Training Services

Tankage

EDS 2004/Tankage-1

The American Petroleum Institute (API) conducted a survey indicating there are
about 700,000 petroleum storage tanks. The Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) has estimated that there are approximately 1.3 million regulated underground
storage tanks with an unknown number of exempt underground storage tanks used
in home heating and at farms. This course will deal with tankage and you will get a
good understanding of good design, inspection, operations, environmental and
economics to tank design.

This course will give you practical information on the types of tanks in refineries,
when mixing and heating are required for tanks, the types of instruments used for
measuring the level, tank fire protection schemes including the types of foams to
fight fires, tank diking and truck loading, rail loading, marine loading of products to
their final destinations. Tankage is extremely important to refineries today in a
more competitive world. Too many tanks result in too much inventory and the high
cost of the tanks and land. Too little tanks may shut down the refinery.

1
 Tankage System

Introduction
Tank Sizing Criteria
Tank Classification
Environmental
Regulations
Venting
Tank Mixer
Tank Heater
Level
Instrumentation

EDS 2004/Tankage-2

The subject of tankage is very important to refineries. If there is not sufficient

tankage available in the refinery, the plant may need to shut down because of lack
of feedstock or lack of product tanks. If the refinery has too much tankage, it may
be very costly to operate the plant.

We will be discussing tank sizing criteria, tank classification, environmental

regulation, venting, tank mixing, tank heating, level instrumentation, tank fire
protection ( including foam and dikes), and loading.

2
 Introduction
Importance of Tankage in a Refinery

Major operation factor

Major contributor to capital cost of process units (25%)
Largest single factor in site determination
Major contributor to CAPITAL COST of grass roots refinery
Extensive civil works
Large pumping stations
Fire protection system
Utility system
Cost of tank itself

Result: Tankage is 25 - 35% of total refinery costs

EDS 2004/Tankage-3

When designing grass root facilities, one needs to review the storage tank
requirements early. This is because they are the single largest factor in site
determination. When looking at a major complex, the cost of storage may be on the
order of 25% of the capital cost of the plant. One can see from the above picture
that the storage tank is critical here because of the land layout.

Tankage considers civil works, large pumping station, fire protection systems, and
utility systems in the design.

3
 Storage Tank Size and Cost

Cost of tank = $1,445,936 $5.84

per barrel
Cost of crude oil in the tank =
$3,700,000
Cost of tank and crude oil in
one tank = $5,159,741
API-650 floating roof tank with
a 247,587 bbls (39,300 m3)
nominal capacity
Tank size shown is a 48' x 200'
and weight of 1,594,388 lbs

EDS 2004/Tankage-4

The cost of a storage tank is considerable in a refinery. For example, for a 100,000
bpsd refinery with 15 days of crude storage, the total cost of crude tankage is
approximately $9,000,000. The cost of the tank and the crude oil is approximately
$31,000,000. The tank described above would have 6 courses of 8 feet each. The
shell thickness for course 1 is 1.063 inches; for course 2, the shell thickness is 0.882
inches; for course 3, the shell thickness is 0.701 inches; for course 4, the shell
thickness is 0.520 inches; for course 5, the shell thickness is 0.339 inches; and, for
course 6, the shell thickness is 0.313 inches. The construction of material--Plates
A36, A36 MOD and A573-58 Steel, Structural A36 Steel. Tank includes 24" Shell
Manway, 20" Inlet, 14" Outlet, 6" Roof Drain Nozzle, Liquid Level Indicator,
Spiral Stairway and Gaugers Platformer, and Wind Girders.

The prices for external floating roof tanks range from $22/bbl for a 10,000 bbl tank,
to $14/bbl for a 20,000 bbl tank, to $9.50/bbl for a 50,000 bbl tank, to $7.78/bbl for
a 100,000 bbl tank to $5.91/bbl for a 200,000 bbl tank.

These prices are based on API-650, with a wind loading of 100 mph, a seismic zone
of 0, a design specific gravity of 1.0, a corrosion allowance of 0, a design pressure
of atmospheric pressure, a bottom plate thickness of 0.25", and a roof deck
thickness of 0.1875".

4
 How Much Tankage is Enough?

Rule of Thumb
Operations people want more
Financial people want less
Too Little Storage
Less flexibility in operations
Downtime for refinery
Payment of ship demurrage charges
Too Much Storage
High cost of tankage and land
Cost of excess inventory in tanks
Typical Result
Crude storage capacities vary widely
Typical range is 15 to 30 days

EDS 2004/Tankage-5

In designing crude tankage, the operations people always want more and the
financial people always want less. Normally, this is a complex tradeoff because if
there is too little storage and the refinery needs to shutdown, there is a big impact
on the bottom line financially.

One needs to review the transportation of the crude before the final size is set. If
the crude is going to be received by ship, the ship size, types of crude oil, and
probability that the ship will be unloading at the predicted time need to be
considered.

5
 Major Factors in Sizing Crude Storage

Pipeline Receipt
Pipeline capacity
Reliability
Marine Receipt
Capacity of largest ship
Ship unloading rate
Control of unloading
Ship frequency
Number of ships at one
time

EDS 2004/Tankage-6

Because there is no uniform regulation requiring registration of tanks, the number

of tanks in existence is not known. However, API conducted a survey indicating
there are about 700,000 petroleum storage tanks. Although the count may not be
precise, the EPA has estimated that there are approximately 1.3 million regulated
underground storage tanks with an unknown number of exempt underground tanks
used for home heating oil and farm fuel storage tanks.

Crude storage depends on how the crude will be delivered to the refinery. A major
factor in sizing crude storage is whether the crude will be delivered by pipeline or
by ship. Delivery by pipeline is normally considered more reliable because weather
does not play a factor.

6
 Major Factors in Product Tank Sizing

Marine Shipments
Largest ship capacity
Ship frequency
Number of ships at one time
Pipeline Shipments
For each product
Frequency
Rate
Reliability
Truck and Rail
Time for loading
Truck or train size

EDS 2004/Tankage-7

For product tanks, one needs to consider all of the products. Products range from
LPG, naphtha, gasolines, kerosenes, diesel, jet fuel, fuel oil, sulfur, coke, and
others.

The required volume of product tankage, like crude oil tanks, depends on the
method of shipment. Methods include ship, pipe line, truck, rail, and even bottles
for products such as LPG. The complete loading cycle needs to be taken into
account, including items like the time it takes to load the truck or rail car.

7
 Atmospheric Storage Tanks
Standards
API 650, welded steel tanks for oil storage
API 2000, venting atmospheric and low
pressure storage tank
API 2550, method for measurement and
calibration of upright cylindrical tanks

EDS 2004/Tankage-8

Industry standards and codes have been developed primarily on a voluntary basis by
national standards. Standards are considered to be mandatory practices that must be
complied with so that the equipment manufactured may be considered in
compliance or may be marked as complying with the standard. Standards are also
often called codes.

Recommended Practices (RPs) are advisory documents that provide technological

background and practices which may be useful for the specific application at hand.

Publication or bulletins are primarily for the purpose of informing the user of
general aspects of the industry technology or practices.

Specifications are considered interchangeable with standards. Specifications may

also be a component of standards or codes.

8
 Tank Design Pressure

EDS 2004/Tankage-9

The above diagram shows key pressures for an atmospheric storage tank. The
Pressure/Vacuum (PV) Valve is really two valves in one. One is for pressure, and
the other is for vacuum. The principle of operation is the same. As the pressure on
the pressure side of a PV valve rises, the force due to pressure reduces the seating
force of the pallet and it starts to leak. Leakage, however, is relatively insignificant
until the set point is reached, at which point the flow increases dramatically and
follows the flow curves given by the manufacturer. Beyond the set point, PV valves
do not pop open, but slowly lift as the overpressure (the actual upstream pressure
above the value of the set point) increases.

A narrow operating pressure range becomes particularly more important for systems
that have inert gas blanketing or large tanks with shallow roof angles that have a
very low failure pressure. The problems with sufficient margins to allow vents to
operate within the design pressure of the tank become more acute for large diameter
tanks. Smaller tanks can frequently take the higher pressures without the need for
special design consideration, whereas large tanks will be damaged if the internal
pressure exceeds the design pressure.

Emergency vent valves are simply large PV valves capable of venting the greater-
than-normal venting loads caused by emergency conditions.

9
 Tank Sizing Criteria

Top of Bottom of Tank height =

Tank Not Tank Not
4*volume/(3.14159*diameter^2)
Type of Usable Usable
Tank (Meters) (Meters)
Fixed-Roof 0.7 1.0 Nominal Capacity = Actual tank
External 0.9 1.3 size
Floating
Roof Working Capacity = Process
Internal 1.2 1.3 requirement or nominal
Floating capacity minus tank outage
Roof

EDS 2004/Tankage-10

Development of optimum sizes for tanks and dikes comes through trial and error.
Considerations include the availability of real estate, the possible use of standard-
sized tanks for smaller capacities, and the nature of potential foundation design
problems caused by early tank-size selection.

Normally, the size of the tank is done first knowing the working capacity required.
Once this is known and the type of tank required, one can determine the unusable
area within the tank.

Since the tank heights are in eight feet increments one uses the above tank height
formula to determine the suitable diameter of the tank. Normally a 1:1 ratio of the
tank height to tank diameter is used.

10
 Tank Sizing Criteria
(continued)

Tank heights use standard

plate sizes of typically 8 feet
- Notice the shell plate
height
Therefore, tank heights are
8, 16, 24, 32, 40, 48, 56,
64 and 72 feet maximum
Height to Diameter ratio 1:1
until maximum height

EDS 2004/Tankage-11

The above slide shows a tank with eight foot plates. Therefore, the tank shown in
the above slide is 7 plates * 8 feet or 56 feet high.

