GRP Combined Tank and Pump Station (CTPS)
Tricel manufactures GRP Combined Tank and Pump Stations — a single integrated enclosure combining cold water storage with a dedicated working space for pumps, electrical equipment and tank ancillaries. One structure replaces both a separate tank and a separate pump room, saving space, programme time and cost.
- •Single GRP enclosure: cold water storage tank + pump station in one unit
- •Eliminates the need for a separate pump room, housing or kiosk
- •Available in one-piece and sectional (EFB, IFB and TIF) configurations
- •WRAS Regulation 4(1)a approved for potable cold water storage
- •Suitable for internal and external applications — residential and commercial
- •UK manufacturer — Tricel Water UK, Weston-super-Mare and Lanark
CTPS — Key Specification
Type
Combined tank & pump station
Configurations
One-piece; Sectional EFB / IFB / TIF
Pump section
Pumps, controls, electrical equipment
Application
Internal and external
Approval
WRAS Reg. 4(1)a — potable water
GRP standard
BS EN 13280:2001
Key advantage
No separate pump room needed
What is a Combined Tank and Pump Station (CTPS)?
A Combined Tank and Pump Station (CTPS) is a single GRP enclosure that integrates a cold water storage tank with a dedicated working space for water pumps, electrical equipment, controls and tank ancillaries. Rather than specifying a separate storage tank and a separate pump room or kiosk, the CTPS provides both within one structure. The pump section is sized to accommodate the required pump set, manifolding, isolation valves, controls and associated electrical equipment. This eliminates the need to construct or modify a separate pump room, reduces the total installation footprint, shortens the programme and provides a single weather-resistant, secure GRP enclosure for both functions. Tricel manufactures CTPS units in one-piece and sectional configurations — with sectional options available in EFB (Externally Flanged Base), IFB (Internally Flanged Base) and TIF (Totally Internally Flanged) formats — and the water storage section carries WRAS Regulation 4(1)a approval for potable cold water storage. CTPS units are suitable for both internal and external applications across residential and commercial projects.
01
What Is a CTPS
What Is a GRP Combined Tank and Pump Station?
A GRP Combined Tank and Pump Station is a single integrated enclosure manufactured in GRP, within which two functions coexist: cold water storage in one section, and a working pump station space in an adjacent section. The two areas share a common GRP wall within one outer enclosure — the whole unit is delivered and installed as a single product.
The traditional approach to a water storage and distribution installation requires a water storage tank in one location and a separate pump room, equipment housing or kiosk adjacent to or near it. This involves either constructing a purpose-built pump room, adapting an existing space, or procuring a separate GRP or steel kiosk alongside the tank. Each element adds procurement complexity, cost and programme time.
The CTPS eliminates that second procurement step. The pump station space is integral to the tank enclosure — delivered, positioned and connected as one unit. The result is a smaller total footprint, a shorter installation programme, a single GRP structure to maintain and a product that can be specified and installed without a separate pump room design exercise.
CTPS vs tank + separate enclosure: The difference is not the pump set itself — it is the housing. A CTPS provides the housing for the pump, controls and electrical equipment as an integral part of the GRP tank enclosure. The pump set specification is agreed separately with Tricel Pumps or the M&E designer as part of the project.
Conventional vs CTPS Approach
Conventional approach
- Specify GRP water storage tank
- Design and build separate pump room
- Or procure a separate GRP/steel kiosk
- Coordinate two separate deliveries and installations
CTPS approach
- Specify a single CTPS unit
- No separate pump room design or construction
- Single delivery, single installation, smaller footprint
- One GRP enclosure for tank and pump equipment
02
Advantages
Why Specify a CTPS?
The CTPS offers meaningful advantages over the conventional separate-tank-and-pump-room approach, particularly for external installations, space-constrained sites and projects where programme efficiency matters.
Smaller total footprint
Combining the tank and pump station into a single enclosure eliminates the space required for a separate pump room or kiosk alongside the tank. The CTPS uses the available plant room or external yard space more efficiently than two separate units.
Shorter installation programme
A single delivery, a single foundation, a single positioning operation and a single set of service connections replace the coordinated sequence of separate tank and pump room installations. This compresses the M&E installation programme and reduces site coordination complexity.
