forum. Thats all I have to say.