Cone roof and floating roof tanks are usually correlated using $ vs. volume, with
materials of construction as another variable. The cost of internal heat exchangers,
insulation, unusual corrosion allowance, and special internals should be separated
from the basic cost of the tank in the correlations.

Cone roof storage tanks could be correlated using $/lb of steel vs. weight, but the
roof support for larger tanks is difficult to estimate as is the overall thickness.

11
 Typical Fixed Roof
Atmospheric Tank
Pressure Vacuum
Vent Valve
Roof
Manway Gaging Hatch

Automatic
Tank Gauge
System

Shell Product Liquid Level

Float
Manway Thermometer Filling
Conn. Nozzle
Suction
Nozzle
Cone
Freeze Proof Drain Sump Down Tank
Drain Drain Valve Bottom
TO-R00-01
Funnel EDS 2004/Tankage-12

The roof shape of a tank may be used to classify the type of tank and is instantly
self-explanatory to tank fabricators and erectors. If a flat plate is subjected to a
pressure on one side, it must be made quite thick to resist visible bending or
deformation. A shallow cone roof deck on a tank approximates a flat surface and is
typically built of 3/16 inch thick steel. It is, therefore, unable to withstand more
than a few inches of water column. The larger the tank, the more severe the effect
of pressure on the structure. As pressure increases, the practicality of fabrication
practice and costs force the tank builder to use shapes which are more suitable for
internal pressures. The cylinder is an economical, easily fabricated shape for
pressure containment. Indeed, almost all tanks are cylindrical on the shell portion.
The problem with cylinders is that the ends must be closed. The relatively flat roofs
and bottoms of tanks do not lend themselves to much internal pressures. As internal
pressure increases, the tank builders use domes or spheres. The sphere is the most
economical shape for internal pressure storage in terms of required thickness, but it
is more difficult to fabricate generally than dome or umbrella roof tanks.

Tank openings are required to accommodate appurtenances such as manways,

nozzles, and clean-outs as well as instrumentation and gauging openings.

12
 External Floating Roof Tanks

EDS 2004/Tankage-13

All floating roof tanks have vertical, cylindrical shells just as fixed cone-roof tanks
do. These common tanks have a cover that floats on the surface of the liquid. The
floating cover or roof is a disk structure that has sufficient buoyancy to ensure that
the roof will float under all expected conditions, even if leaks develop in the roof. It
is built with approximately an 8-12-inch gap between the roof and the shell, so it
does not bind as the roof moves up and down with the liquid level. The clearance
between the floating roof and the shell is sealed by a device called a rim seal. The
shell and bottom are similar to those of an ordinary vertical cylindrical fixed-roof
tank. If the tank is open on the top, it is called an External Floating Roof (EFR)
tank.

The function of the cover is to reduce evaporation losses and air pollution by
reducing the surface area of liquid that is exposed to the atmosphere. External
floating roof tanks can be converted to internal floating-roof tanks simply by
covering the tank with a geodesic dome. EFR tanks have no vapor space pressure
associated with them and operate strictly at atmospheric pressure.

The design conditions of the external floating roof are more severe since they must
handle rainfall, wind, dead-load, and live-load conditions, comparable to and at
least as severe as those for building roofs.

13
 External Floating Roof Tank - Rolling
Ladder

EDS 2004/Tankage-14

The above picture is looking down into an external floating roof tank. The rolling
roof ladder provides access to the external floating roof tank. It is required to be
supplied with an API 650 tank. It should be designed for a live load of 1000 lb at
the midspan of the ladder in all positions. The top of the ladder is hinged to the
gauges platform, and the bottom rolls on tracts. The rolling roof stairs use two
types of treads. The first type is closely spaced bars or pipes. In effect, this is an
inclined ladder. The use of solid bars as opposed to pipe for rungs significantly
reduces the potential for corrosion. The second type uses self-leveling treads which
provide an actual tread to walk on instead of a rung. Although the self-leveling
design costs more, they are safest and much easier to use. The minimum width is
24 inches, but better practice is to use 30 inches.

The ladder should not be steeper than 65 degrees when the roof is landed in the low
position, and they must not bump into the pontoons, seal, or shell when the roof is
in the high position. If the ladder approaches the top of the shell when the roof is in
the highest position, then a handrail should be installed above the shell to prevent
possible falls over the edge of the shell at the free end of the ladder.

14
 Typical External
Floating Roof Tank

Main
Pontoon
Drain Tank Gage
Manhole
Seal Envelope

Roof Leg
Automatic Support
Bleeder Vent Primary
Rim Vent Shoe Seal

Drain Pipe

TO-R00-02
EDS 2004/Tankage-15

Access to tanks is an important and somewhat complex topic that should not be
overlooked in the design of new tanks or the assessment of existing tanks. Proper
design minimizes injuries, helps in emergency response efforts, and even reduces
the severity of calamitous events such as fire and explosions. Access to tanks
require consideration of the following structural components: stairs, platforms,
handrail, ladders, toeboards, hoop guards, intermediate platforms and landings and
gratings. The minimum design one should follow are API and OSHA.

Either ladders or stairways are used to access tank tops. Stairways, as opposed to
ladders, are preferred for open top tanks because they allow the safe hauling of
tools, instruments, or safety equipment to the top of the tank without undue
measures. The spiral stairway is usually found on tanks over 10 meters high and
larger than about 14 meters in diameter.

Because floating roofs can move, they need flexible piping systems that can connect
a fixed shell nozzle to the roof. Primary applications are for roof drains for external
floating roofs, skimming lines for floating roofs, and fire protection systems for
floating roofs.

15
 Typical Arrangement
of Internal Floating Roof
Ground Cable
Roof Attachment
Anti-Rotation
Roof Fitting
Cover Access
Hatch

Anti-Rotation
Ground Cable Cable

Anti-Rotation
Lug, Welded
to Floor

Seal
Shell Manway
Pontoons
Pontoon Tank Support
Vacuum Breaker and Column
Actuator Leg
TO-R00-03
EDS 2004/Tankage-16

Internal floating roof tanks are used when storing products with a true vapor
pressure between 0.75 psia and 11.1 psia at 100F. UOP recommends that an
internal floating roof be used in most aromatics services and for intermediate and
final products which require gas blanketing or which may be sensitive to water
contamination. The internal floating roof tank is basically a cone roof tank with a
floating pan. An anti-rotation cable is used to prevent the tank roof from moving in
an other than up-and-down motion.

The internal floating roof tank can be a pan roof which are simple sheet steel disks
with the edge turned up for buoyancy. These roofs are prone to capsizing and
sinking because a small leak can cause them to sink. The bulkhead pan roof has
open annular compartments at the periphery to prevent the roof from sinking should
a leak develop. The one shown above is a skin and pontoon roof which is
constructed of an aluminum skin supported on a series of tubular aluminum
pontoons. These tanks have a vapor space between the the deck and the liquid
surface.

The use of the aluminum dome roofs for tanks is well established as an economical
and viable alternative to steel roofs.

16
 Ultrafloate - Internal
Floating Roof Tank

EDS 2004/Tankage-17

There is a trend in various industries to install aluminum dome roofs on storage

tanks of all kinds as shown in the above picture. Although most dome roofs have
been installed on floating-roof tanks, there is a trend to install them on fixed-roof
tanks as well, substituting the familiar shallow fixed-cone roof with a geodesic
dome. In part, this trend has been caused by EPA requirements causing a greater
number of closed tanks to be vented to vapor recovery or vapor destruction systems.
In the early 1970s, there were no aluminum domes, but today they number in the
thousands.

The aluminum dome roof is an efficient structural network of aluminum I beams

with light gauge sheet or panels. The beams are linked to one another, forming
triangular spaces, which are closed by the panels. The overall shape is spherical.
The entire structure is assembled from precut beams and panels and is bolted
together in the field. Domes may be bolted together on the ground and hoisted to
the top of the tank or fabricated on the floating roof itself. The original applications
for aluminum geodesic dome roofs were to convert external floating roof tanks to
internal floating roof tanks to minimize the effects of weather on the maintenance
and operation of the tanks in high rainfall areas or snowfall areas like Chicago,
Illinois.

17
 Tank Boilover

Flames and Decomposition

Products (1300F-2000F)

Light Fractions Distilling (600 -

700 F)

Heat Wave
Light Fractions Rising 450F-500F

Hot Heavy Ends Sinking

80 F Crude Oil unchaged in

compositions

Bottom Sludge and Water Layer

The boilover is probably the most frightening concept involving the destructive
potential of fully involved tank fires. Boilovers start as relatively contained surface
fires but suddenly start releasing large quantities of burning fuel over the tank walls.
Boilovers can only happen in the specific combination of storing crude oil in a
fixed-roof tank of significant size. Today it is rare to see anyone storing crude oil in
other than a floating roof tank except for smaller tanks.

The interesting process that leads to the event known as a boilover occurs when
there is a fully involved fire in an open-top tank storing crude oil. An open top tank
in this context might be the result of a sunken roof or the loss of a roof on a cone
roof tank due to an internal fire or explosion. As the liquid surface heats up, a hot
layer of crude oil is created. The more volatile components of the crude feed the
fire, the less volatile components remain behind, and the density of the remaining
liquid near the surface increases as its temperature increases. The surface layer,
usually several feet thick, may reach temperatures as high as 600-800F. When the
density is sufficiently high, it slowly starts to sink at a rate of several feet per hour
as a hot layer, often called a heat wave. Once the hot layer approaches the bottom,
any water at the bottom becomes superheated and soon starts to boil.