Cost-effective vs separate pump room
Specifying a CTPS avoids the cost of designing, supplying and installing a separate pump room enclosure. For external applications in particular, a bespoke pump kiosk alongside a separate tank adds significant cost. The CTPS provides the same function in a single fabricated GRP unit at a lower combined cost.
Ideal for external installation
The GRP enclosure is weather-resistant and provides secure, protected housing for both the stored water and the pump equipment. For external applications on commercial, industrial and infrastructure sites where an indoor plant room is not available, the CTPS provides a complete solution without additional weatherproofing works.
No pump room design required
Eliminating the pump room from the project scope removes a discrete design, procurement and construction activity. The pump station dimensions, access, ventilation and containment are resolved within the CTPS design rather than requiring a separate architectural or structural package.
Consistent water pressure
The integrated pump set delivers water from storage to the distribution system at the required pressure. Variable speed pump options ensure stable pressure to all outlets and reduce water hammer risk. All in one structure, from storage to distribution.
03
Configurations
CTPS Configurations Available
Tricel CTPS units are available in one-piece and sectional configurations. The sectional range covers EFB, IFB and TIF formats — identical to the standard sectional tank range — so a CTPS can be specified for both open-access and restricted-access installations.
Standard access
One-Piece CTPS
A single moulded GRP unit incorporating the storage tank and pump station sections. Delivered complete and positioned in one operation. Suitable where the access route can accept the complete assembled unit.
Construction
Single moulded GRP unit
Assembly on site
None — position and connect
Best for
Clear access; smaller capacity
Availability
Confirm at enquiry stage
Standard to restricted access
Sectional CTPS — EFB / IFB
Sectional CTPS assembled from hot-press moulded 1m GRP panels. EFB (Externally Flanged Base) for standard plant rooms; IFB (Internally Flanged Base) for limited headroom. Both require ~500mm perimeter clearance for assembly.
EFB clearance
~500mm all sides
IFB clearance
~500mm all sides
Max height
4m
Best for
Large capacity; open / standard access
Highly restricted access
Sectional CTPS — TIF
TIF (Totally Internally Flanged) CTPS assembled from inside. Approximately 50mm clearance achievable on three sides; approximately 500mm on the access side. For retrofit and highly constrained plant rooms where EFB / IFB cannot fit.
Three-side clearance
~50mm
Access side
~500mm
Max height
3m
Best for
Retrofit; highly constrained rooms
Confirm the available CTPS configurations and lead times with Tricel technical sales at the time of enquiry. One-piece CTPS availability should be confirmed at order stage. Sectional CTPS configurations (EFB, IFB and TIF) are custom designed for each project.
04
What’s Inside the CTPS
What the CTPS Pump Station Section Accommodates
The pump station section of the CTPS enclosure provides a protected, accessible working space for all pumping equipment and ancillaries. The specific equipment is project-dependent and agreed at the design stage in consultation with the M&E engineer and Tricel Pumps.
Typical pump station section content
Water pump set
Fixed or variable speed pump set sized to the required duty point. Variable speed drives eliminate water hammer and extend equipment life.
Electrical controls and panel
Motor starters, inverters, control panels and BMS interface equipment. The enclosure provides weatherproof protection for electrical components in external installations.
Manifold and isolation valves
Pump inlet and outlet manifolding, isolation valves and non-return valves. All accessible within the working space for maintenance and replacement.
Pressure vessel and gauges
Pressure vessel (where specified), pressure gauges, flow switches and water quality monitoring connections as required by the system design.
Working and maintenance access
The pump section is sized to allow safe working access for installation, commissioning and ongoing maintenance. Access door(s) are positioned to allow equipment removal without disturbing the tank section.
Pump specification
Confirm with Tricel Pumps or your M&E engineer
The CTPS enclosure is designed around the required pump set duty point — flow rate, pressure and duty/standby configuration. The pump specification must be confirmed before the CTPS is sized, as the pump station section dimensions depend on the equipment to be housed. Tricel works with Tricel Pumps and project M&E engineers to develop the complete specification.
