Tanks
Tanks
Tanks
Storage tanks
15
15.1 CODES AND REGULATIONS
The layout of process storage tanks requires strict observance of codes.
The following codes shall be reviewed when designing tank layouts:
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA)
• National and Local codes and jurisdictions
• Earthquake codes (if applicable)
• Client Specifications and design philosophy
Other important design considerations that will affect layout are:
• Topography
• Access roads
• Railroads
• Local habitation
• Office buildings
• Control rooms
• Process units
• Access Ladders
• Platforms
• Stairways
• Catwalks
• Personnel access
• Safety at works
Cone Roof Tank—this type of tank is a low-pressure storage tank with a fixed, cone-
shaped roof
15.2 Types of Tanks 363
Closed floating roof tank—this has an internal floating roof but eliminates natural
ventilation of the tank vapor space. Instead, the CFRT is equipped with a pressure-
vacuum (PV) vent and may even include a gas blanketing system such as that
used with fixed roof tanks, these tanks are designed as in Appendix C of the API
Standard 650
364 CHAPTER 15 Storage tanks
Roof
seal
Floating
roof
Fixed roof—this is a low-pressure tank with a roof welded to the shell, regardless of
roof design or support methods.
Double wall storage tank—is a tank with an inner wall to contain a liquid (as used in
LNG storage tanks), it has an annulus space filled with insulation and an outer wall.
15.2 Types of Tanks 365
Photo of bullets
366 CHAPTER 15 Storage tanks
Horton sphere—this is a spherical vessel used to store liquids and gases at high
pressure.
Photo of a sphere
When storing a liquefied gas close to any population center it is mandatory to use a
double containment method. This can be in the form of a circular concrete wall sur-
rounded by an earthen dike; this provides a complete spill containment in the event
that the primary dike should fail.
If tanks are located on sloping terrain, use of the slope must be taken into consider-
ation by locating the drainage sumps at the low point. When locating a diked storage
area, it should always be at a lower elevation than the process plant, so in the event of
spillage liquids will not flow back to the process units.
All spacing requirements between the outside wall of the tank and any obstruction
or related equipment, roadways or buildings, etc. must conform to NFPA and local
codes. Studies must be performed for location of fire ring mains, fire hydrants and
monitors and deluge systems at diked areas
Adequate roadways should be provided around the diked areas to allow for access
egress and firefighting facilities.
200, 000 42
¼ 1122:994ft3 =31:8m3 liquid
7:48
h ¼ 4V 4 1122:994
Tank height ¼ ¼ ¼ 44:13ft=13:45m
3:14 D2 3:1417 1802
V = 3.1417⫻h
(r 2 + rR + R2)
3
Where:
r = top of berm radius
R = bottom of berm radius
h = berm height
1′ / .3 m
1.5′ .457 m r cl. tank
Using the example then: R
V = 3.1417⫻1
(8649 + 8788 + 8930)
3
= 1047⫻26367 = 27606ft3 / 781.7m3 (volume of soil in the berm)
to calculate volume required in the diked area
1122.994cuft (stored liquid) less 27606ft3 (berm soil) = 1095.38ft3 / 31.02m3
How to size the volume of a tank berm (the volume required in the diked area).
372 CHAPTER 15 Storage tanks
Tank farm
Steam heater
15.6 Tank details 375
Pipe through bund wall, a pipe sleeve and a suitable seal needs to be provided to seal
the pipe in the wall. There are many proprietary seals on the market that can be used
for this purpose.
Atmospheric relief vents and flame arrestors are used on storage tanks.
A flame arrester is a device that stops fuel combustion by extinguishing the flame.
Flame arresters are used:
Tank mixers
DIKE
Optional Sleepers
(typical)
Layout for
flexibility
Prefered piping
layout
Alternative
flexibility Pumping
piping layout
BOG
re-liquefaction
facilities
LNG tank
LNG
Flare
1st 2nd
Stage Stage
Send out
Desuperheater
After cooler
LNG tank
LNG tank
380 CHAPTER 15 Storage tanks