18
 Seals for Floating Roof Tanks

Primary Seals
Mechanical shoe type
Tube type

Secondary Seals
Rim type
Shoe type
Wiper type

EDS 2004/Tankage-19

The peripheral space between the rigid rim of a floating roof and the tank shell must
be effectively closed by a seal. Otherwise, the advantages of the floating roof will
be seriously compromised, making it vulnerable to unnecessary evaporation losses
and a fire.

Sealing mechanisms close the rim space by covering the band of stored liquid
therein. They also accommodate any variation in the width of the rim space - from
near the bottom of the tank where the shell is round to the top of the tank where
maximum distortion occurs. Occasional difficulty can be expected if a seal cannot
accommodate a change of plus-or-minus four or five inches in rim space width (a
diametrical variation of 8-10 inches), depending upon type of seal.

19
 Typical Shoe Seal

Shoe

Tank Seal Fabric

Shell Roof

Pantograph
Hanger

Liquid Level
Counter Weight

TO-R00-08
EDS 2004/Tankage-20

The metallic seal with pantograph hanger is the most widely used of all floating
roof seals. It consists of a galvanized steel sealing ring, the bottom of which
remains below the liquid surface. A continuous vapor-tight and weather-proof
synthetic rubber-coated fabric is used to close the space between the sealing ring
and the rim of the floating roof. The lower edge of the fabric is bolted to the edge
of the floating roof. The upper edge of the fabric is attached to the top of the
metallic sealing ring.

The sealing ring is supported and held firmly, but gently, against the tank shell by
pantograph hangers which apply a uniform outward radial pressure. The light
pressure minimizes abrasion of the sealing ring and of tank shell coatings.

The pantograph hangers automatically keep the roof centered in the tank. If the
roof should tend to move off center, the pressure of the hangers will increase on the
side where the rim space is the narrowest. This action automatically corrects the
roof location. The pantograph hangers will retain its vertical position even when
the sealing ring extends above the top of the tank shell. Thus, the sealing ring will
not be damaged even if the tank is filled to overflowing.

20
 Resilient Foam-Filled Seal

Secondary Seal

Drip Shield
Bolting Bar
Scruffband

Holddown Plate
Foam

Product Level
Floating Roof
TO-R00-09
EDS 2004/Tankage-21

The foam seal maintains a safe, gentle contact even for rim space variations up to
eight inches (plus or minus four inches). The advantage of the resilient foam seal is
that, when installed a short distance above the liquid surface, small tears or
abrasions occurring over years of service will not cause a sudden failure of the seal.
Also, when replacement is desirable because of general wear, the work can be
performed entirely from above the floating roof.

The foam used exhibits high resistance to hydrocarbon and aromatic vapors, has
good aging characteristics, and provides mild but sufficient pressure throughout the
variations in rim space. Thus, excellent wearing ability and long service life can be
expected.

Foam seals have the following advantages:

Ease of installation and low initial cost; flexible; opened-celled polyurethane foam
body enclosed within a nylon scuffband; seal compressed against the tank shell by
the gentle force of the foam body; highly resistant to most liquids; allow maximum
use of tank height; puncture or failure of the cover will not cause a sudden failure of
the seal; vapor or liquid mounted

21
 Liquid-Filled Seal

Tank Shell

Secondary Seal

Scuffband
Liquid Filled Tube
Sealing Liquid

Product Level
Floating Roof

TO-R00-10
EDS 2004/Tankage-22

The bottom ring is supported by a hanger system. This flexible ring, together with
its supports and bumpers, effectively positions the sealing band for good contact
with the shell and centers the floating roof within the tank. The bumpers prevent
pinching of the fabric and reacts to decreases in tank radius.

Any lateral force developed on the bumpers is transmitted to the hanger, which
resists translation and provides a roof centering force. Since the flexible bottom
ring has a fixed circumference, as does the tank shell, a decrease in tank diameter
will cause the ring to move inward in that location and outward where the tank
diameter has increased. This feature permits the liquid filled fabric seal to be
completely effective throughout a decrease or increase in rim space of four inches
(eight inches overall).

Normally filled with kerosene

Most effective primary seal for emission control
Mounted on the liquid
As tube filled - scuffband pressured against the tank shell
Acceptable for crude oil
Eliminates linkages and other metallic parts

22
 Secondary Seals

TO-R00-11
EDS 2004/Tankage-23

A resilient seal is a circular tube similar to a bicycle inner tube that fits in the
annular space between the rim and the tank shell. Sometimes these seals are
referred to as log seals.

The attractive feature of the fabric seal is its ability to conform to the tank shape so
that, when correctly fitted, there should be no petroleum vapor in the space between
the roof and shell above the fabric sea. The fabric is made of a strong material such
as nylon and is coated with an oil resisting synthetic rubber.

Additional safeguard against emissions

Designed and meet mandated environmental regulations
Can be used with any type of primary seal
Mini-tube type (rim mounted)
Wiper type (shoe mounted)

23
 Shoe-Mounted
Mini-Tube

Seal Fabric
Polyurethane Log

Tank
Shell

Roof

Shoe

TO-R00-12
EDS 2004/Tankage-24

Several different tank seal designs are used in floating roof storage tanks. In MTBE
service, the damage has occurred to the nonmetallic portions. Primary shoe seals,
primary foam logs, both liquid and vapor mounted, secondary seal vapor barriers,
and the single or double wiper seals are used in internal floating roof tanks.

The primary shoe seal and secondary seal vapor barrier fabrics use a relatively thin
material, typically 10 to 80 mils (0.25 to 2 mm) thick. Wiper seals use heavier
material, typically 125 to 100000 mils (3.2 to 25.4 mm). The foam logs may be
vapor or liquid mounted. They consist of a fabric-wrapped resilient foam. Weather
shields or secondary seals are necessary for this type of seal.

For MTBE, a Teflon or Kalrez material is the best performer.

Extends from the top of shoe to the tank wall
Wiper type
Mini-tube type

Disadvantage
Does not provide protection against VOC leakage through the envelope
Holes or gaps in the envelope can allow direct exchange of air
Wind can easily enter the space
Not as effective as a rim-mounted secondary seal

24
 Rim-Mounted
Secondary Seal

Secondary Seal

Primary Seal
Immersed in Liquid

Contact Type
Internal Floating Roof

TO-R00-13
EDS 2004/Tankage-25

Each secondary seal is engineered for the particular tank. The pre-tensioning is designed to
meet maximum rim space plus a 2 inch safety allowance. The secondary seal may be made
of a 20 mil nylon reinforced urethane fabric below the support plates. The use of this
continuous fabric as the vapor barrier eliminates the possibility of vapor leaks from
misaligned bolted joints or field installation problems. The fabric also protects the
underside of the support plates from the product aromatics which could cause corrosion
problems. The support plates, in turn, protect the fabric from weathering and sunlight
effect.

The standard wiper system for welded tanks consists of two layers of cast urethane. Each
layer is 1/8 inch thick and 5 inches wide. They are mounted in a horizontal position on the
top of the support plates. When in service, the wipers will be flexed in an upward or
downward configuration, depending on the travel direction of the roof. The fact that the
wipers are flexed adds to the gap sealing characteristics of the seal. Rather than trying to
maintain a single point contact as in some seal designs, the wipers are a seal in themselves
and will negotiate changes in annular space plus seal around shell irregularities. The
performance of the wipers is the key to allowing the seals to have lower support plate
pressure while still meeting stringent gap criteria.

Types of rim-mounted secondary seals

Wiper seal
Resilient foam-filled seal
Minimizes effects of the air currents sweeping vapors out of the annular vapor space
Continuous
Covers the entire primary seal

25
 Typical Secondary Seals
Wiper

Rubber Wiper

Tank Shell

Roof

Shoe

TO-R00-14
EDS 2004/Tankage-26

The flexible wiper seal is often used as a secondary seal. It can be configured in
several ways. Most typically, it bridges the annular gap between the top of the rim
to the tank shell, using flexible stainless steel plates or shields that are rectangular
and overlap one another around the circumference of the floating roof. The plates
are equipped with a flexible wiper tip that acts to seal the gap even better. There
are several different details available for the tip depending on the manufacturer and
the air district jurisdiction. The seal can accommodate a plus or minus 4 inches in a
normal 8 inch wide rim space. Some wiper seal tips reverse when the roof direction
changes from upward or downward or vice versa.

Most manufacturers have installed the wiper under the shields to protect it from the
UV sunlight that tends to degrade these fabrics from the elements. However, some
manufacturers have installed the fabric on top of the shields, stating that it makes
inspection of the fabric easier.

26
 Typical Secondary Seals
Tank Wall
Secondary Seal
(Wiper Type)

Envelope

Shoe Floating Roof

Vapor Space

TO-R00-15
EDS 2004/Tankage-27

Urethane is the most commonly used material for the wiper since it has the best
overall characteristics of abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and weather
resistance when compared to Buna N material. In case of MTBE, a Teflon or a
Kalrez material should be used.

Wiper seals are specifically designed for rapid field installation. All materials are
pre-punched and bolted together with 3/8 inch minimum diameter bolts. The
bottom of the support plates are factory pre-notched so that they will adapt to any
rim bolt spacing in the field.

27
 Low Pressure Storage Tanks

Standards
API 620 - recommended rules for design and construction of large,
welded, low-pressure storage tanks
API 2550 - method for measurement and calibration of upright
cylindrical tanks
API 2552 - measurement and calibration of spheres and spheroids
API 2000 - venting atmospheric and low pressure storage tanks

EDS 2004/Tankage-28

Low pressure storage tanks are pressure containers for the storage of volatile
liquids. Their purpose is to prevent excessive evaporation losses which occur when
such products are placed in conventional storage tanks. They are especially well
adapted to the storage of motor gasolines and natural gasolines.