Variable speed pump option
Elvaro B — combined tank and variable speed pump set
The Elvaro B is a combined tank and variable speed pump set designed to minimise the space used by a storage and pumping installation. Variable speed operation maintains constant system pressure, removes water hammer risk and extends pump life compared with fixed-speed alternatives. Confirm suitability and availability with Tricel at the time of enquiry.
For commercial and industrial applications and Cat 5 air gap systems, confirm the pump set specification, Cat 5 arrangement and WRAS compliance with the M&E engineer before placing the CTPS order. The pump station design is project-specific.
05
Applications
Where CTPS Units Are Specified
CTPS units are specified wherever a water storage and distribution solution is required in a single compact structure. They are particularly well suited to applications where a separate pump room is not practical or desirable.
Healthcare & NHS
High-Rise & Multi-Storey
Infrastructure & Utilities
Fire Protection
Data Centres
Industrial & Manufacturing
Education
Agriculture
Food & Beverage
Local Authority & Public
06
Specification
CTPS Technical Specification
The following parameters apply to Tricel GRP Combined Tank and Pump Stations. Configuration-specific values depend on whether the one-piece or sectional (EFB, IFB or TIF) format is selected. All values must be confirmed for each specific project.
Tank approval
WRAS
Reg. 4(1)a — potable
Configurations
4 types
One-piece / EFB / IFB / TIF
Application
Int & Ext
Internal and external
Enclosure
GRP
Weather-resistant, secure
|
Parameter
|
Specification
|
|---|---|
|
Product type
|
Combined Tank and Pump Station — integrated GRP enclosure
|
|
Tank section
|
GRP cold water storage — designed to BS EN 13280:2001
|
|
Pump station section
|
Integrated working space for pumps, controls and electrical equipment
|
|
Configurations available
|
One-piece CTPS; Sectional CTPS (EFB, IFB and TIF)
|
|
Potable water approval
|
WRAS Regulation 4(1)a — tank section
|
|
GRP construction standard
|
BS EN 13280:2001
|
|
Application
|
Internal and external — residential and commercial
|
|
Sectional panel size
|
1,000 × 1,000mm (standard hot-press moulded panels)
|
|
Insulation
|
Insulated (CFC-free PU foam) and uninsulated options
|
|
Pump set
|
Fixed or variable speed — duty point confirmed at design stage
|
|
Electrical supply
|
Confirm voltage, phase and earthing requirements at order stage
|
|
External finish
|
GRP — smooth, weather-resistant. Colour options confirm at order.
|
|
Access
|
Lockable access door(s) to pump station section
|
|
Design basis
|
Custom designed per project — capacity, pump duty and footprint project-specific
|
|
Configuration
|
Access needed
|
Max height
|
Self-draining
|
Best for
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
One-piece CTPS
|
Clear route for complete unit
|
Standard one-piece
|
N/A
|
Smaller capacity; clear access
|
|
Sectional EFB CTPS
|
~500mm all sides; panels via access route
|
4m
|
Yes — raised base
|
Large capacity; standard clearance
|
|
Sectional IFB CTPS
|
~500mm all sides; flat base
|
4m
|
No — pump required
|
Limited headroom; standard clearance
|
|
Sectional TIF CTPS
|
~50mm three sides; ~500mm one side
|
3m
|
No — pump required
|
Highly restricted plant rooms; retrofit
|
07
Technical Downloads
CTPS Technical Resources
Technical documents for M&E engineers, specifiers, project managers and facilities managers specifying CTPS units.
Combined Sectional Tank & Enclosure Brochure
Structured overview of GRP sectional enclosures, including design features, integrated protection and installation configurations.
Combined Sectional Tank, Enclosure & Booster Pumps
Overview of a complete tank package installation, covering design scope, delivery, installation and project outcomes.
Elvaro Pressure Boosting Pump Brochure
Overview of booster systems, including performance capabilities, system configurations and typical application requirements.
TIF Tanks Brochure
Clearances, assembly guidance and specification for TIF CTPS — totally internally flanged configuration.
Cold Water Tank Aftercare Brochure
Aftercare services in partnership with Hydraclean — inspection, cleaning, chlorination and Legionella sampling.