The distinctive shape of the Low Pressure Storage Tank presents a striking contrast
to the cylindrical storage tank. A substantial saving in material is made possible by
the use of the spheroid form. The plates in the shell, including those in the bottom
and roof, are utilized more effectively than in cylindrical tanks to resist the liquid
and gas pressure inside the vessel.

28
 Low Pressure Storage Tanks

Basic Types
Cylindrical
Spheroid
Noded spheroid

EDS 2004/Tankage-29

In smaller sizes, vessels for low pressures are built with cylindrical shells and with
curved bottoms and roofs. This design requires more steel than the spheroid, but
the cost of fabricating and erecting the cylindrical shell is less, resulting in a lower
total cost.

Low pressure tanks are designed to a pressure of 15 psig or lower and are required
to meet API 620. Above this design, the vessel must meet ASME Codes.

The use of the word shall or should has become extremely important for any
organization involved with standards maintenance. When a standard is legally
mandatory, the word shall has a legal basis for enforcing compliance whereas
should is considered advisory. Most standards make use of the word shall
where no exception are allowed.

29
 Low Pressure Storage
Cylindrical Type

Plain Type Noded Type

10,000-Barrel Capacity 20,000-Barrel Capacity
2 1/2 lbs per 42' 6" 2 1/2 lbs per 60' 4"
Sq. In. Pressure Diameter Sq. In. Pressure Diameter

High Liquid High Liquid

Level Level

Tie

Elevation Section Elevation Section

TO-R00-16
EDS 2004/Tankage-30

Cylindrical type low pressure are called plain hemispheroids. The entire capacity is
included between the levels of the bottom and top of the cylindrical shell. They
have ring girders at the intersection of the roof and shell and the shell and bottom to
withstand compression at these points when the vessel is subjected to internal
pressure.

Hemispheroid with cylindrical shells and noded roofs and bottoms are called noded
types. This design has a compression ring girder at the intersection of the shell and
bottom. The top of the shell is welded directly to the vertical edge of the outer
section. The top and bottom nodes are connected by structural members which
serve as ties or supports, depending on the pressure in the tank.

30
 Low Pressure Storage
Plain Spheroid Type

15 lbs per Sq. In. Pressure 66' 9"

Diameter

High Liquid
Stairway Plan Level

Sand
Cushion

Elevation Section

EDS 2004/Tankage-31
TO-R00-17

A drop of mercury resting on a flat surface assumes the ideal shape for a vessel full
of liquid under pressure. Surface tension forms a confining skin comparable with
the steel shell of the storage tank. The weight of the mercury is comparable to the
liquid load in the tank. The surface tension of the mercury creates an internal
pressure which is comparable with the gas pressure in a storage tank. The shape is
ideal because the stress in the skin of the drop is equal in all directions.

An outside ring girder and a series of brackets support the overhanging load on the
shell when the pressure on the inside is less than the maximum design pressure. No
inside framing is employed.

31
 Low Pressure Storage
Noded Spheroid Type 40,000 Barrels

10 lbs per Sq. In. Pressure 92' 1" Diameter

High Liquid Level

Truss

Tie

Elevation Section Sand Cushion

TO-R00-18
EDS 2004/Tankage-32

Structures with curved shells and one or more nodes in the roof and bottom are
called noded spheroid type storage. In addition to the ring girder and brackets
around the base of the shell on the outside, they have internal trussing to support the
curved portion of the shell and the nodes in the roof.

The structural members connecting the top and the bottom nodes circles help
support the roof when the spheroid is not subjected to an internal pressure and serve
as ties when there is an internal pressure in the vessel.

Additional capacity is provided by intermediate curved sections and nodes in the

roof and bottom.

32
 Low Pressure Storage
Noded Spheriod Type - 80,000 Barrels

10 lbs per Sq. In. Pressure 127' 6' Diameter

High Liquid Level

Truss

Truss
Tie

Elevation Section Sand Cushion

TO-R00-19
EDS 2004/Tankage-33

The manner in which the capacity is increased in noded hortonspheroids can be

seen when comparing the sketches of the 40,000 barrel and the 80,0000 barrel
design. The additional capacity is provided by intermediate curved sections and
nodes in the roof and bottom.

33
 High Pressure Storage Tanks

Standards
ASME Section VIII - boiler
and pressure vessel code
API 2510 - design and
construction of LP-gas
installations at marine and
pipeline terminals, natural gas
processing plants, refineries
API 2551 - measurement and
calibration of horizontal tanks
API 2552 - measurement and
calibration of spheres and
spheroids

EDS 2004/Tankage-34

The sphere is used extensively for the storage of volatile liquids and gases under
pressure. It is built of steel plates that have been formed and cut to the proper size
in the shop, with the edges prepared for welding. When subjected to uniform
internal pressure, the spherical shell of the sphere is equally stressed in both the
circumferential and meridional direction. The shell of the sphere is usually
designed with a factor of safety of four in conformance with Section VIII of the
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

The sphere effectively utilizes the principle that a vessel, containing only a volatile
liquid and its vapor, will permit neither filling nor breathing losses provided it
allows no air or other non-condensable gases to enter and no vapor to escape. To
accomplish this, the vapor pressure at the lowest liquid surface temperature should
never be low enough to open the vacuum vent and the vapor pressure at the higher
liquid temperature should never be great enough to open the pressure vent. Air
should be excluded because its partial pressure is directly additive to the vapor
pressure and it is compressed and forced out during filling, carrying vapor with it.
Loss of vapor cannot be prevented during the first filling because the rising liquid
pushes out air and the vapor which diffuses into it.

34
 High Pressure Storage Bullet

Automatic Tank
Depressuring Valve
Gage System

Internal Safety Valve

TO-R00-20
EDS 2004/Tankage-35

Because of the high vapor pressure of LPG, the liquid at ambient temperatures must
be stored under pressure in vessels designed to withstand safely the vapor pressure
at the maximum liquid temperatures.

Bullets are normally used for low capacities compared to spheres. The maximum
size of a bullet is usually limited to 3,000 bbls. Therefore, when storing a larger
quantity, either multiple bullets are used or spheres. One current chemical plant is
using a 3,150 bbls bullet and using mounded storage. In this method, the bullet is
covered with earth, thereby reducing any effects of solar radiation. In addition, the
risk of damage to the bullet is reduced.

Bullets should be so sited that they would not be dangerously exposed to fires
occurring in adjacent occupancies or highways and, in consequence, the nature of
the neighboring properties should be taken into account when fixing the position of
the vessel.

The bullet can then be operated without loss of vapor as long as the vapor pressure
at the liquid surface temperature always remains greater than the absolute bullet
pressure at which the vacuum vent opens and no air is drawn into the vapor space.

35
 High Pressure Storage Sphere
Pilot Operated
Relief Valve

Vacuum Valve

Automatic Tank
Gage System
Safety
Valve

TO-R00-21
EDS 2004/Tankage-36

The sphere permits the storage of a large volume in one unit with only one set of
pipe connections and fittings. Batteries of bullets have been used to provide large
volumes of pressure storage. This practice necessitates the use of multiple
connections.

Spheres are furnished with a standard set of accessories including a stairway,

handrail at the top, and manholes and nozzles as specified. A dependable pressure
relief valve must be provided and, in most cases, vacuum relief valves are
recommended.

A suitable liquid level gauge is necessary and, in most cases, means of taking
samples and temperatures are provided. Special fittings such as pressure gauges,
thermometers, and gauge glasses can be furnished when requested. Gauging the
liquid level is spheres is usually accomplished by means of an automatic float
gauge. A typical float gauge consists of a float and a graduated stainless steel tape.

Spheres must be equipped with a dependable pressure relief valve. Spring and pilot
type relief valves are available.

36
 Advantages of Low
Temperature Storage Facilities
Inherent safety of low pressure
Large storage capacity with low unit cost
Efficient use of land
Simple operation
Compatibility with transportation system

EDS 2004/Tankage-37

At atmospheric pressure, propane boils at -42.5C and normal butane at -0.5C. By

cooling to below the boiling point, and maintaining the liquid in a chilled state, it is
possible to store them in tanks designed to operate at slightly above atmospheric
pressure. Tanks are usually of single- or double-wall construction. In single-wall
construction, special low-temperature steel is used which retains its ductility and
impact resistance at the design temperature. This is surrounded by an insulation
layer of foam glass, polyurethane, or equivalent material which may be held in
place by galvanized iron sheet cladding, an aluminum jacket, or mastic coating.

With double-wall construction, the inner tank is enclosed by an outer tank

constructed from low carbon steel, the annular space between the tanks is filled with
an insulating material, e.g. perlite. As a safety measure, the annular space may
contain dry nitrogen at a pressure slightly above that of the inner tank, breathing
of the inert gas as a result of ambient temperature changes being accommodated in
a separate nitrogen gas holder.

To prevent freezing and consequent heaving of the ground upon which the tank
rests, the outer bottom of the tank is lid on an insulating concrete slab supported by
pile, with an air space between the slab and the ground.

37
 Advantages of Low
Temperature Storage Facilities
Farenheit Centigrade

Steam Point 212F 100C

Ice Point 32 0
1.3 Butadiene 24.1 -4.4
i-Butane 10.9 -11.7
Ammonia -28 -33.3
Propane -43.7 -42.1
Propylene -53.9 -47.7

Absolute Zero -460 -273

Temperature Scale
Atmospheric Boiling Points
of Low Temperature Products
TO-R00-22
EDS 2004/Tankage-38

The temperature of the liquid is maintained constant by balancing the ingress of

heat via the tank walls and insulation against the loss of heat by evaporation. Boil-
off vapor may be used as a fuel gas or, more usually, it is re-liquefied by
compression and returned to the storage vessel. Alternatively, the rate of
vaporization can be controlled by chilling the liquid in a separate refrigerating unit
and circulating back to storage, in which case the refrigerant used may be one of
several commercial types, not necessarily being the liquid to be chilled.

In the ordinary way, there is no venting of vapor to the atmosphere, a safety feature
of refrigerated (and pressure) storage; but since the tanks are designed to operate at
or just above atmospheric pressure, provision must be made for pressure-relieving
devices to prevent over pressure which may result from - excessive boil-off vapor or
failure of the liquefaction equipment.

38
 Refrigerated Storage Tanks

Considerations:
Pressurized Storage vs.
Refrigerated
Liquid volume
Fill rate
Physical/thermodynamic
properties of liquid
Capital investment
Operating expenses

EDS 2004/Tankage-39

A clear unobstructed path to atmosphere for the vapor venting from relief valves is
essential. A method of building up large reserve stocks of material is by using a
combination of pressure and fully refrigerated storage. This is not the same thing as
refrigerated-pressure storage. In the combination method, the warm LPG from
the road or rail tank car is pumped into a pressure storage vessel and then piped to a
flash vessel where self-chilling takes place through flash vaporization of the liquid.
The chilled liquid is pumped to refrigerated storage, and the vapor which flashes off
in the flash vessel is compressed and cooled in a condenser for re-circulation to the
flash vessel. The combination system enables stocks of several million gallons of
LPG to be built up gradually in the summer months when fuel-gas requirements are
at their lowest point.

39
 Refrigerated Storage Tanks

Parameters for selecting optimum

refrigerated storage facility
Quantity and quality of product
to be stored
Fill rate, temperature, and
pressure of incoming stream
Shipping conditions for the
product
Composition of the product
Cooling media (air, water, etc.)
available
Availability and cost of utilities
Load bearing value of soil

EDS 2004/Tankage-40

Pressurized-Refrigerated of LPG combines partial refrigeration with low or medium

pressure. An attractive feature of pressurized-refrigerated storage is its flexibility,
making it possible for a vessel to be used at different times for butane or propane.
Thus, a storage vessel designed for the pressure storage of butane at atmospheric
temperature could be used for the refrigerated-pressure storage of propane by
chilling the propane and insulating the vessel so that the vapor pressure does not
exceed the vessel working pressure.

Advantages include boil-off for re-liquefaction comes off at a sufficient pressure to

overcome line friction where the refrigeration equipment is remote from the sphere,
elevated storage favors gravity discharges, pile supports eliminate the soil freezing
difficulties, the ratio of surface area to volume is less and, therefore, heat leak from
the atmosphere is proportionately less, and the sphere is supported independently of
the insulating medium which can, therefore, be stripped for inspection of the shell.

One disadvantage is storage at atmospheric pressure in fully refrigerated tanks

permits the use of much larger tanks.

40
 General Guidelines of the
Economic Storage of Pure Propane

TO-R00-23
EDS 2004/Tankage-41

The above chart gives general guidelines of the economic storage of pure propane.
As can be seen from the chart, full pressure storage of propane is normally the most
economical at low capacities of less than 15,000 barrels.

At the other extreme, a fully atmospheric refrigerated is normally most economical

over 60,000 barrels.

Between 15,000 barrels and 60,000 barrels, one should consider pressurized
refrigerated storage.

The 60F propane fill rate also place a factor in choosing the economical storage
type. Higher fill rates prefer full pressure storage because more propane needs to be
chilled.

41
 Underground Storage Tank

Limited to 5,000 to 20,000 gallons

Special considerations for design
include:
Earth loads, buoyancy, and
corrosion, regulatory require-
ments - Double wall with an
interstitial space being
monitored
Located at gasoline stations where
there is high traffic volume
Located for chemicals requiring
constant temperatures

EDS 2004/Tankage-42

Underground storage tanks are normally located at gasoline stations where there is
high traffic volume. The advantages of underground storage is that the material in
the storage tanks maintains a constant temperature. Another advantage is there less
chance of vandalism which is one of the leading causes of tank failures.

On December 22, 1998, all underground storage tanks in the United States were
required that they are double walled and have their interstitial space monitored.
The interstitial space is monitored in case of a leak which would have otherwise
been discharged to the soil, thereby contaminating ground water. Gasoline stations
which did not make these modification by December 22, 1998, have closed or will
be faced with large fines. Many gasoline stations have now decided to become
either stores or auto repair shops.

42
 Venting
When the possible causes of
overpressure or vacuum in a tank
are being determined, the
following circumstances must be
considered
Liquid movement into or out of
the tank
Tank breathing due to
normal atmospheric pressure
and temperature changes
Fire exposure
Other circumstances
resulting from equipment
failures and operating errors
EDS 2004/Tankage-43

In its simplest form, a vent, as applied to a storage tank, is an opening for the
primary purpose of permitting the tank to breathe, inhale as well as exhale. The
inhale or in-breathing cycle is caused by a negative pressure or vacuum build-up
attributed to several factors:

- Volumetric displacement caused by liquid withdrawal

- Thermal changes caused by normal decreases in outdoor temperature

The exhale or outbreathing cycle is caused by a positive pressure build-up due to:

- Volumetric displacement caused by filling a tank

- Thermal changes caused by normal increase in outdoor temperature

These four conditions govern the normal breathing cycle; however, an abnormal
condition of the cycle has to be taken into consideration in the over-all venting
appraisal. This is termed emergency venting and is caused by excessive internal
pressure within the tank due to high vapor evolution from fire exposure.

43
 Venting

Venting requirements are set forth for the following conditions:

Inbreathing (vacuum relief)
Outbreathing (pressure relief) for liquid with a flash point
above 100F (38C)
Outbreathing (pressure relief) for liquid with a flash point
below 100F (38C)
EDS 2004/Tankage-44

The vent opening or openings with their appurtenances should be sized to take care
of the amount of venting requirements under the above conditions, within the
allowable pressure limitations that can be imposed on the tank. Unless properly
sized, physical damage will result to the tank structure. Various authorities in the
field of flammable liquid storage tank design and operation have developed
formulae for computing the correct operating vent capacities. One of the most
widely consulted is the API Standard 2000. For purposes of calculating venting
capacities for maximum normal breathing due to liquid movement evaporation and
thermal changes, the API Standard classifies flammable liquids as having flash
points below 100F.

Outbreathing: Provide 1 cubic foot of air per hour for every 3.5 gallons per hour of
maximum filling rate for liquids with flash points of less than 100F or 1 cubic foot
for every 7.0 gallons per hour for liquids with flash points of 100F or over.

Inbreathing: Provide 1 cubic foot of air per hour for each 7.5 gallons per hour of
maximum emptying rate. In addition, add to this the thermal venting capacity.

44
 Venting Fixed Roof Tanks
Thermal Breathing

Expelled
Air-Vapor
Mixed

Air-Vapor
Mixture
Air-Vapor
Mixture

Heat from the sun expands the air-vapor mixture within a cone As a cone roof cools, air drawn in soaks up vapor that is later
roof tank, resulting in the venting of vapor lost through venting

TO-R00-24
EDS 2004/Tankage-45

The normal venting capacity for pressure and non-pressure tanks is obtained by
reference to the API RP2000 which enables vent capacities to be determined from a
knowledge of maximum filling and emptying rates, tank capacity, flash point of
liquid, and operating pressures. The maximum allowable vacuum is calculated
from the resistance of the empty tank to collapse, which is dependent upon several
factors such as tank size, shell thickness, internal supports, and snow loads.

The thermal breathing of a storage tank must be taken into consideration. During
the day, the tank is heated up by the solar impact of the sun and the heat of the day.
This translates into a high vapor pressure in the tank and requires vapors to be
released to the atmosphere.

During night time or a thunderstorm, the thermal breathing must be taken into
account requiring air to be brought into the tank. This is because the temperature
and its vapor pressure have decreased.

45
 Venting Fixed Roof Tanks
Product Movement Displacement

Product Movement Displacement

Vapor

Liquid

Product movements alternately pull in air and force

out an air-vapor mixture causing a filling loss.

TO-R00-25
EDS 2004/Tankage-46

Product movement must also be considered. Every cubic meter which is pumped
into a tank must be able to expel a cubic meter of vapor to prevent the tank from
being overpressure.

The same is true when pumping out of a tank. For every cubic meter which is
pumped out of a tank, the venting system must be able to allow one cubic meter into
the tank.

If one is pumping out of the tank at 100 m3/h and pumping into the same tank at 100
m3/h, the level in the tank stays constant and, therefore, no air is required to balance
the system.

It is very important that all pumping rates be considered. One area that one should
be reviewed is if someone opens a 4 inch drain valve. This rate can be quite high
and needs to be considered as part of the product movement case.

46
 Operation of Pressure Vacuum Valve
Solid Pallet and Diaphragm Pallet Valves

Alternate Pressure Seat

Alternate Vacuum Seat

Hard Pallet or
Diaphragm Sealed Pallet
A- Side-by-Side Arrangement

B- Stacked Arrangement
TO-R00-26
EDS 2004/Tankage-47

Pressure vacuum (PV) vent valves are often referred to as breather valves or
conservation valves. The latter term came into use when it was realized that
evaporation losses were substantially reduced by using PV valves in place of open
vents. Pressure vacuum vent valves are the workhorse of the industry. They have a
number of very useful characteristics that have made them standard apparatus on
storage tanks. They protect tanks from over pressure and vacuum conditions, they
reduce evaporation losses, and they can double as flame arrestors.