IFB Tank Technical Brochure
Specification summary for IFB internally flanged base tanks, covering design and application.
08
Specification Support
Request a CTPS Quote
CTPS units are custom designed. Providing storage capacity, pump duty, installation location, access route and footprint dimensions at the enquiry stage allows Tricel to develop a meaningful specification and quotation.
Information needed for a CTPS quotation
Required cold water storage capacity (litres)
Number of pumps (duty, standby or duty/standby)
Installation location (internal or external)
Access route dimensions (if sectional)
Insulation requirement
Electrical supply details
Pump duty point — flow rate and pressure
Fixed or variable speed pump preference
Available footprint and headroom
Preferred configuration (one-piece / EFB / IFB / TIF)
Potable or non-potable duty
WRAS documentation required?
Request a CTPS quote
Tricel’s technical sales team handles all CTPS enquiries. Provide storage capacity, pump duty and installation location to get started.
08
Related Products & Resources
GRP Tank Range & Related Resources
CTPS units form part of Tricel’s full GRP cold water storage range. Find the right tank configuration and supporting resources below.
09
FAQs
CTPS FAQs
Common questions from M&E engineers, specifiers and project managers.
What is a Combined Tank and Pump Station (CTPS)?
A Combined Tank and Pump Station (CTPS) is a single GRP enclosure integrating a cold water storage tank with a dedicated working space for water pumps, electrical controls and tank ancillaries. It eliminates the need for a separate pump room or kiosk alongside the storage tank. Tricel manufactures CTPS units in one-piece and sectional (EFB, IFB and TIF) configurations, WRAS approved for potable water storage, suitable for internal and external applications.
What does CTPS stand for?
CTPS stands for Combined Tank and Pump Station — a GRP water storage product that integrates the cold water storage tank and the pump station housing into a single combined enclosure.
What is the advantage of a CTPS over a separate tank and pump room?
A CTPS eliminates the need to design, build or procure a separate pump room or enclosure. This reduces the total plant room footprint, shortens the installation programme, lowers cost compared with a separate tank plus bespoke pump housing, and delivers a single GRP structure that is weather-resistant and secure. It is particularly advantageous for external installations and sites where space or budget constraints make a separate pump room impractical.
What configurations is the CTPS available in?
Tricel CTPS units are available in one-piece and sectional configurations. Sectional CTPS covers EFB (Externally Flanged Base), IFB (Internally Flanged Base) and TIF (Totally Internally Flanged) formats, matching the standard sectional tank range. This means the CTPS can be specified for open-access, restricted-access and highly constrained plant room installations. Confirm available configurations and lead times at the time of enquiry.
What equipment can be housed in the CTPS pump station section?
The integrated pump station section accommodates the water pump set, electrical controls and panels, motor starters or inverters, manifolding, isolation valves, non-return valves, pressure vessels and gauges, flow switches and BMS interface equipment. The working space is sized for safe installation and maintenance access. The specific equipment is project-dependent and confirmed at the design stage.
Is the CTPS suitable for external installation?
Yes. CTPS units are designed for both internal and external applications. The GRP enclosure provides weather-resistant, secure housing for both the stored water and the pump equipment. For external installations, confirm insulation requirement, weatherproofing specification and access and security provisions at the design stage.
What information is needed to specify a CTPS?
Required information includes: cold water storage capacity (litres); pump duty point (flow rate and pressure); number of pumps and duty/standby configuration; installation location (internal or external); available footprint and headroom; access route dimensions; preferred configuration (EFB, IFB or TIF for sectional); insulation requirement; electrical supply details; and WRAS documentation requirements. Contact Tricel on +44 (0)1934 421 499 or websales@tricelwater.co.uk.
UK GRP Tank Manufacturer
Specify a Tricel GRP Combined Tank and Pump Station
Send your required storage capacity, pump duty point, installation location and footprint dimensions. Tricel will confirm the appropriate CTPS configuration and provide a quotation covering the GRP enclosure and pump set specification.
This product guide is provided for general guidance and information purposes only. It does not constitute engineering advice and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for design decisions. © 2026 Tricel Water. All rights reserved.