The method of operation of pressure/vacuum vents is straightforward. The vents

are mounted on a nozzle connection that leads to the tank's vapor space. Each vent
includes a machined seat that is closed by a moveable sealing disk (pallet
assembly). The pallet assembly is held in its closed position by weights, springs, or
buckling pin (depending on the vent style). The amount of closing force applied
determines the set point of the vent. The pressure in the tank's vapor space pushes
against the pallet assembly, in opposition to the closing force. When the tank
pressure reaches the vent set point, the pallet assembly lifts and vapors are allowed
to escape from the tank through the vent. The pressure and/or vacuum in the tank's
vapor space is maintained within a safe range.

47
 Pressure Vacuum Vent Valve

Provides protection against

positive or vacuum over
pressure
Prevents air intake,
evaporative or blanketing
product losses helps contain
odorous, hazardous and
potentially explosive vapors
Seat and pallet type

EDS 2004/Tankage-48

SIZING AND SPECIFICATION

Pressure/vacuum relief vents are available in a range of sizes. Larger size vents provide greater flow
capability than smaller size vents. When choosing a proper size venting device, the following
information is significant:

1. AMOUNT OF VAPOR/AIR THAT MUST PASS THROUGH THE VENT - The amount of vapors
that must be relieved is usually stated in Standard Cubic Feet of Air per hour (SCFH). Methods of
calculating these volumes for specific normal venting and emergency venting situations can be found
in 29CFR - OSHA 1910.106.

2. DESIGN PRESSURE/VACUUM OF THE STORAGE TANK - Storage tanks are mechanical

structures. There are limits as to how much pressure and vacuum they can withstand before they are
damaged. These limits are known as the tank's design pressure and vacuum.

3. ANY OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS OF THE TANK SYSTEM THAT REQUIRE A

SPECIFIED PRESSURE OR VACUUM TO BE MAINTAINED IN THE TANK (MINIMUM VENT
SET POINT) - The relief vent will remain closed until its set pressure is reached. If there is a need to
maintain some pressure in the tank during normal operations, the vent must be set so that it will not
open and begin relieving below that pressure.

4. FLOW CAPABILITY OF THE VENT BEING CONSIDERED FOR USE - Each size and style of
vent will flow specific volumes of vapors at a given pressure. These vent flow capabilities are
available from the manufacturer.

The key to sizing a vent for pressure or vacuum relief is to make sure that the vent (with set point)
chosen will flow the required amount of vapors at a pressure less than the design pressure of the
tank. This insures that the tank's design pressure or vacuum are never exceeded.

48
 Gas Blanketing Storage Tanks

EDS 2004/Tankage-49

A blanketing valve is typically mounted on top of a storage tank along with a

pressure/vacuum conservation vent and an emergency pressure relief vent. Piping
from the blanketing gas supply is connected to the valve inlet, and the valve outlet
is piped to the tank. A sense line runs from a remote location on the tank to the
valve's sense port, thus supplying control pressure for the valve.

The blanketing valve provides primary vacuum relief for the tank. It opens and
supplies gas to the vapor space when pressure decreases to the valve's set point.
When vapor space pressure increases, the valve reseals. The P/V relief vent is sized
to take care of overpressure and vacuum conditions brought about by unforeseen
conditions or equipment failures. The pressure setting of the vent is set at a slightly
higher setting than the blanketing pressure in the tank but below the maximum
pressure the tank can withstand. Similarly, the vacuum pallet is set at a higher
vacuum setting than normal operating conditions bring about and below the
maximum vacuum pressure the tank could withstand. Note the placement of the
flame arrestor to provide additional protection in the event of inert gas failure. An
emergency relief vent is also placed on the tank, the setting being slightly above the
conservation vent pressure setting.

49
 Tank Mixers

Mechanical
Jet

EDS 2004/Tankage-50

The two main type of mixing in refineries are mechanical and jet.

The general method of solving any mixing problem usually consists of two steps:

The determination of the amount of energy or power input required to

satisfactorily perform the operation

The selection of the most efficient method of applying this energy consistent
with low initial cost and minimum operating and maintenance costs.

The first step involves primarily process considerations and designs, while the
second usually deals with mechanical design.

Dispersion is usually defined as the mixing of two or more non-miscible liquids into
a pseudohomogeneous mass which is, more or less, stable as measured by its life
before noticeable separation occurs.

Dissolving generally refers to the dissolving of a solid into a liquid.

50
 Reasons for Mixing

To keep BS&W in suspension in

crude oil tanks
To have a homogeneous mixture
when there are two or more
streams
Gasoline blending of components
Fuel oil off season stratification

EDS 2004/Tankage-51

Practically all refinery use side entering agitators of one make or another and in
addition top entering agitators for special applications. Tank mixing is done for the
following purposes:

Blending of stocks or agitating them to promote chemical reactions

Suspension such as to keep particles that form sludges in suspension to

minimize sludge buildup

Prevention of stratification and to maintain uniformity of bulk contents

Liquid, solid, gas enhanced contacting for mass transfer or reactor

To improve heat transfer

51
 Sizing Consideration for Mixers

Tank Capacity
Tank Dimensions
Material Storage
Specific Gravity Differential
Storage Temperature
Mixing Time Available
EDS 2004/Tankage-52

A mixer is simply a large pump without the pump housing. There are two
important processes that affect mixing applications with regard to the pumping
action of the impeller. The first is pumped volume. This represents the average
flow generated through a hypothetical aperture slightly larger than the impeller. It
represents the flow that can be pumped by the impeller. The second process has to
do with creating localized fluid turbulence, characterized by the liquid shearing
rate.

A mixer imparts a velocity field to the liquid contents of the tank. It is not just
velocity that produces good mixing, it is the randomness of the velocity field that is
actually responsible for the maximum mixing.

52
 UOP Design Practice Mixing

Slop Tanks
Run mixer for 6 hours before transferring slops
Run mixer 4 hours before pumpout and run until
tank is half full
Crude Oil Tanks
Continuous operation
BS&W suspension
Mixer should be vari-angle type or reverse flow type

EDS 2004/Tankage-53

Slop oil and crude oil tanks are two types of tanks which require mixing. A slop
tank in refinery is just as stated - slop, meaning material from all different types of
plants. Therefore, the mixer needs to be capable of mixing a wide range of
viscosity's and specific gravities. The mixing needs to be done before transferring
material to a process unit.

In a crude oil tank, the mixers are normally continuous in operation. The reason is
to maintain the Bottom Sludge and Water (BS&W) in suspension. If the BS&W is
not maintained in suspension, it will settle out in the tank, reducing the capacity in
that tank. In addition, there is a possibility that a boilover in a crude oil tank could
occur if a fire was present.

The mixers are to be variable angle or reverse flow type to reduce any settling in the
crude oil tank.

53
 Progress of Blending in
Petroleum Refinery Tank
Experimental Data on Blend Times for a S ide-Entering Mixer
31.6
37'
22' 30'
31.0
A.P.I. Gravity

30.0 65' Diameter, 38' Deep

12' 37' Level A.P.I.
30' Level Charge Vol. % Gravity
22' Level 1st In. 6.4 32.7
29.0 12' Level 2nd 55.1 31.5
2' Level 3rd 12.4 30.8
2' Mixed 4th 26.1 26.7
Mixer Started, Full Tank
28.0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12
Time, Hours
EDS 2004/Tankage-54

The above diagram shows the progress of blending in a petroleum refinery storage
tank. The material in the storage tank contained an API gravity of 28.0 and an API
gravity of 31.6. The storage tank size is 65 feet in diameter by 38 feet high.

As shown in the chart, the lower levels are mixed first. This is because the mixer is
a side entering type and located near the bottom of the tank. The tank is finally
mixed in 12 hours with an average API gravity of approximately 30.4.

54
 Mechanical Mixer
Swivel Angle Heavy Duty Gear Driven

82mm
(3 1/4")
M

Flanged to
Suit Customers
Mayway/Nozzle

76mm (3")

150mm min.
C B J
Tank Floor

TO-R00-31
EDS 2004/Tankage-55

Side entering mixers are designed to be mounted in a manway or nozzle on the side
of the tank. They are not used with baffles. Fixed angle mixers are primarily used
for blending, homogenizing, and maintaining uniformity of the stock including
temperature. For tanks up to 15 meters in diameter, they are mounted at an angle of
7 degrees to the tank centerline for blending. For larger tanks, an angle of 10
degrees is used.

A common purpose of side entry mixers is to scour the bottom to clean it or to

prevent sludge bottoms from developing. In large storage tanks, the side entry
mixer, whose function is to blend or to reduce sludge buildup, has become standard
practice. The power levels required for these applications tend to be low, ranging
from 1 to 5 kW/1000 m3. Swivel-actuated mixers may require less power.

55
 Fixed Angle Mixers

Tank Diag. < 15m Tank Diag. > 15m

1 Mixer per Tank 1-5 Mixers per Tank

22-1/2
7 10

22
-1/
Inlet Inlet

2
22
-1/
2
22-1/2
22-1/2
22-1/2

TO-R00-32
EDS 2004/Tankage-56

Side entry mixers produce a spiral flow which sweeps across the bottom at
relatively high velocities and becomes reduced at higher levels in the tank. Initially
only the bottom is blended by the jet stream, but with time, the lower-specific
gravity materials become blended as the circulation pattern rises.

The power requirements are a function of tank size, height/diameter ratio, viscosity,
density, and the process mixing requirements. Mixer manufacturers should be
consulted for exact requirements because of efficiency in their blade design.

56
 Swivel Angle Mixers

Outlet Outlet

1 Mixer per Tank 2-5 Mixers per Tank

60

60

22 2
-1/ -1/
2 22
22-1/2
22-1/2

TO-R00-33
EDS 2004/Tankage-57

The purpose of side-entry mixers is to scour the bottom to clean it or to prevent

sludge bottoms from developing. There are usually dead locations at the bottom for
which the general circulation velocity is insufficient to keep the entire bottom
sludge free. However, mixer vendors provide actuators that vary the angle of the
mixers which eliminate the dead zones. This can be done manually or by automatic
actuators. From a practical viewpoint, very few manually adjustable mixer ever get
adjusted.

When very large tank are involved, several mixers may be required as shown above.

57
 Side Entering Mixers

For side-entering mixers, proper The correct configuration gives this

impeller placement will ensure flow patter, viewed for the side
good mixing.

TO-R00-34
EDS 2004/Tankage-58

The two basic types of impellers are radial and axial. Radial devices discharge a
fluid in a horizontal (radial) direction to the vessel wall. Axial flow impellers create
a flow parallel to the shaft. These devices produce more flow per horsepower than
do radial impellers, and are generally used in flow controlled operations.

The marine propeller is normally used to produce a downward flow. It is designed

to run so that its trailing edge is the one with the smaller radius of curvature. These
impellers are used on side-entering mixers and are mounted with the impeller shaft
at an angle to the tank centerline. In the case of side entering mixers, propeller
diameters range from 10-33 inches for mixers of 1 to 75 horsepower.

58
 Nozzle Construction
Jet Mixer
Manhole
Cover To Be
Tank Wall
4 webs welded Determined
to manhole cover
and pipe

Manhole Nozzle

Inlet Cast steel reducer, flanged

Angle to be Determined ASA 150 lb inlet diameter
to 3 inch diameter
ASA 150 lb
Slip-on-Flange

ASA 150 lb
Slip-on-Flange

TO-R00-35
EDS 2004/Tankage-59

The jets are submerged by about three feet to avoid the possibility of discharging a
free jet inside the tank. The location of the pump suction point in the tank does not
seem to be important. Satisfactory results have been obtained with the suction
adjacent to the jets. If possible, however, it is preferable for the suction to be some
distance away.

The basic equipment is a centrifugal pump, piping, and the jet mixer nozzle. In
operation, a portion of tank contents is pumped through the jets nozzle. The
movement of the pumped (pressurized) liquid through jet nozzle causes intense
mixing because of the high velocity.

Jet mixing differs from most types of liquid/liquid mixing in that the driving force is
hydraulic rather than mechanical. Instead of shearing fluid and propelling it around
the mixing tank as a mechanical mixer does, a jet mixer uses a centrifugal pump to
force fluid through nozzles within the tank, creating high velocity jets that entrain
other fluid.

59
 Direction of Liquid 2/3 Diameter
Movement
in Tank Fitted with
Blending Nozzle 2/3 Diameter

Sections through different shaped tanks,

showing correct angle of nozzle elevation,
i.e., projected nozzle axis cutting surface
2/3D from nozzle side of tank.

Suction
Nozzle Inlet

Plain Inlet

D
TO-R00-36
EDS 2004/Tankage-60

Jet mixing is normally used for liquid having viscosities below 1,000 cP; a
mechanical mixer is generally more efficient for higher viscosity fluids. For a
given jet mixing system, one must take care that the largest particles are smaller
than the diameter of the jet nozzle, otherwise plugging may occur.

The most efficient way to mix a tank with a jet mixer is to direct the liquid
movement at 2/3D from the nozzle side of the tank. This causes the best flow
patterns in the tank.

With jet mixing, care must be taken not to operate the jet when the tank is less than
half full. If operated when the tank is less than half full, there may be a free jet of
liquid which may break the surface. In addition, if the tank has a floating roof,
there may be some impingement on the roof causing it to sink.

60
 Comparison of Jets with
Side-Entering Mixers

Tank diameter, ft (m) 200 100 50 20

(61) (30.5) (15.2) (6.1)
Liquid depth, ft (m) 33 50 16 50 7.5 50 3 20
(10.1) (15.2) (4.9) (15.2) (2.3) (15.2) (0.91) (0.61)
6
Volume, 10 gal (10 3 m 3) 7.77 11.76 0.95 2.94 0.11 0.74 0.007 0.047
(29.4) (44.5) (3.6) (11.1) (0.41) (2.8) (0.027) (0.18)
Power data for jets 230 230 16 16 0.9 0.9 0.02 0.02
(1.5) hp (kW) (172) (172) (11.9) (11.9) (0.67) (0.67) (0.015) (0.015)
Power for jets corrected 230 348 16 50 0.9 6 0.02 0.13
for liquid depth, hp (kW) (172) (260) (11.9) (37.3) (0.67) (4.47) (0.015) (0.097)
Power recommended for 130 195 15.8 47 1.8 12.0 0.12 0.77
side-entering mixers, hp (97) (145) (11.8) (35) (1.3) (8.9) (0.09) (0.57)
(kW)
Power for jets including 345 523 24 75 1.35 9 0.03 0.20
1.5 factor for efficiency (257) (390) (18) (56) (1.0) (6.7) (0.022) (0.15)
and line losses and depth
correction, hp (kW)

EDS 2004/Tankage-61

The differences between jet mixers and mechanical mixers are based on volume and
viscosity limitation for jet mixers. For side entering mechanical mixers, metal
fatigue is a disadvantage. The rotating parts in a side entering mixer are subject to
reversing stresses that cause metal fatigue or fatigue of the seal.

A side entering mixer has shaft and gears and may even have immersed bearing if
the shaft is very long. A jet mixer is usually anchored to and supported from the
bottom of the tank, but may be supported from the walls or top of the tank.

A jet mixer is typically located about 0.5 meters above the bottom of the tank,
which shaves energy in achieving off bottoms solids suspension because the mixing
energy is provided where it is needed.

The above chart compares the efficiency of a jet mixer and a side entering mixer for
the same application.

61
 Manual Level Measurements

Dip (innage) Ullage (outage)

EDS 2004/Tankage-62

Manual tank gauging can only be used for smaller tanks. Tanks 1,000 gallons or
less can use this method alone, but tanks from 1,001 - 2,000 gallons can only use
manual tank gauging when it is combined with tank tightness testing. Manual tank
gauging cannot be used for tanks over 2,000 gallons.

62
 Automated Tank Gauging Methods
Surface Contact Method

Float and Tape

Density affected
Crude & Heavy Products can cause sticking
Most common type in the past
Servo
Can be affected by excessive wind
Can determine interface level
Magnetorestrictive
Affected by density variation
Used generally for smaller tanks
EDS 2004/Tankage-63

To measure oil with highest possible accuracy, tank measurement should not be
used. Tank measurement is a compromise between accuracy and economy. Meters
and provers are the best way to measure standard volume with a high, provable
accuracy. The oil industry, however, uses tank gauging to avoid the expense of
meters and provers. The quantity of oil in a tank can be measured manually or with
automatic tank gauges (ATGs). Both methods involves a three-step process:

Determining the volume by measuring the level of liquid in the tank. This
can be done by measuring either the innage (the liquid height) or the
outage (the vapor space above the liquid).

Determining the temperature by measuring the average temperature of the

liquid in the tank.

Determining the quality by analyzing a tank sample or a line sample.

Regardless of the quality of manual or ATG, the accuracy of volume measurement

is limited by the inherent imperfection of the tank. A tank is not a perfect can.
Filling a large tank causes the bottom to sink, the shell to bulge, and the roof or top
course to drop. The shell dimensions also change with temperature. These small
movements are neither predictable nor repeatable.

63
 Float and Tape

Most common type

Typical cost $2000
Accuracy + 1/16 inch
(1.5 mm)
Best for noncoating
refined products
(S.G. 0.45 to 1.5)

EDS 2004/Tankage-64

Float-operated automatic tank gauges (FTGs) are instruments that continuously

measure liquid ullage levels by means of a float connected to a mechanical level
indicator. On most FTGs, the float is guided by wires or cables. The float is
connected by a perforated tape to the gauge head. The gauge head includes a take-
up pulley that winds up or runs out the tape as the float moves up or down on the oil
surface. The take-up pulley keeps the tape under tension by means of a negator
spring, which compensates for the weight of the tape that is run out. The gauge
head includes a display of the tank level, mechanically driven by the take-up pulley.
The normal display is innage, but for heavy viscous products it may be outage. The
gauge head also includes and operation checker, which imparts a sudden movement
to the tape as a check for free movement of the tape and float.

The gauge head is usually mounted at the base of the tank, where the mechanical
display can be easily read. The gauge head can also be mounted at the top of the
tank. However, roof mounting requires the operator to climb to the top of the tank
to read the FTG, unless the FTG includes a level transmitter that will electronically
transmit the level reading to a remote readout device.

64
 Servo Float Gauge
Working Principle

Solid State Servo Control Grooved

Circuit with Integrator Measuring
Capacitive Weighing Drum
Balance Detector
Servo
Level Alarm and Motor
Limit Switch Unit
Magnetic
Coupling
Balance Springs
Microswitch
Steptransmitter

Measuring Cable
Local Indicator
(Optional) Displacer
Digitizer
(Optional) EDS 2004/Tankage-65

Servo-operated automatic tank gauges (STGs) are instruments that measure liquid
level continuously by suspending a small displacer into the liquid from a flexible
cable or tape. The displacer has a higher density than the liquid in the tank and
follows the surface of the liquid via a servo mechanism that is actuated by a zero-
balance detection system.

The cable has a precise diameter and is stored on a grooved measuring drum with a
precise diameter. Alternatively, the tape may have precisely spaced sprocket holes
that locate it on a sprocket wheel of known diameter. The drum shaft is coupled to
the servo-balance mechanism by one or more symmetrically mounted springs or a
weighing mechanism.

In the equilibrium position, the weight of the partially immersed displacer balances
the pull of the springs. A level variation causes a change in the buoyancy of the
displacer, where activates a bi-directional servo motor through an integrator circuit.
When the servo motor rotates, its shaft drives the measuring drum, raising or
lowering the displacer until equilibrium is restored.

STGs also include a motor indicator, transmitter, local level indicator, and other
accessories.

65
 Automated Tank Gauging Methods

Non-Surface Contact Methods

Hydrostatic
Composition affected
Suspect reliability in
most refinery services
Lower accuracy
Radar
High accuracy
No moving parts
The best method: most
appropriate for application
EDS 2004/Tankage-66

Hydrostatic Tank Gauging (HTG) is a pressure-based tank gauging system that uses
a combination of pressure and temperature measurements. HTG provides a totally
automated, multiple measurement system for liquid inventory measurements.
These measurements include mass, density, standard density, volume, standard
volume, level, and temperature.

Highly accurate on-line mass and density measurement capabilities. Mass

measurements are independent of changes in density and temperature.

66
 Hydrostatic Level Gauges

Produces mass directly Multiple Resistance

Thermometer
Servo
Gauge

Differential pressure is
proportional to liquid ENTU Central
Receiving System
density*height Smart
Field
From calibration tables Processor

mass is determined Communications

Interface Unit

Digital Pressure
Transmitter

EDS 2004/Tankage-67

Hydrostatic Tank Gauging (HTG) is a pressure-based tank gauging system that uses
a combination of pressure and temperature measurements. HTG provides a totally
automated, multiple measurement system for liquid inventory measurements.
These measurements include mass, density, standard density, volume, standard
volume, level, and temperature.

Highly accurate on-line mass and density measurement capabilities. Mass

measurements are independent of changes in density and temperature.

67
 Radar ATG

EDS 2004/Tankage-68

Radar tank level gauges (RTGs) measure the time it takes for a radar wave to
go from the RTG to the liquid surface and back again. Typically, an RTG
includes radar transmitters, a radar antenna with a narrow vertical beam, a
radar receiver, and signal processing electronics. The method depends on the
fact that radar waves have a stable velocity in spite of different atmospheric
conditions.

What is the measuring range of the APEX radar gauge?

From 19.6" (0.5 meters) to 98' (30 meters) measured from the flange face to
the liquid surface.

68
 ATG Applications For Materials

Black White LPG/

Crude Oil
Products Products LNG

FLOAT Marginal OK Good N/A

SERVO OK/Good OK Good Good

MAGNETO OK OK Good Good

FMCW
Good Good Good Good
RADAR
PULSE
Good Good Good OK
RADAR

EDS 2004/Tankage-69

What is the accuracy of the APEX gauge?

The level accuracy of the APEX Radar Gauge is +/-0.2 inches (+/-5mm) from
1.5 feet to 33 feet (0.5 meters to 10 meters), or +/-0.5% of the measured
distance from 33 feet to 55.7 feet (10 meters to 17 meters). Distances are
measured from the flange face to the liquid surface.

What outputs are available?

The APEX Radar Gauge has an output of one 4-20 mA signal, superimposed
with a digital HART signal. Up to three additional variables can be output
through use of the HART signal or tri-loop.

Yes. The emitted signal of the radar gauge is less than three percent of the
maximum leakage allowed from a microwave oven. Radar waves are just as
safe as the constant radio, TV, cellular, and other communication waves that
surround us every day.

The above chart shows which type is best for different types of products.

69
 ATG Key Parameters

Cost Accuracy Interface Density T Maint. $

FLOAT $$ 1.5mm NO NO Inputs $$

SERVO $$$ 0.5mm YES YES Inputs $$

MAGNETO $$ 1mm YES YES YES $$

FMCW
$$$ 0.5mm NO NO Inputs $
RADAR
PULSE Up to
$$ NO NO Inputs $
RADAR 0.75mm

EDS 2004/Tankage-70

The above chart shows the ATG key parameters. Note depending on the service
defines basically what type of ATG should be used. For example if interface and
density is needed then either a servo or magneto is required.

70
 Typical Tank
Foundation

1m
1 in 10 150 Tank
slope
1 in 20 min. slope 1 in 120 min. slope
1-5 min.
300 min.
Ground 1-0
Level

100 min. 50 thick bituman- Stable permeable

sand mix compacted granular
@ 75mm PVC pipes or Throughly compacted
equal at not more than chemically inert fill of drainage layer
5m between centers granular or other stable, approx. 150 thick
around periphery, plastic mesh heavy free, low
screen over inside open end compressiblity material
All dimensions are in millimeters, unless otherwise stated.

EDS 2004/Tankage-71

While it is difficult to classify all possible foundation types for storage tanks, some
general types have proved to be most common for specific applications.
Foundation types may be broken into several classification in generally increasing
order of costs:

Compacted soil
Crushed-stone ringwall
Concrete ringwall
Slab
Pile-supported

The concrete ringwall foundation is so called because of its appearance. It is used

on foundations for tanks of a diameter of at least 10 meters.

71
 Tank Heaters

Steam Heated

Fired Heater
Maintain a temperature of
the fuel oil to provide a
viscosity of 200 SSU (43 cst)
at the burner tip
U-Tube steam heated
exchanger most common type

EDS 2004/Tankage-72

The most common type of fuel-oil heater designs are the U-Tube, Baffled, Bundled
type with oil in the shell; the Straight-Tube Multipass type with oil in the tubes; and
the Hair Pin-Section type with single or multiple surface, with oil in the shell. All
units come with bare or finned tubes. The U-Tube is the most common and
economical of the three types.

72
 Wetted Sidewall Heat Losses

500
Viscosity at Tank Temp. - SSF
200 Bare
100 Wall

40
20
10
Tile Insulated Walls
5 (equal to 1" Magnesia)
1
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0 3.5
Btu/h/Sq.Ft./F

EDS 2004/Tankage-73

Tank heating is very important for high viscosity materials. The above chart can be
used to determine the heat loss from a storage tank.

73
 Attachment 1

U. S. Regulation on Tanks

EDS 2004/Tankage-74

74
 Regulatory Requirements
Reference U.S. Standards of National HON Rule HON Rule
EPA Regulation Performance for Emission (note 2) (note 2)
Volatile Organic Standard for (40 CFR 63-G) (40 CFR 63-G)
Liquid Storage Benzene
Vessels - Emissions from
(40 CFR 60-K b ) Benzene Storage
Vessels
(40 CFR 61-Y)
Tank Hydrocarbon Benzene Hydrocarbon Wastewater
Contents

Pollutant VOCs Benzene HAPs HAPs

Maximum True
Vapor Pressure
(MTVP)
psia (kg/cm 2a)
(note 1)

MTVP All Sizes > 151 M 3 Cap. < 75 M 3 Cap.
psia (kg/cm 2a)
>0 Option b, c or Option b, c or d
d Option a
3
> 0.75 > 75 M Cap. >151 M 3 Cap.
(0.053)
Option b, c or d Option b, c, or d
> 11.1 All Sizes All Sizes All Sizes All Sizes
(0.78)
Option d Option d Option d Option d
EDS 2004/Tankage-75

At present, there is no uniform federal program which regulates aboveground

storage tanks. Instead, there is a complex, confusing, and overlapping network of
miscellaneous federal statutes and regulations that directly or indirectly govern
tanks as well as local requirements imposed by state and local authorities. For the
most part, the applicable rules are determined by tank content, side, and location.

The Clean Air Act (CAA) is the source of nearly all federal regulations involving
the regulation of air pollution from tanks.

The Standards of Performance for Volatile Organic Liquid Storage Vessels also
define the requirements for storage tanks. The National Emission Standard for
Benzene Emissions from Benzene Storage Vessels also define requirements.

CFR = Code of Federal Register

MTVP = Maximum True Vapor Pressure
HAPs = Hazardous Air Pollutants

75
 Regulatory Requirements

Option
Cone roof tank.
External floating roof tank equipped with a liquid-mounted
or mechanical shoe primary seal, a continuous rim-mounted
secondary seal, and gasketed fittings.
Internal floating roof tank equipped with a liquid-mounted
or mechanical shoe primary seal, or vapor-mounted
continuous primary and secondary seals, and gasketed
fittings.
Tank equipped with a closed vent system and a 95%
effective control device. Examples of typical control devices
are dedicated flares, incinerators, and carbon adsorbers.

EDS 2004/Tankage-76

The four options shown above relate to the prior chart. In general, the break point
between a cone roof tank and a floating roof tank is 0.75 psia at 100F. Normally,
refineries equipped their tanks with floating roofs instead of the option of equipped
with a closed vent system and a 95% effective control device. These 95% effective
control devices are dedicated flares, incinerators or some type of vapor recovery
system (refrigeration or adsorbers).

Above a maximum true vapor pressure of 11.1 psia, a low pressure storage tank is
required. The low pressure storage tank is designed to withstand the vapor pressure
produced. Isopentane is normally stored in a low pressure storage tank.

The regulatory requirements are now becoming stricter and, in the future, cone roof
tanks may not be allowed for any type of hydrocarbon material.

76